If you’re charged with a crime in Texas, you might have a few questions about the overall arrest process and what to expect when you go to court. One option that you have is seeking the legal assistance of an attorney who can advise you of your rights and what you could possibly expect regarding sentencing.
Keep in mind that you need to seek the help of someone who is experienced with federal crimes and who can practice in a federal court.
What is a federal crime?
When you are charged with a federal crime, it means you are accused of an act that is against the federal laws that are set forth by the United States. If you commit a crime that involves multiple states or if the crime is committed in more than one jurisdiction, then it’s usually considered a federal crime. Cybercrimes and crimes that involve a large number of drugs are usually considered federal as well.
Can my federal charges be reduced or dismissed?
One of the questions to ask your attorney would be if your federal charges can be reduced so that you can receive a lesser sentence (if you are found guilty of committing the crime). If there is sufficient evidence against you, then you might want to talk to your attorney about a plea deal. This could result in a shorter length of time where your sentence is concerned.
However, if your attorney feels as though there is not enough evidence to get a conviction, then you will likely want to provide as much information as possible to get a fair trial in court, which could then result in a reduction of your charges.
What is federal court like?
When you go to federal court, you’ll usually have your lawyer by your side. There may be 1 or 2 prosecuting attorneys as well as a court reporter, judge and possibly a jury—depending on the type of trial. If either side needs the judge to make a decision during the trial, then a motion can be filed. Otherwise, each side will present evidence for or against the crime committed before the jury or the judge renders a decision.
Both lawyers will be able to choose the jurors for the case, and they will usually be able to request that they have access to all evidence available so that there is no hidden information. After the verdict, sentencing will take place. This is when you will learn about whether or not you’ll need to serve time in prison or if there are other options available so that you can get mental or physical help if you need treatment due to the crimes committed.
How long do federal cases take?
There is no set timeframe as to how long a federal case can last. If the evidence is clearcut, then it might take a few days or a few weeks to complete the case and complete the sentencing process. However, if the crime is significant and numerous witnesses need to be called in court, then the trial could take months or even years to complete.
