What You Need to Know About Federal Court
Posted By The Law Offices of Jeffrey C. Grass || 7-Feb-2015
Federal crimes carry severe punishment if convicted. Considering the life-changing consequences of a guilty verdict in federal court, it’s important that you seek legal representation from a defense attorney who has experience defending federal crimes. If you are under investigation for or have been charged with a federal crime, there are a few important things you should know about federal court.
Jurisdiction
The difference between state and federal courts lies in the jurisdiction of each court. Jurisdiction refers to the kinds of cases a court is authorized to hear. Federal court jurisdiction is limited to the types of cases listed in the Constitution and specifically provided for by Congress. For the most part, federal courts only hear cases in which the U.S. is a party, cases involving violations of the U.S. Constitution or federal laws, and bankruptcy/copyright/patent law cases.
Case Movement
Criminal federal cases start with an indictment, which is a formal accusation that a person committed a crime. After the indictment is issued, the defendant is summoned to court for arraignment, a proceeding in which the defendant is brought before a judge and asked to plead guilty or not guilty to charges. The case then moves into the trial stage. Federal cases can be very complex, so be sure your criminal defense attorney has federal crime defense experience.
Federal Appeals
A defendant who is found guilty in a federal criminal trial has a right to appeal the decision to the U.S. court of appeals. An appeal is a formal request asking another court to decide whether the trail court proceedings were conducted properly. The federal appeals process requires the expertise and guidance of an experienced criminal defense attorney.
Whether you are under investigation or formally charged in connection with a federal crime, the Law Offices of Jeffrey C. Glass provides the legal representation you need to fight federal charges. Contact us online or call us at to arrange your free initial consultation with an experienced criminal defense attorney in Texas today.