Federal cases
Federal cases, from the first letter to sentencing
A federal case can start with a knock on the door, or with a letter saying you’re a target. The sooner a lawyer is beside you, the more choices you keep.
Cordell Lusane leads our federal work in the federal courthouse downtown: drug conspiracy, firearms, fraud and identity theft charges, and supervised release violations. Federal cases run on their own rules and sentencing guidelines. We explain both in plain words before you decide anything.
Where we help
Target letters and grand jury subpoenas
Detention hearings in the first days
Discovery, which can run to thousands of pages
Sentencing guidelines, worked out on paper with you
Step by step
How a federal case usually moves
- 01
Step 1: First appearance
A magistrate judge reads the charges and decides whether you’ll be released while the case is open.
- 02
Step 2: Indictment and arraignment
The grand jury’s charges are read, and you plead not guilty while we review the evidence.
- 03
Step 3: Discovery and motions
We read everything the government has and challenge what was gathered unlawfully.
- 04
Step 4: Plea or trial, then sentencing
If there’s a conviction, we prepare you and your family for sentencing and argue for the lowest fair sentence.
What people ask about federal cases
I got a target letter. Should I call the number on it?
Call a lawyer first. A target letter means prosecutors are looking at you, and what you say to them can be used in the case.
How is a federal charge different from a state one?
Different courts, different prosecutors and different rules for sentencing. Federal cases often take longer and involve more paper. We’ll explain what that means for yours.
Will I be held until trial?
Many people are released with conditions. The detention hearing decides it, usually within days of the arrest, and we prepare for it with your family.
Got a letter or a visit from federal agents?
Call before you answer their questions. We’ll tell you what the letter means and what to do next.