Call us today! 610-868-2230
Located in Center City Philadelphia and the Lehigh Valley.
Expert Criminal Defense Attorneys
An arrest or indictment can be the most frightening experience of your life. The decisions that you make may affect your freedom, your family, and your financial well-being. An experienced criminal attorney can properly protect your rights, advise and assist you during this challenging time.
Federal Crimes
Federal criminal charges are often devastating to the accused and their families. A federal crime is an act against the United States. These charges will be prosecuted by the Department of Justice, assisted by one or more of the numerous federal agencies like the FBI, DEA, Homeland Security, and the IRS who have near unlimited resources. You need to be prepared to face such a challenge. Our attorneys can help you today.
Federal Criminal Process
Grand Jury
The United States Constitution requires that all Federal felony charges be brought by indictment from a Federal Grand Jury. This is a basic right of Federal criminal defendants. That right can be waived by the defendant and charges can be brought by way of a felony information.
Should you or your family member receive any notice or subpoena from a Federal Grand Jury, it is critical that you call our office immediately upon receipt. You may be the target of the investigation. It is important that you understand the extent and limitations of your rights in a Federal Grand Jury process.
Federal Grand Juries must consist of 16 to 23 persons, and in order for an indictment to be brought, 12 of those jurors will need to concur. Understand that the prosecuting Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) will have complete control over this process. The grand jury process will be in secret, and you will have no chance to know who the witnesses are or what evidence is being presented against you. Nor will you be able to cross examine any witnesses or inspect any evidence in this process. Essentially the deck will be stacked against you in a grand jury proceeding. This is why you absolutely need a qualified attorney representing you and communicating directly with AUSA prosecuting your case.
At this stage of the process, we may still be able to negotiate a beneficial resolution for you, which can include immunity or an agreement as to what charges will be brought. You have the power to negotiate with the government. Our attorneys are skilled and have the experience you need to guide you through this process.
Initial Appearance/Arraignment/Bail
Depending on the District Court having jurisdiction over your case, the initial appearance may be combined with an arraignment or may be separate hearings altogether. Rule 5 of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure specifies that a “person making an arrest within the United States must take the defendant without unnecessary delay to a magisterial judge.” At this initial hearing, you will be provided with notice of the charges against you. You will be advised of your rights, and counsel will be appointed if you cannot afford one. Most importantly, a bail determination will be made.
Bail is crucial, as most cases proceed slowly in Federal Court. Your representative should be ready to argue for not just low monetary bail, but other forms of release such as house arrest, release on conditions, third party custodian, and release on recognizance, where available. Working early on with your attorney and the attorney’s investigator will maximize your chances of a favorable bail determination.
Under Rule 10 of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, the Arraignment is the your opportunity to enter a plea to the charge(s). As stated above, many times, this will occur at the same time as the initial appearance. Having competent representation at this stage cannot be underemphasized. The Federal criminal system is cold and brutal. You must be prepared at each stage to maximize the best outcome for you.
Pretrial Negotiations/Motions
It is important that your attorney begin communication with the AUSA as soon as possible to determine the strength of the government’s case against you. We could utilize various motions to compel the production of the evidence in their possession or to exclude illegally obtained evidence.
The government may ask you to submit to a proffer agreement. A proffer is a formal interview of the defendant, by the prosecutor and/or agents investigating the case. A carefully negotiated proffer and interview could lead to a cooperation agreement, plea deal, or best a non-prosecution agreement.
Trial
If you have not been able to reach an agreement with the government or more importantly if you are innocent of the charges, you will have the opportunity to defend yourself at trial. The Sixth Amendment guarantees you a right to a trial by jury. You will have the opportunity to confront and cross examine the witnesses the government is using against you, as well as the opportunity to offer evidence in support of your case.
Each step of the trial requires an expert hand by your attorney. Choosing which jurors will sit to decide your case is paramount. Opening statements, direct and cross examination, closing statements, and trial objections to the government’s case are all of extreme importance. You need a legal team driving your case to its best outcome. Our attorneys have the experience, knowledge, and tenacity needed to win.
Sentencing
Federal sentencing can be the most complicated aspect of the entire Federal Criminal Proceeding. Many of our client retain us to handle the sentencing alone. Ideally, we have been involved with the entire process, minimizing the client’s exposure up to the point of sentencing. However, for some clients that is not an option. The amount, if any, of time a client spends in Federal prison is paramount.
We will work to mitigate and minimize your sentence. The Federal Sentencing Guidelines are hard and unforgiving. You have to do everything possible to minimize your sentence, so that you can go on to live a normal life once again. Our attorneys are ready to help you. Call us today. We handle Federal Criminal cases across the country with the majority of cases coming from the Southern District of New York, the Eastern District of New York, the Middle District of Pennsylvania, and the Eastern of Pennsylvania. Our attorneys are ready to speak with you. Call us today, we have offices in New York and Pennsylvania.
We represent Federal Criminal defendants charged with:
- Drug Trafficking
- Tax Evasion
- Conspiracy
- Bank Fraud
- Wire Fraud
- Computer Crimes
- Securities Fraud
- Immigration Offenses
- Illegal Re-entry
- Human Trafficking
- Passport Fraud
- Arson
- Mortgage Fraud
State Crimes
The Campos Firm represents individuals in a wide variety of criminal matters. From felonies to misdemeanors and summary offenses, our firm can protect your rights. We have successfully represented clients in a wide variety of state criminal cases including:
- Homicide
- Drug Offenses
- Guns and Weapons Violations
- Crimes of Violence
- Kidnapping
- Assault and Battery
- Theft Offenses
- Attempt
- Conspiracy
- Fraud
- DUI
If you need a lawyer, the Campos Firm has the knowledge, skills and experience you need to protect your rights.
For a free consultation with the Campos Firm, contact us today. Our firm serves clients throughout the United States.
You Are Innocent Until Proven Guilty
If you have been arrested, the burden of proof is on the prosecution. Facing charges does not make you guilty. Your rights and reputation are in good hands with the Campos Firm.
Contact The Campos Firm Today
Attorney Campos provides aggressive and proven criminal defense representation through all areas of his criminal defense practice, from DUI or drug possession to homicide. To discuss your legal needs with Attorney Campos in an initial consultation, call today at 610-868-2230.