Federal criminal charges are different than state criminal charges for many reasons.
For instance, if you are charged in Oklahoma state court, often the state prosecutor only sees information related to your case shortly before court. Federal court is different.
Federal prosecutors frequently work with federal law enforcement agents as cases develop. By the time you find out that you’ve been charged with a federal crime, the government may have been investigating you for months, if not years.
The Tulsa Federal Criminal Defense Attorneys of Fry & Elder are well aware of federal laws and regulations and wishes to provide you with some additional insight into Federal Criminal Law, while providing you with the best Tulsa Federal Criminal Defense.
What’s the Difference Between Federal Prosecutors and State Prosecutors?
Federal prosecutors generally have fewer cases than state prosecutors, and federal prosecutors often have had more time to spend, sometimes years, to work on the cases they bring.
This means that if you are in federal court, a federal prosecutor has already decided that your case is one to give attention to. This makes it all the more important to seek legal counsel from an experienced and formidable Tulsa criminal defense lawyer.
How does Federal and State Court Differ?
Federal crimes are heard by federal judges. There are two kinds of federal judges that will be involved in any federal felony: United States Magistrate Judges and United States District Judges.
A magistrate judge will likely be the first judge you appear in front of after you are arrested on federal charges. A federal magistrate judge may also hear some motions in your case.
United States District Judges are appointed by the President of the United States and confirmed by the United States Senate. United States District Judges serve for life, and can only be removed by being impeached by the Senate.
Federal district court judges have many fewer cases than most state court judges. In state court, many cases are set on the same docket. This rarely happens in federal court. If you have a court hearing in federal court, normally your case is the only one that will be heard at that time. If you have a trial set in federal court, your case is almost always the only case set for trial in front of that judge on that day.
What are the Sentencing Guidelines in Federal Court?
Federal sentencing is based on the federal sentencing guidelines, and a host of federal laws that govern how a sentence is to be imposed in federal court.
What You should do if charged with a Federal Crime
If you are charged with a federal crime, you will need a trained Tulsa federal criminal defense trial lawyer who can quickly prepare and represent you effectively.
The Tulsa federal criminal defense attorneys at Fry & Elder have jury trial experience and training specifically for the unique and complex issues associated with federal criminal charges.
Additionally, the Oklahoma law firm of Fry & Elder is one of the most decorated in not just Oklahoma, having made the U.S. News & World Report’s list of Best Law Firms from 2014-2021.
The acclaimed law firm’s team of lawyers and Tulsa federal criminal defense attorneys are some of the most distinguished in the state and include:
- A 2018 Best Lawyers® Selection
- One of only 19 attorneys in the state to be a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers
- Best Lawyers® Lawyer of the Year for Family Law in Oklahoma 2016
- Two attorneys recognized by Super Lawyers®
- Two attorneys AV® Preeminent Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell®
- A 2017 Significant Sig Award Winner
If you feel you are under federal investigation, we encourage you to contact Fry & Elder immediately to set up a consultation with an experienced Tulsa federal criminal defense attorney.