West Virginia Federal Criminal Defense Attorney

You may have been charged with a crime you did not commit. Regardless of your innocence, it is still stressful to be put under the custody of law enforcement. Thinking that you are in danger of being accused wrongly of a crime is very frustrating as there are only a few options you can take.

To know more about your options, you must exercise your right to counsel. This is a fundamental right that should be honored at all times. It is considered one of the cornerstones of an individual’s freedom under the constitution.

Our Federal Criminal Defense Attorneys can help you no matter where you are. J. Miles Morgan PLLC is a criminal defense law firm in West Virginia that focuses on federal criminal cases. We handle all types of state and federal offenses such as fraud, drug sales, theft, embezzlement, and murder. Call J. Miles Morgan PLLC now to defend your rights and receive sound legal advice from a West Virginia federal criminal defense attorney.

Call us now for a free consultation.

Here’s How Our Federal Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help You

A federal crime charge requires immediate attention. If you are being accused of a federal crime, you should contact our Federal Criminal Defense Attorney in West Virginia immediately to begin reviewing your case. A conviction for any federal crime can result in severe consequences. This includes long-term jail time and hefty fines. Our Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer in West Virginia has represented clients charged with a wide range of federal crimes across the state.

Criminal defense involves a thorough investigation by our federal criminal defense attorney. We will work hard to develop a legal strategy that can help you better your chances of either fighting or negotiating your case. This may include submitting motions and filing appeals. 

 Our goal is to obtain an acquittal. In plea bargaining, a federal criminal defense attorney in West Virginia negotiates with the prosecutor on your behalf. This can include reducing sentencing or dropping charges in exchange for a guilty plea.

Our West Virginia Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer Handles a Spectrum of Federal Crimes Charges

Here are some examples of federal criminal charges and their corresponding penalties:

• Money Laundering. This is punishable with a fine of up to $500,000 and imprisonment for 20 years.
• Tax Evasion. This is punishable with a fine of up to $100,000 or 5 years’ imprisonment, or both.
• Tax Fraud. Anyone found guilty is subject to a fine of up to $100,000 and five years’ imprisonment.
• Bank Fraud. Bank fraud involves the act of planning or executing any scheme to defraud a federally insured financial institution. The crime is punishable with a fine of up to $1 million and 30 years’ imprisonment.
• Mail and Wire Fraud. This type of fraud is punishable with a fine of up to $1 million and 20 years’ imprisonment.
• Securities Fraud. Securities fraud is committed by knowingly making false statements or omissions of material facts in the offering, purchasing, or selling of securities. The crime is punishable with a fine of up to $5 million and imprisonment of 25 years.
• Credit Card Fraud. Credit card fraud is punishable with a fine of up to $500,000 and imprisonment for 20 years, or both.
• Kidnapping. This is a grave offense resulting in at least 25 years to life imprisonment or a death sentence.
• Murder. Murder is punishable with either life imprisonment or the death penalty.

Federal Jurisdiction

The Federal court has jurisdiction to hear certain types of criminal cases. Federal crimes are those that violate federal criminal laws. The most common federal crimes are drug offenses and white-collar crimes. The United States Attorney’s Office mostly prosecutes crimes at the Federal level.

The Government exercises Federal Jurisdiction over the following:

• Crimes committed on federal property;
• Any act or omission in violation of a U.S. Law which occurs within the Federal jurisdiction;
• Interstate crimes – This is one of the most common Federal crimes. Examples include manslaughter, carjacking, assault, and robbery.
• Immigration crimes; and
• Crimes committed against U.S. Officials.

Essential Steps in the Federal Criminal Process

The procedure in Federal court criminal cases is usually more complex and time-consuming than in state criminal prosecutions. A federal criminal defense attorney in West Virginia can assist you in understanding and working with the Federal system to achieve a positive outcome.

To help you understand further the federal criminal process, here are the essential steps you’ll have to take when you are charged with a federal crime:

1. Investigation. The first step in any criminal case is the investigation. The Federal Government has vast resources at its disposal to investigate potential crimes, so it is vital to have an experienced federal criminal defense attorney representing you from the beginning.
2. Charging. The charging stage lays down the specific allegations against the defendant. The Government will file an indictment or information document, a formal charge sheet.
3. Initial Hearing/Arraignment. The initial hearing is where a defendant is advised of his rights and is fully informed of the charges against him. The arraignment is where the defendant pleads guilty or not guilty to the charges.
4. Discovery. The discovery process involves exchanging information between the defense and prosecution. In a federal case, this usually occurs after an indictment or information has been filed against a defendant.
5. Plea Bargaining. This is an opportunity to negotiate a plea agreement with the prosecutor in exchange for a lesser charge or sentence.
6. Preliminary Hearing. This stage is where the prosecution presents evidence to a judge to show probable cause to believe the defendant committed the crime. The judge then evaluates the evidence and decides whether a trial is necessary.
7. Pre-Trial Motions. Motions are requests to the judge for an order directing the prosecution or defense on proceeding in the case. These motions are filed to protect either party’s rights and prepare for trial. Some of these motions include the motion to dismiss, suppress evidence, and the motion for change of venue.
8. Trial. The trial proper is where the counsels of both parties examine the evidence against a defendant and present their arguments. Both sides have the right to subpoena witnesses and evidence while the judge presides over overall proceedings.
9. Post-Trial Motions. The defendant’s conviction can give rise to several post-trial motions, such as the motion for a new trial, the motion for judgment of acquittal, and the motion to vacate the judgment.
10. Sentencing. The sentencing stage is where the court decides the punishment for a defendant who has been convicted. 
11. Appeal. The appeal is a remedy available to either party to challenge the court’s decision.

Punishment for Federal Crimes 

Federal crimes involve hefty fines and lengthy prison sentences. The penalties can range from a fine of $50,000 and a prison sentence of 5 years up to a fine of $250,000 and a life sentence. A death sentence is also possible for murder and espionage.

The prosecution of Federal Crimes is taken seriously. The United States Attorneys’ office will work diligently to build a case against you and seek justice. This is why it is crucial to have a Federal Criminal Defense lawyer and have your case reviewed immediately.

A Federal Crime conviction is a life-altering event, and it is vital to protect your rights and freedom. Call a Federal Criminal Defense Attorney at J. Miles Morgan PLLC for a free consultation today.

What Does a Plea Bargain Mean?

When a person is accused of a crime, they will often enter into a plea bargain with the prosecution. This is an agreement in which the defendant agrees to plead guilty to receive a lighter punishment. Such punishment shall be lighter than the one that might result in the judgment rendered after trial.

The defendant admits to a less severe crime than the one charged in plea bargaining. The prosecutor agrees to recommend a specific sentence to the court in exchange for the defendant’s guilty plea. A West Virginia federal criminal defense lawyer representing the defendant’s interests can give the prosecutor a recommendation for what sentence the defendant should receive to make sure that the prosecutor’s recommendation is reasonable.

Finding a Federal Criminal Defense Attorney Near Me | Contact J. Miles Morgan PLLC if You’re Charged With Federal Crimes in West Virginia

A West Virginia federal criminal defense attorney can help you prepare a case by learning why you have been charged, examining police reports, and questioning witnesses. Our federal criminal defense lawyers understand that being charged with a federal crime can be a very frightening experience. Call J. Miles Morgan PLLC now to speak with a West Virginia federal criminal defense lawyer. We are a criminal defense law firm based in West Virginia and have experience defending those charged with federal crimes.

Call a West Virginia Criminal Defense Attorney now at J. Miles Morgan PLLC for a free consultation.