Tampa Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer

Office wall with news clippings

Fort Pierce Federal Criminal Defense Attorneys: We Are On Your Side

If you’re facing federal charges in the Fort Pierce area, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Whether it’s allegations of drug trafficking, financial crimes or other serious federal offenses, your entire future may hang in the balance. These charges often come with mandatory minimum sentences that can put you behind bars in federal prison for years or even decades. At O'Brien Hatfield, P.A., we offer skilled federal criminal defense services to protect your rights and fight for your freedom.

Our law firm stands out because of our deep commitment to our clients and our extensive, proven experience in handling federal cases. We approach each case with a strategic, personalized defense built on an unwavering commitment to our clients’ freedom. Our track record of successful case results reflects the dedication we bring to every case. We have secured numerous case dismissals, not guilty verdicts and other favorable outcomes in cases involving serious federal charges.

The Federal Court In Fort Pierce

Federal charges in the Fort Pierce area are handled by the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida. The Alto Lee Adams, Sr. U.S. Courthouse is centrally located at 101 South U.S. Highway 1.

Our lawyers’ extensive experience across various federal courts in Florida provides a significant advantage. Federal judges have publicly commended us for our exceptional legal services in high-stakes cases. We have earned a respected reputation for our strength in the courtroom and our effective advocacy.

Common Federal Offenses In Fort Pierce

Federal charges differ from state charges. The U.S. penal code is the federal body of law that establishes and defines federal offenses, including:

These charges can be highly technical, as they often involve complex legal statutes, intricate evidence and multiple specific elements that the prosecution must prove. They require a robust defense strategy built on thorough understanding and experience in federal criminal defense. Our lawyers have that skill set and experience. We are well-positioned to defend you against any type of federal criminal charge or investigation.

What To Know About The Federal Criminal Process

The federal criminal process starts with an investigation, which may lead to a grand jury being convened to produce an indictment. This jury reviews evidence presented by prosecutors to decide if there is enough to formally charge someone with a crime. If they issue an indictment, the case moves forward to pretrial proceedings and potentially to trial.

This process can be intricate, involving several stages and the potential for plea negotiations. We can guide you through every step. We’ll make sure that you understand your rights and options. We’ll protect you from overreaching prosecutors and investigatory tactics. Our experience with federal cases makes us well-equipped to effectively defend against even the most complex of federal charges.

Strategic Defenses To Federal Charges

Every federal case presents unique challenges and requires a tailored defense strategy. We take the time to craft a powerful defense that addresses the unique challenges in your case. Depending on the specifics of your case, our defense might include:

  • Challenging the validity of evidence
  • Asserting constitutional violations such as lack of adequate grounds for a search or seizure
  • Undermining the prosecution’s evidence and arguments
  • Presenting evidence of an alibi
  • Arguing that you didn’t have the required intent to commit the crime
  • Negotiating a favorable plea deal

Our defense can start before charges have even been filed. If you’re under investigation, it’s critical to get legal representation immediately. Early intervention can protect your rights and preserve crucial evidence, potentially even preventing charges from being filed.

How Federal Criminal Cases Differ From State Crimes

The federal judicial system can be extremely intimidating. It’s a powerful system that equips federal investigators and prosecutors with vast resources at their disposal. Often, federal charges are more complex and technical than state-level charges. They are often extremely serious, and mandatory minimum prison sentences raise the stakes even higher.

At O'Brien Hatfield, P.A., we are well-positioned to tackle these challenges head-on. Our experience, knowledge and strategic approach allows us to level the playing field. We spare no effort in vigorously defending our clients’ rights and freedoms against the vast power of the federal government.

Get A Solid Defense Team On Your Side

If you’re facing charges for a federal offense or if you’re under federal investigation, time is of the essence. The sooner you get trusted legal help, the better positioned you are for a solid defense. We can evaluate your situation, explore your options and help you fight the charges. Call 813-345-4909 or send us an email to speak with one of our federal criminal defense attorneys in Fort Pierce.