Resolving Federal Criminal Defense Problems in Minnesota
At Schaefer Law Firm, our criminal defense attorneys advise and represent people under investigation or indictment on serious federal charges. We have the experience and resources to meet the challenge of a federal prosecution on equal terms, and our familiarity with federal criminal procedure can give you important advantages at every stage of your case. Contact us in Minneapolis to put our experience to work for you.
Call 612-436-9018 in the Twin Cities or Greater Minnesota
The differences between state and federal criminal law and procedure are too numerous to summarize briefly, but they are critically important. From the defense perspective, one significant difference has to do with the way federal cases are charged.
While most state criminal cases begin with a prosecutor's decision to file a criminal complaint based on an arresting officer's report, nearly all federal criminal cases reflect a grand jury indictment returned after months of investigation by the FBI, ATF, DEA, IRS or other federal law enforcement agency.
Members of the grand jury hear the evidence as it develops, and the U.S. Attorney's office is in full control of the grand jury process, but the grand jury makes the actual decision to charge someone with a particular federal offense. In the grand jury stages of a case, an individual might be identified as the target, subject, or other person of interest to the federal investigation.
If you're summoned to appear before a grand jury or if you're approached for an interview with federal investigative agents, get legal advice immediately. The work your lawyer does on your behalf prior to indictment can protect you from the most serious potential federal charges.
Our criminal defense lawyers value the opportunity to advise clients prior to federal indictment whenever possible. We can mount our own investigation of the facts. We can help clarify your status in the investigation. We can even work with the prosecution to help minimize your exposure to punishment or negotiate the terms of your cooperation.
We advise federal criminal defense clients on charges ranging from fraud and other white collar crimes to major drug trafficking conspiracies. To learn how you can benefit from our experience with the defense of serious federal charges at all stages of the case, contact Schaefer Law Firm in Minneapolis.
