Your Advocate in Federal Criminal Court
Providing Experienced Criminal Defense to Individuals in the Houston Area
When you're charged with a federal crime, you face a system that is completely different from the state courts where most crimes are prosecuted. The charges may be similar, but the procedures and consequences are different.
I am Lisa Jones, Attorney at Law, a Houston criminal defense attorney licensed to practice in the federal district court for the Southern District of Texas. Contact me to get a lawyer who is experienced at defending people accused of federal crimes.
Different Process, Differences in Sentencing
There are several key differences between federal and state criminal courts. Generally, federal courts are more formal and require that the attorney follow different, more stringent procedures. One of the first steps is a bond hearing, where it is critical to your freedom that you have an attorney who understands the federal procedures.
Sentences are handled in accordance with guidelines that provide a range and particular reasons for the sentence to be adjusted up and down. Some federal judges can be somewhat merciful, but the sentences tend to be stricter. Even if the punishment is not as high as in state court, it is typically harder to obtain your release through parole. Sentences are also served in federal prisons, which are generally harsher than state prisons.
If you have been charged with a federal crime, get a skilled, qualified lawyer on your side. Contact me today.
Understanding Which Cases Go to Federal Court
Among the criminal charges that frequently end up in federal court are drug crimes, fraud and embezzlement.
Basically, the federal courts deal with crimes that occur across state lines. This can, however, include crimes where the main events all took place in the same state but the crime had effects across state lines. This is why many white-collar crimes and other economic crimes are prosecuted on the federal level.
I will always examine the evidence to determine whether a case is appropriately covered by federal criminal law.
