Federal Criminal Defense:

Many aspects of federal court practice are different from state court:
- The law and procedure regarding bond and pre-trial release is different
- Trials usually occur very quickly
- Discovery is different, and harder to get
- The rules of evidence are different
- The case law is different
- The statutes are different
- Jury selection is different
- The use of informants, especially in drug cases, means that a lawyer in federal court must be a particularly skilled cross-examiner
- Penalties are dramatically different and subject to complicated matrices and obscure guidelines provisions

One of the most significant differences is that the penalties are different. In fact, the numerically driven "Federal Sentencing Guidelines" are a world apart from any criminal court in Florida. Drug penalties are especially harsh in federal court. A good federal criminal lawyer will help you understand the interplay between federal sentencing guidelines and statutes that govern crimes. There are many nuances to interpreting and applying the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, and creative grounds for departures from the mandatory sentencing scheme of the guidelines. Hiring a skilled and experienced federal criminal defense lawyer can mean the difference between little or no incarceration and many years of prison. Attorney Steven G. Horneffer has successfully identified and exploited grounds for departures for clients faced with lengthy federal sentencing prospects. In most cases, he has saved clients many years of federal prison.

To schedule a consultation or for further inquiry click here or call 407-788-0007

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