Facing a Federal Court Prosecution

If you face a federal court prosecution or allegations of federal criminal activity, you need the best federal defense attorney you can get.

Federal Criminal Defense Attorneys for the U.S. District Court

Those facing federal prosecution in the U.S. District Court may be represented by one of three different possible types of defense attorneys: (1) an attorney with the Federal Defender’s Office, (2) a Criminal Justice Act Panel (CJA) defense attorney, or (3) a privately retained defense attorney. If you face federal court prosecution on felony or misdemeanor charges, you will want the best lawyer you can get to protect and defend you.

I. Federal Defender Office

Attorneys at the Federal Defender Office (FDO) are full-time attorneys who do nothing but defend against federal court prosecutions. The FDO was founded in 1972, and these attorneys are appointed to represent federal defendants if the defendant cannot afford to hire their own attorney. The FDO attorney is appointed only if the federal magistrate or judge reviewing the application for an appointed attorney is satisfied that the defendant cannot afford to hire an attorney. These defense attorneys are highly skilled and intelligent but can be overburdened with busy dockets and limited staff.

II. CJA Panel Attorneys

Panel attorneys are private defense attorneys approved by the 1964 federal Criminal Justice Act (CJA) Panel to be appointed to represent federal defendants and defend against federal court prosecution. The CJA Panel is a group of highly experienced attorneys in federal criminal defense. Private attorneys wishing to be on the list of appointable attorneys must meet rigorous standards of experience before being added. After applying for admission to the list, the CJA Panel reviews the application. If the Panel is satisfied with an attorney’s experience, they will forward a recommendation to the U.S. District Court’s Chief Judge for approval. Panel attorneys are appointed in courts not served by a local FDO or when the FDO lawyers have a conflict of interest. Few lawyers in Michigan meet the criteria required to be approved under this act. The one significant detriment to having a CJA Panel Attorney is that you do not get to pick the lawyer that is the best fit for you. Essentially, you have the luck of the draw. The only way to be assured you have a lawyer that is a good fit for you and someone you are comfortable with is to hire a federal defense lawyer privately.

III. Privately Retained Federal Criminal Defense Attorneys

Everyone facing federal court prosecution has a right to an attorney of their choosing if they can afford it. Any attorney in good standing with the federal bar may handle a case in federal court. With freedom comes responsibility. If you decide to hire a privately retained federal defense attorney, you assume the responsibility of researching that attorney on your own to see if they have the experience and the respect in the legal community you need as a client. This is essential because you want the judge and prosecutor to respect your attorney. If you face federal court prosecution, you want an attorney with the knowledge and experience to get you the best possible results. You, as the client, will benefit from this respect. Many research tools are available on the internet, giving you valuable information about lawyers. You can also check with the state and federal bar associations to see if the attorney has been suspended for incompetence or improprieties.

The top criminal defense attorneys with LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. have extensive experience successfully representing clients in the United States District Courts in Michigan and achieving extraordinary results. All retained criminal defense lawyers are not alike; we have what it takes to obtain the best possible outcome and fearlessly fight to protect our client’s rights.

Don’t Gamble with Your Freedom. Hire the Best, Top-Rated Federal Defense Attorneys

The dedicated, experienced, and zealous defense attorneys at LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C. have successfully represented thousands of clients on felony and misdemeanor charges and have extensive experience facing federal court prosecution. LEWIS & DICKSTEIN, P.L.L.C.’s attorneys have a stellar and flawless reputation with judges and prosecutors in federal court. We have a well-earned reputation for providing the highest quality defense and aggressive representation, while showing empathy and care for each client.

Call us today at (248) 263-6800 for a free consultation or complete an online Request for Assistance Form. We will contact you promptly and find a way to help you.