Federal Criminal Defense Attorney in Spokane

How Federal Proceedings Differ From Washington State Court

The United States Attorney’s Office brings federal prosecutions, which may involve federal agencies or state and local agencies working with federal authorities. Federal statutes, procedural rules, local court requirements, and sentencing law shape the case. Washington criminal procedure doesn’t automatically govern a prosecution in federal court.

The government bears the burden of proving each charged offense beyond a reasonable doubt. A defendant doesn’t have to prove innocence. Available defenses and pretrial issues depend on the allegations, the evidence, how investigators obtained it, and the elements the government must establish.

Proceedings may include:

• Initial appearance: A judge generally advises the defendant of the allegations and addresses preliminary procedural matters.
• Detention hearing: The court determines whether the defendant will remain detained or may be released under conditions while the case proceeds.
• Arraignment: The defendant receives the formal charges and enters a plea.
• Discovery and motions: The parties exchange required information, and the defense may challenge evidence or raise legal issues through pretrial motions.
• Plea discussions or trial: The course of the case depends on the evidence, negotiations, client decisions, and court rulings.
• Sentencing: Following a conviction, the court considers applicable law, a presentence investigation, and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which provide an advisory framework for calculating a recommended range.

Potential consequences depend on the offense, statutory limits, criminal history, guideline calculations, and the judge’s decisions. They may include imprisonment, fines, restitution, supervised release, or other conditions authorized by law.

Defense From Investigation Through Sentencing

Our federal criminal defense lawyers tailor each strategy to the charge, evidence, procedural stage, detention status, criminal history, and client’s objectives. We communicate openly about significant developments, available options, and decisions that require the client’s input.

Depending on the circumstances, our work may include reviewing allegations and discovery, advising clients during an investigation, examining search and seizure issues, preparing for detention proceedings, filing pretrial motions, conducting plea discussions, preparing for trial, and presenting relevant sentencing information. We evaluate the record before recommending a course of action.