{"id":7307,"date":"2026-04-13T14:52:12","date_gmt":"2026-04-13T21:52:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/izquierdolastg.wpenginepowered.com\/?post_type=library_post&p=7307"},"modified":"2026-04-17T16:45:59","modified_gmt":"2026-04-17T23:45:59","slug":"steps-in-the-federal-criminal-process","status":"publish","type":"library_post","link":"https:\/\/www.izlegal.com\/es\/library\/steps-in-the-federal-criminal-process\/","title":{"rendered":"Understanding the Federal Criminal Process: Steps and Legal Support for Federal Charges"},"content":{"rendered":"

Even if you have been through the court system before, you may not have experienced a federal prosecution. While there are, of course, many similarities between how the state of Florida investigates and charges a suspect and how the federal government handles it, there are also significant differences. We outline the steps involved in a federal criminal prosecution to help our clients understand and prepare for the process.<\/p>\n

Will You Be in State or Federal Court?<\/h2>\n

You won\u2019t have to guess which court is handling your case. It will be clear from the outset whether you are being investigated by federal authorities\u2014such as the FBI or DEA\u2014orstate or local authorities\u2014Miami PD or Florida Highway Patrol, for e\"Miamixample. At the state or local level, charges will be filed by prosecutors or district attorneys, while federal cases are filed by U.S. Attorneys. It is important that the defense attorney you hire is admitted to practice law in the appropriate court. Attorney Danny Izquierdo is experienced in both\u00a0state and federal criminal courts<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Steps in Most Federal Criminal Prosecutions<\/h2>\n

Depending on the complexity of the case, there could be fewer steps, or there could be many more. Also, depending on the details of a particular case, more or less time could be spent at each step. A federal defense attorney will keep clients informed of their rights and responsibilities at each stage. In general, however, federal criminal charges follow these steps:<\/p>\n

Investigation.<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Federal crimes are investigated by an agency such as the FBI, DEA, ATF, ICE, or Homeland Security. Just like in state cases, federal agents have to have a search warrant to enter a home to look for evidence. As soon as a defendant is aware that they are being investigated, they should contact an attorney.<\/p>\n

Charge.<\/strong><\/h3>\n

If the U.S. Attorney believes there is sufficient evidence to prove that the defendant committed a felony, they will present the evidence to a Grand Jury. The Grand Jury is made up of citizens, just like a jury at trial, who will vote on the evidence presented to them and either issue an indictment or not. Defendants and their attorneys cannot attend Grand Jury proceedings.<\/p>\n

Arraignment.<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Either the same day or the day after an arrest is made, the defendant appears before a judge to hear the charges against him. The judge will decide if the defendant must be held in prison or qualifies for\u00a0pre-trial release<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Discovery.<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Prosecutors must provide a list of witnesses and an inventory of evidence they intend to use at trial to the defendant and his attorney. This is called discovery and is an ongoing process, from the arrest to the time of trial.<\/p>\n

Plea bargaining.<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Making a deal with the U.S. Attorney might be in the defendant\u2019s best interest to avoid trial and a lengthier prison sentence. If a deal is reached, there will be no trial, and the case will proceed to sentencing. A defendant should always\u00a0rely on their attorney\u2019s advice<\/a>\u00a0when considering a plea deal.<\/p>\n

Preliminary hearing.<\/strong><\/h3>\n

If a preliminary hearing is scheduled, the judge will hear the basics of the case in a kind of mini-trial. If the judge believes there is sufficient evidence to proceed to trial, he will schedule a date for trial. If not, he will dismiss the charges against the defendant.<\/p>\n

Pre-trial motions.<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The defense attorney may have cause to file a pre-trial motion, such as a motion to dismiss the case, a motion to suppress certain evidence, or a request for a change of venue. Only the judge decides the outcome of a pre-trial motion.<\/p>\n

Trial.<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Federal trials are similar to trials in other courts. A jury will be selected, witnesses will be called, evidence will be presented, and a verdict will be reached. This process can take many weeks, and defendants need an experienced, aggressive advocate representing them throughout the trial.<\/p>\n

Post-trial motions.<\/strong><\/h3>\n

If the defendant is convicted, their attorney can file a motion for a new trial or acquittal or a motion to vacate a verdict, if certain conditions are met. These kinds of motions are rarely granted unless procedural rules were violated by the judge or the U.S. Attorney\u2019s office.<\/p>\n

Sentencing.<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Sentencing may happen a few months after the verdict is reached. Some federal crimes carry mandatory minimum sentences, but the defense attorney will present aggravating or mitigating factors to try to get the best possible sentence for his client.<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

Appeals.<\/strong><\/h3>\n

A conviction can be appealed if the defendant believes they were wrongly convicted or the sentence was too harsh. Convictions can also be appealed if certain kinds of errors occurred during the trial. Federal convictions\u2014in very few cases\u2014can be appealed all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court.<\/p>\n

This is a very brief overview of what can be an incredibly complex process. We provide it to give you a general idea of what you are facing, but it cannot replace the information we will provide when you schedule a\u00a0Free 4-Point Case Evaluation and Defense Strategy Session<\/strong>\u00a0by calling (305) 707-7345. Don\u2019t leave your future to chance. Contact us today.<\/p>\n

Have You Been Charged With A Federal Crime?<\/h2>\n

If you’ve been charged with a federal crime you need to speak with an\u00a0experienced federal crime attorney<\/a>\u00a0as soon as possible.\u00a0Contact me online<\/a>\u00a0or call me at my Miami office directly at\u00a0305.707.7345<\/strong>.<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Even if you have been through the court system before, you may not have experienced a federal prosecution. While there are, of course, many similarities between how the state of Florida investigates and charges a suspect and how the federal government handles it, there are also significant differences. 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