4 Mistakes to Avoid When Facing Federal Criminal Charges

 Posted on December 10, 2020 in Federal Crimes

When you are charged with a federal criminal offense, you are likely to be very upset and confused. You might not know how you ended up being charged, and you probably have serious concerns about how the case will play out. These are all understandable feelings, but if left unchecked, they can lead to you taking the wrong type of action. You could find yourself doing things that might actually harm your case and make things worse for yourself. A Chicago, IL federal criminal defense lawyer can advise you of your rights and steer you away from making common mistakes.

With nearly two decades of experience, Attorney Hal Garfinkel of Law Offices of Hal M. Garfinkel LLC, Chicago Criminal Defense Attorney is equipped to help you fight federal criminal charges. We are available 24/7, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you have been accused of a federal crime.

What Mistakes Should You Avoid in a Federal Criminal Case?

A federal conviction can have a lasting impact on your freedom. Below are some of the most common mistakes that defendants make when facing these kinds of accusations:

1. Careless Posting on Social Media

Before questioning a person who is in custody, police generally must give Miranda warnings. These warnings remind a person of his or her right to a criminal attorney and the right to remain silent. They also remind the suspect that anything he or she says can be used against him or her. It is critical to remember that this does not just apply to conversations or interrogations with the police.

Anything you say at any time, including what you post on Facebook, Instagram, or any other social media platform, could be used by prosecutors against you. The best advice is to stay away from social media entirely while your case is ongoing, but you should absolutely avoid posting anything related to the case or the alleged crime.

2. Giving Information to the Police

Many people are not aware that they are not required to talk with the police, especially before they are reminded of their rights. If you are detained or arrested by the police, you do not have to answer any questions about the case, and you certainly should not say anything that might cause you to appear guilty. Invoking your Fifth Amendment right is not an admission of guilt. It simply demonstrates that you understand your rights and how they apply.

3. Disrespecting the Court

When you are required to appear for a hearing – including a video hearing – it is important to show the court the respect it deserves. This means that you should be clean, dressed nicely, and looking presentable.

You should also conduct yourself with dignity by being polite and courteous. If you show disrespect or apathy to the court, it is not likely to be looked upon favorably by the judge. Being respectful and appropriate can help you make a better impression on the court.

4. Representing Yourself

Depending on the severity of the charges against you, you might be tempted to try to represent yourself without the assistance of a lawyer. This is never a good idea, and it is especially dangerous when federal criminal charges are involved. The federal justice system is extremely complex and decidedly more complicated than the justice system at the state level.

No matter how persuasive and likable you might be, you need a lawyer when you are facing federal criminal charges. Your attorney will help you manage countless details that the average person would likely not even know about, let alone know how to address.

What Charges Are Prosecuted at the Federal Level in 2026?

Federal criminal charges can involve different kinds of accusations, from financial crimes to large-scale trafficking offenses. Getting an attorney involved in your case early on is an important step to take, as you won’t find one surefire defense that will cover every accusation. At Law Offices of Hal M. Garfinkel LLC, Chicago Criminal Defense Attorney, we represent people accused of various federal crimes, including:

• White collar crimes: These kinds of crimes tend to involve detailed paper trails and complex financial evidence. We can handle charges of money laundering, identity theft, embezzlement, and fraud.
• Internet sex crimes: When illegal images are shared as electronic files over the internet, it is more likely to be investigated by the federal government. We represent people accused of possessing, distributing, or producing child sex abuse material.
• Drug crimes: Allegations of moving drugs between state lines tend to draw federal attention. Large amounts of drugs can also trigger federal investigation.
• Weapons offenses: The federal government sets strict laws about possessing and transporting firearms and ammunition.

Even if charges have not formally been filed, contacting an attorney during an investigation can help protect your rights. Attorney Hal Garfinkel draws on years of experience as a former prosecutor, meaning that he knows how cases move through federal courts.

Can You Appeal a Federal Conviction?

A federal conviction does not always mean the case is over. In some cases, a defendant can appeal the conviction or sentence.

An appeal is not a new trial. The appeals court does not hear new evidence or listen to new witnesses. Instead, it reviews the record from the trial court and looks for legal errors. Common grounds include mistakes in jury instructions, evidence that should have been kept out, or improper sentencing.

A defendant generally has 14 days after the entry of judgment to file a notice of appeal. Missing that deadline can put your appeal at risk and close the door for good. In some limited cases, the court can extend the deadline.

Contact a Chicago, IL Federal Criminal Lawyer Today

If you have been arrested and charged with a federal crime, you do not need to face the situation alone. Contact an experienced Illinois criminal defense attorney at Law Offices of Hal M. Garfinkel LLC, Chicago Criminal Defense Attorney to get the guidance you need. Mr. Garfinkel will use his experience and resources to protect your rights and defend you against federal charges. Call 312-629-0669 for a free consultation today.