Staten Island
Federal Criminal
Defense Lawyer
Providing Federal Criminal Defense to Staten Island Clients
When the police arrest individuals suspected of criminal offenses in the Staten Island area, these cases typically fall under the purview of the New York criminal court system at the state level. When a federal agency like the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) or the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) builds a case against an individual, they typically wait until they have substantial evidence before conducting an arrest or serving a warrant. If a federal agency pursues criminal charges against an individual, the case is tried at the federal level.
Facing federal charges is very different from facing state-level criminal charges. The penalties are more severe if convicted, and federal agencies strive to build the most robust cases they possibly can before making their move to arrest a suspect. Federal criminal court proceedings are also more complex than state-level criminal court proceedings. So, if you are arrested on federal criminal charges in Staten Island, a federal criminal defense attorney is the best asset you can have on your side.
Why Hire the Law Offices of Robert Tsigler, PLLC?
At the Law Offices of Robert Tsigler, PLLC, we understand how daunting it can be for any individual to face federal criminal charges. Our team has years of experience defending clients in federal criminal court, and we can help you determine the best possible defense for your situation. In addition, you can expect compassionate and responsive legal counsel from our team. If you have any concerns about your case proceedings, you can reach your legal team 24 hours a day, and we can provide you with updates to keep you informed about your situation as the case unfolds.
Differences Between State-Level and Federal Criminal Cases
The majority of criminal cases that unfold in Staten Island fall under the purview of state-level criminal prosecutors. As a result, these cases pertain to New York state law. When an individual breaks a federal law, a federal agency such as the FBI or DEA handles the case. The United States prosecuting attorney will file a complaint at the federal level that begins federal criminal case proceedings. The agency handling the case will then conduct an arrest of the individual at the heart of the matter.
Once the agency handling the case conducts this arrest, the suspect remains in the custody of the federal agency until their court date is assigned. The first phase of a federal criminal case is the preliminary hearing, during which the judge will formally read the charges against the defendant. Depending on the details of the case in question, a judge may allow a bail bond to be issued during this preliminary hearing, releasing the defendant from federal custody until their next court date. However, bail is not always available in federal criminal cases.
Most federal criminal cases pertain to serious offenses, such as:
- Murder and manslaughter. Intentionally or recklessly killing another person can carry severe penalties.
- Drug manufacturing and trafficking illicit drugs across state lines.
- Defrauding a federal agency or government program. This includes Medicare fraud, Medicaid fraud, and Social Security fraud.
- Substantial theft. Theft charges revolve around the value of what was stolen. If a case involves the theft of tens of thousands of dollars worth of goods or more, it is likely to be prosecuted at the federal level.
- White-Collar crimes. If a white-collar crime involves substantial theft, a consistent pattern of deception, or violation of United States laws, the case will likely unfold at the federal level.
How Your Staten Island Federal Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help
Federal criminal cases are more complicated than state-level criminal cases, and the federal agencies that prosecute these cases tend to be more aggressive in pursuing convictions. Your Staten Island federal criminal defense attorney will help you understand your situation in the fullest detail possible and guide you through every phase of your proceedings. Your attorney should begin handling your case by sitting down with you and reviewing your charges and the evidence against you. They will then help you determine if any exculpatory evidence exists that could improve your position.
There are generally two primary defenses you might seek in a federal criminal case: proving your innocence or attacking the prosecution’s case by citing inconsistencies with their evidence or highlighting procedural missteps, due process violations, and violations of your constitutional rights. A good Staten Island federal criminal defense attorney will do some of both; they will help you establish an alibi if possible and look for any reasons they can find to cast doubt on the prosecution.
It is important to remember that most federal agencies will not move on to a federal criminal case unless they are confident that they can secure a conviction. This means the level of evidence in a federal case is often much more significant than a state-level criminal case. Therefore, if your guilt is clear and you know you made a mistake, your Staten Island federal criminal defense attorney can potentially help you secure a plea bargain detail and avoid the worst possible sentence.
At the Law Offices of Robert Tsigler, PLLC, we understand how stressful it can be to face federal criminal charges and how hopeless your situation may seem at first. However, if you are ready to fight the case against you and work with an attorney you can trust,contact us today and schedule a case review with a reliable Staten Island federal criminal defense lawyer.
Staten Island Practice Areas
Federal Crime Results
Non-jail Disposition
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The Federal Crimes Defense Law firm of Robert Tsigler, PLLC is Ready to Fight for You!
Call the Law Offices of Robert Tsigler, PLLC 24 hours a day, 7 days a week after a federal arrest. Call 718-878-3781 to schedule your consultation.
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