Casper Federal Criminal Lawyers
Finding yourself facing federal criminal charges can be an extremely daunting and stressful experience. The federal criminal justice system is complex, and the potential consequences for a conviction are severe. That’s why having an experienced federal criminal defense attorney on your side is absolutely crucial.
In Casper, Wyoming, federal criminal cases are prosecuted through the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Wyoming. This office represents the United States government in investigating and prosecuting a wide range of federal crimes in Wyoming, including drug crimes, white collar offenses, violent crimes, firearms violations, and more.
If you have been charged with or are being investigated for a federal crime in the Casper area, you need legal representation from a Casper federal criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. A knowledgeable federal criminal lawyer can advise you of your rights, analyze the strength of the government’s case against you, and start developing a strategic defense to fight the charges.
Why You Need a Federal Criminal Lawyer
The federal criminal justice system is very different from the state system. Federal crimes generally carry much stiffer penalties, so the stakes are extremely high if you are facing federal charges.
An experienced federal criminal defense attorney understands all aspects of federal criminal procedure and law. They know how to navigate complex federal sentencing guidelines, argue to suppress damaging evidence, negotiate with federal prosecutors, and defend your case in front of a federal judge and jury if necessary.
Without proper legal guidance, you may make missteps that inadvertently strengthen the prosecution’s case against you. You need an attorney who can protect your rights every step of the way.
Key Differences Between State and Federal Criminal Cases
There are some important differences between state and federal criminal law that you need to be aware of:
- Harsher Sentences – Federal sentencing guidelines tend to be much less flexible and more severe than state laws. Even first-time offenders can face years in federal prison.
- Rigid Rules – The Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure dictate how federal criminal cases must proceed. Procedural rules are strictly enforced.
- Prosecution Tactics – Federal prosecutors have huge resources and often take an aggressive approach. The conviction rate in federal cases exceeds 90%.
- Jurisdiction – Federal courts have jurisdiction over crimes that involve interstate commerce, federal lands, or violations of federal statutes.
- Pre-Trial Detention – Defendants in federal cases are more likely to be detained pre-trial than let out on bail.
Because the stakes are so high, federal criminal defendants need lawyers who know the complexities of the federal system inside and out.
How a Federal Criminal Lawyer Can Defend You
An experienced federal criminal defense attorney has many tools at their disposal to build the strongest defense for your case:
- Investigate the Charges – Your lawyer will thoroughly examine the prosecution’s evidence and witnesses to identify inconsistencies, procedural mistakes, credibility issues, and more. This can uncover opportunities to get charges reduced or dismissed.
- File Pretrial Motions – Your attorney can file motions challenging improper police conduct, requesting suppression of evidence, or attacking other procedural defects.
- Negotiate with Prosecutors – In many cases, federal prosecutors will negotiate plea deals. Your lawyer may be able to get charges dropped or reduced through effective negotiation.
- Suppress Evidence – If evidence was obtained illegally, your attorney can file a motion to suppress it so it cannot be used against you. This is a common defense tactic in federal cases.
- Present Exculpatory Evidence – Your lawyer can dig into the facts of your case to uncover evidence showing your innocence, such as alibis, mistaken identity, or self-defense.
- Advocate at Sentencing – Even if you plead guilty or are convicted at trial, your lawyer will advocate for the most lenient sentence possible under federal guidelines.
Finding the Right Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer
If you or a loved one are facing federal charges in the Casper area, it is critical to have an experienced federal criminal defense lawyer fighting for you. When researching attorneys, here are some important things to look for:
- Exclusively Practice Federal Criminal Defense – You want a lawyer focused solely on federal cases, not someone who dabbles in this complex area. Ask about the percentage of their practice devoted to federal criminal defense.
- Successful Track Record – Look for a lawyer with extensive experience handling federal cases in Wyoming’s federal courts and a proven track record of positive outcomes. Ask about their dismissal, acquittal, and sentencing reduction rates.
- Respected by Prosecutors and Judges – An attorney who has earned the respect of federal prosecutors and judges in Wyoming through years of zealous advocacy will be much more effective.
- Trial Experience – Make sure your lawyer has substantial first-chair trial experience in federal criminal cases, just in case a plea deal can’t be reached.
- Backed by Investigators and Experts – Federal cases often require investigations and expert witnesses. Seek a lawyer who has access to skilled investigators, forensic specialists, and other experts.
- Focus on Communication – The right lawyer will communicate regularly with you, return calls promptly, and make you feel comfortable during an extremely stressful time.
Federal Crimes Prosecuted in Wyoming
Some of the most common federal charges prosecuted in the District of Wyoming include:
Drug Crimes
Federal law enforcement like the DEA prosecute many drug crimes in Wyoming, including:
- Drug trafficking
- Drug distribution
- Drug manufacturing
- Drug importation
- Drug possession
Marijuana is illegal at the federal level, so even state-legal medical or recreational marijuana can lead to federal prosecution in Wyoming.
Penalties – Harsh mandatory minimum sentences apply under 21 U.S.C. §841, ranging from 5 years to life in prison depending on drug amounts. Fines up to $10 million may also apply.
White Collar & Financial Crimes
Some white collar crimes prosecuted federally in Wyoming include:
- Wire fraud (18 USC §1343)
- Mail fraud (18 USC §1341)
- Bank fraud (18 USC §1344)
- Healthcare fraud (18 USC §1347)
- Securities fraud
- Bribery
- Embezzlement
- Tax evasion
Penalties – Up to 20-30 years in prison, massive fines, asset forfeiture, restitution, and supervised release.
Firearms Offenses
Some federal gun crimes prosecuted in Wyoming include:
- Possession of a firearm by a prohibited person – 18 U.S.C. §922(g)
- Possession of an unregistered firearm – 26 U.S.C. §5861(d)
- Firearms trafficking
- Use of a firearm during a federal crime – 18 U.S.C. §924(c)
Penalties – Up to 10 years in prison per offense. Mandatory minimum 5 year sentence for use of a firearm during a federal crime.
Sex Crimes
Federal prosecutors handle certain sex offenses that occur on federal land, involve interstate travel, or exploit children:
- Child pornography – 18 U.S.C. §2252
- Child enticement – 18 U.S.C. §2422
- Sex trafficking of minors – 18 U.S.C. §1591
- Transportation of minors for illegal sexual activity – 18 U.S.C. §2423
Penalties – Decades in prison, substantial fines, sex offender registration, and lifetime supervised release.
Violent Crimes
Violent federal crimes prosecuted in Wyoming include:
- Murder on federal land or property
- Assault on federal officers
- Bank robbery
- Carjacking
- Kidnapping across state lines
Penalties – Up to life in prison. Mandatory minimum 10 year sentence for assault on federal officer leading to bodily injury.
Proven Federal Criminal Defense in Wyoming
Facing federal criminal charges in Casper can be absolutely terrifying. But with an experienced federal criminal defense lawyer on your side, you can rest assured knowing your rights are protected each step of the way.
The attorneys at Oberheiden, P.C. have centuries of combined experience defending federal cases in Wyoming and have achieved outstanding results for their clients. Several lawyers on the team are former federal prosecutors, so they know precisely how these cases are built and how to strategically dismantle them.
If you or a loved one need strong legal representation for federal criminal charges in Casper, contact Oberheiden, P.C. to schedule a free case evaluation. Their team is standing by 24/7 to provide skilled and aggressive defense. Put their expertise to work fighting for you.