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Federal Defense
Federal Defense
It is an extremely serious matter when you are the subject of a federal investigation. Agents may spend years gathering information - without your knowing - through surveillance of your home, workplace, or activities. They may have wiretapped your communications or reviewed your financial records. It is only after they have gathered this information that you may become aware through a target letter, subpoena, or indictment.
If you receive one of these from a federal agency, contact Michele immediately. You should never speak with a federal agent without the advice of an attorney. Anything you say to a federal agent will be recorded and can be used as evidence against you.
Indictments
If you are indicted for a federal crime, it means a grand jury has already reviewed the government’s evidence and determined there is reason to believe a crime has been committed. For this reason, most federal cases do not go to trial because the government’s position is very strong – instead, many defendants indicted for federal crimes choose to cooperate with the government or plea bargain for a reduced sentence. Michele has over 20 years of experience in federal defense and can help negotiate on your behalf.
Grand Jury Testimony
You may be summoned to testify at a grand jury as part of a federal investigation. If this happens, contact Michele. Although your attorney cannot be with you during your grand jury testimony, she will help you prepare before testifying and help you evaluate whether it is likely you could be charged with a crime. Testifying before a grand jury does not protect you from federal charges.
Federal Sentencing Guidelines
When a person is sentenced in federal court, the judge will review the federal sentencing guidelines before imposing a sentence. The guidelines were created to provide uniform sentences for individuals convicted of similar crimes. The guidelines are no longer mandatory, and they contain numerous provisions recommending higher or lower sentences based on the specific conduct. If you are convicted of a federal crime, Michele’s thorough understanding of the sentencing guidelines can be useful in achieving the best possible result for you.