Top Winnetka, CA Federal Criminal Law Lawyers Near You

Are You Facing Federal Criminal Charges?

A federal criminal conviction can mean severe fines and federal prison time, depending on the crime in question. If you are being investigated or have been charged with a federal criminal offense, you will want to retain a skilled Winnetka federal criminal law lawyer.

Different Types of Federal Criminal Law Charges

Federal crimes are any acts considered illegal by a federal law and are prosecuted under federal law, not state law. Breaking any law is not good, but breaking a federal law could lead you to stiffer penalties and incarceration.

A federal criminal law attorney can help you build your defense, no matter that severity of the charge. Federal crimes include tax evasion, bank robbery, counterfeiting, kidnapping and many other crimes.

When to Hire a Lawyer

It is in your best interest to get legal help early on in addressing your situation. There are times when hiring a lawyer quickly is critical to your case, such as if you are charged with a crime. It may also be in your best interest to have a lawyer review the fine print before signing legal documents. A lawyer can also help you get the compensation you deserve if you’ve suffered a serious injury. For issues where money or property is at stake, having a lawyer guide you through the complexities of the legal system can save you time, hassle, and possibly a lot of grief in the long run.

Top Questions to Ask a Lawyer

• What is the usual process to resolve my case? How long will it take to resolve this?
• What are likely outcomes of a case like mine? What should I expect?

An experienced lawyer should be able to communicate a basic “road map” on how to proceed. The lawyer should be able to walk you through the anticipated process, key considerations, and potential pitfalls to avoid. Once you’ve laid out the facts of your situation to the lawyer, he/she should be able to frame expectations and likely scenarios to help you understand your legal issue.

Points to Consider Before Hiring a Lawyer

Experience. Regardless of the type of legal matter you need help with, an experienced attorney will usually be able to get you better results.

Competence. Determine an attorney’s expertise by asking about their track record for the issue you need help with resolving.

Fit. There are plenty of good attorneys out there; make sure you find one you are comfortable working with.

Common legal terms explained

Personal jurisdiction – Requirement that a particular court have authority over a person, in order to bind that person to the judgment of the court, based on minimum contacts. International Shoe Co v. Washington is a landmark Supreme Court case outlining the scope of a state court’s reach in personal jurisdiction.