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Federal Experience
Many experienced state defense attorneys do not know what they are doing in federal court. We have represented people in federal cases from New York to Hawaii, and all federal courts in California including Oakland, San Francisco, San Jose, Sacramento, Fresno, Los Angeles and San Diego.
I tried my first federal case in the early 1980’s. I was fortunate to be a part of an elite team of first-class attorneys representing the Hells Angels motorcycle club in RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations) prosecution. The prosecution team was led by the present head of the F.B.I. We won the case. There is even a movie about it, in which I briefly appear. The point is when the Feds come knocking, hire an experienced federal attorney.
Plea Bargains
In the federal courts, things are often very, very vague. They say “this might be your sentence” but maybe it will be something totally different. We can help.
The Judge
There are no behind the scenes negotiations with the Judge and attorneys (as there is in state courts). Your attorney talks to the Judge in open court and argues for you. You need a good lawyer.
There is no changing Judges that can occur, as in state court. There is no simple disqualification of a Judge. You stay with whatever Judge is randomly selected for your case unless, as we have done, you change venue (e.g. from Fresno to Oakland)- then you may get an entirely different outcome. You need an experienced criminal attorney to navigate the federal courts.
Motions to Dismiss
Motions to dismiss indictments, suppress evidence and reveal informants. All of these require special experience and skill. We have that.
Wiretapping? Illegal Use of Informants?
We vigorously defend drug crime defendants who have been the target of illegal wiretapping. Perhaps wiretaps were based on pure speculation, with no probable cause. We often show that our clients were arrested as a result of false information or evidence gathered through wrongful use of wiretaps or illegal use of questionable informants.
Seizures and Forfeitures
People charged with federal crimes such as drug offenses or racketeering (RICO) often experience aggressive seizures and forfeitures by federal agents. Forfeiture cases involve both civil and criminal law: the government seizes money, a car, a house, or other property when a defendant is accused of certain criminal acts. Many people have not been able to get this property back even when they were exonerated.
Our federal trial attorneys are experienced at fighting both criminal charges and civil side of forfeiture. We fight the alleged connection between the alleged criminal activity and your seized or forfeited property. We will fight to help you recover your hard-earned money or property following a federal drug raid or other forfeiture situation.
Extradition
Federal extradition is a very specialized area of federal practice. Federal extradition means the government is trying to send you or your loved one to a foreign country to face criminal charges. Special bail rules apply. Special treaty rules apply. We have experience with these cases.
Recently we represented a former Catholic priest in a high profile case involving the U.S. statute of limitations on sex molestation cases and the Republic of Ireland- complicated issues but we tackled them head on.
Protecting Constitutional Rights in Gun-Related Cases
Perhaps your federal charges include gun-related offenses. We are prepared to assert your constitutional right to bear arms. We are prepared to fight the illegal search and seizure of any weapons alleged to have been yours. Even if you are a felon, you still retain your rights against unreasonable search and seizure.
Sentencing
Sentencing memorandums and motions are an art form in themselves. Often they can make the difference in years of incarceration. Oral argument at sentencing is crucial- you need a skillful, courageous advocate.
The feds don’t play- but, neither do we. Many federal crimes carry big mandatory minimums. For example, downloading child pornography carries a mandatory minimum of five years. Possession of five kilograms of cocaine carries a mandatory minimum of ten years. Same coke case with a prior state drug case can carry a minimum of twenty years. In cases involving money, the amount of jail time relates to the amount of money stolen as set out by the infamous Federal Sentencing Guidelines. This can all add up to some truly jaw-dropping numbers.
Contact the federal crimes and investigations attorneys at Law Offices of Robert J. Beles
Your attorney’s courage, commitment and skill stand between you and the government’s oppressive federal laws. We will protect you.
To schedule an informative, confidential consultation now about federal sentencing guidelines or other aspects of federal crimes, contact the Law Offices of Robert J. Beles today.
