Federal Criminal Defense Lawyers in Colorado Springs

Federal charges are brought by the United States Attorney’s Office in the United States District Court for the District of Colorado, not by the local district attorney. Federal agencies such as the FBI, DEA, ATF, and Homeland Security Investigations often spend months building a case before anyone is arrested. By the time charges are filed, the government usually has most of its evidence.

How a federal case differs

Serious federal charges are brought by a grand jury indictment. The case moves under the Speedy Trial Act: an indictment or information generally has to be filed within 30 days of an arrest, and trial generally has to start within 70 days of the indictment or first appearance. In practice many periods are excluded from that count, and complex cases take much longer.

Sentencing works differently too. The court must impose a sentence sufficient, but not greater than necessary, to serve the purposes of sentencing, weighing the offense, the person’s history, and the range calculated under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, among other factors. Some federal offenses carry mandatory minimum sentences. The Guidelines calculation often decides more than the trial does, so it has to be understood early.

Common federal cases

Federal cases in Colorado Springs often involve firearms, especially possession by someone federal law prohibits from having one; drug distribution; fraud and other financial crimes; and offenses on military installations or other federal property. Some conduct can be charged by either the state or the federal government, and which one brings the case can change the outcome significantly.

If you learn you are under investigation

A target letter, a visit from federal agents, or a grand jury subpoena means an investigation is already well along. Don’t talk to agents without a lawyer. Anything said to a federal agent can be used against you, and a false statement is itself a federal crime. Early representation can sometimes shape whether charges are filed and what they are.

How we handle federal cases

We review the discovery in detail, calculate the Guidelines range early, and explain your realistic exposure before you make any decision. We look at every suppression issue and every point where the charge or the sentencing calculation can be challenged.