In criminal defense, federal court is a challenging place. Federal criminal lawyers are faced with defending their people in a court where the "Constitutional right" to a trial no longer exists other than in name. In practice, federal defense attorneys must advise the People they represent that under the federal sentencing guidelines, a trial tax has been made explicit, and institutionalized as part of the federal criminal law. Any person facing federal charges who dares to exercise their "right" to trial, can expect a much more severe prison sentence if they do not win the trial.
Thomas Gallagher, Federal Criminal Attorney
Federal defense attorneys must be adept at dealing with not only the sentencing guidelines; but also the numerous, draconian "mandatory minimum" sentencing statutes which distort and destroy the common law principal that "the punishment should fit the crime." Federal lawyers must work to identify key facts which can help the People represented avoid "mandatory minimums" and minimize the potential hazards in the federal sentencing guidelines. Prison sentences in federal court tend to be severe, cruel and unusual.
This makes it even more important to what can be done to defend the People represented from the government's inhumane and awesome power. Federal criminal defense is serious, with serious consequences at stake - not only for the accused but the family and dependents of the accused. Part of this effort involves educating the accused person, and their supporters. It is essential to understand the federal court process as well as what is stake, and what can be done about it. Thomas C Gallagher is a federal criminal attorney who works hard to do this effectively.
Traditionally in the United States, criminal law was primarily a State court matter with few exceptions. Over the years, the federal government has been able to expand its power, including the exercise of its ultimate domestic power - the criminal prosecution and taking of life and liberty of those it deems to be "criminal." While the federal government has greatly expanded its criminal prosecution in the State of Minnesota, the vast majority of "crimes" prosecuted in Minnesota remain in State Court.
Of the cases prosecuted in Minnesota district federal court, if we compare them to those prosecuted in state court we can make the following general observations about the federal court cases:
1. Federal court criminal cases tend to be more serious felony crimes, if not in the conduct prohibited then at least in terms of consequences.
2. Some federal cases are of the less serious variety, due to jurisdictional quirks - such as Indian Reservations or federal lands.
In addition, we can see that certain types of criminal charges are more likely to be prosecuted in federal court:
• White Collar crimes, such as alleged violations of vague federal statutes and administrative rules, and larger embezzlement, fraud, and theftcases. When it comes to white collar criminal defense, good help from a white collar crime attorney is essential.
• Certain drug crimes, especially larger, alleged drug crime conspiracy cases, drug trafficking, drugimportation and distribution. Among federal drug charges, smaller drug cases are rare in federal court, though many People with minor roles in alleged conspiracies get dragged into federal court, as well as small drug possession cases from federal jurisdictions. Federal drug lawyers can make a big difference in these cases.
Federal Criminal Lawyer Thomas Gallagher, of GALLAGHER CRIMINAL DEFENSE SERVICES, has over twenty-one (21) years of experience. Federal criminal attorneys can make a difference, and provide needed help to People targeted by the government. Gallagher strives to work hard, and be the best criminal attorney he can be. Gallagher is an experienced criminal defense attorney, who has worked on high-profile criminal cases. He has been rated as one of the top criminal lawyers in Minnesota, by Martindale-Hubbell (peer reviewed, top "AV rated"), Minnesota Law & Politics ("Super Lawyer") and avvo.com (10 out of 10 "superb").
If you are a target of a federal criminal investigation, or have been charged with a federal crime, give Federal Criminal Attorney Thomas Gallagher a call to make an appointment for an office case evaluation at his defense law office next to the federal court house in downtown Mpls. 612-333-1500.
Call: 612-333-1500 to Inquire About a Free In-Office Case Evaluation (up to one-half hour).
Nothing on this website is legal advice. Only a lawyer fully informed about the facts of your potential case, after research of relevant law, can be in a position to give legal advice. Information here is for general information.
Serving The People of the local Mpls - St PaulTwin Cities metropolitan area in Hennepin County, Ramsey County, Anoka, Wright, Carver, Scott, Dakota, and Washington Counties (greater Minnesota only upon special consideration).
