Lubbock Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer

Extensive Experience with Both State & Federal Court Cases

If you or a loved one have been arrested and charged with a federal crime, you may have noticed by now that the federal system works a little differently from the state judicial system. It is invaluable that you entrust your case to an experienced attorney who understands the intricate processes of federal examination and is not intimidated to go up against any prosecution on your behalf.

Lubbock Criminal Defense Attorney Cynthia Mendoza is highly rated on Avvo and earned their Client’s Choice Award for Criminal Defense in 2013. She has developed a reputation of excellent representation throughout her extensive state and federal court experience.

What Constitutes a Federal Crime?

There are several ways a crime can be charged as a federal crime instead of a state crime. For one, if the offender specifically violates a federal law or the constitution, it can be charged through the federal courts. Additionally, there are specific crimes that are automatically federal offenses such as bank robbery. Further, certain state charges, when extreme or “big” enough, can be handled through the federal system. For example, a drug distribution charge can become federal if there is a high enough quantity of drugs, or if the offender is suspected to be high up in a drug trafficking organization.

What Are the Differences Between Federal & State Criminal Procedures?

The biggest difference between federal and state criminal procedures is the investigation. In a federal investigation, enforcement officers may wait months or even years before arresting the suspect, choosing to use that time to investigate. Federal agents may come to your door and ask for a seemingly unofficial and benign interview when in reality they want to use the information you give them unsuspectingly as a key part of their investigation. It is very important that you do not speak with any federal investigators without a Lubbock federal criminal defense attorney present to protect you from saying something incriminating accidentally.