Defense of Federal Charges in North Carolina
There are many important differences between state and federal criminal defense, not the least of which is the vast resources of the United States government. The selective, concentrated and coordinated nature of federal criminal prosecutions means that federal defendants and their lawyers can face major challenges in working toward a favorable outcome.
If you have been indicted on federal criminal charges in any North Carolina district, contact the Raleigh-Durham law firm of Rudolf E. Renfer, Attorney & Counselor at Law, P.A. for experienced advice about your situation and legal options. Rudy Renfer is a former special prosecutor who concentrated on white collar crime and tax fraud charges with the state Attorney General's office, and this background can be highly useful in the preparation of your defense, especially in federal fraud and financial crime cases.
Most serious federal offenses are charged by indictment. In other words, a grand jury hears evidence from investigators and witnesses as the investigation is ongoing; an assistant U.S. Attorney asks the grand jury to charge a person with one or more specific crimes based on the evidence presented. A complex criminal investigation might involve months of one-sided evidence before the prosecution requests that the grand jury return an indictment on particular charges.
Many federal cases will present the opportunity for the suspect or "person of interest" to obtain legal counsel even before the indictment is returned. This opens up the following possibilities:
- Engagement with the prosecution to determine whether you are the main target, a witness or undefined person of interest in the investigation
- Independent review and investigation of the facts to identify your potential criminal exposure
- Monitoring the grand jury proceedings to see whether your risk of indictment is increasing or decreasing
- Advice about your grand jury testimony or production of documents if you are served with a subpoena
- Examination of your options for immunity in exchange for testimony, invoking the Fifth Amendment to avoid testifying on specific points, and other tactical considerations during an ongoing investigation
Although federal drug trafficking and related conspiracy cases will not often offer this chance for legal advice before formal charges are brought against you, defendants frequently receive ample advance notice of their problems in many other federal cases: fraud, public corruption, tax offenses and a wide range of charges involving false statements.
Raleigh criminal defense lawyer Rudy Renfer can advise you and protect your interests at every stage of a federal criminal prosecution, from your first notice of an investigation through trial, plea negotiations and sentencing. Contact his office for further information about his ability to help you in any federal criminal case.
