New Hampshire & Maine Federal Crime Lawyer

Federal vs. State Cases

Violations of federal criminal law are prosecuted in New Hampshire by the United States Attorney's Office and are dealt with in federal court, rather than state or county courts. Defending federal criminal cases requires the experience to know the issues unique to the investigation and prosecution of federal offenses as well as the application of the federal sentencing guideline.

Shaheen & Gordon, P.A. has a large team of capable New Hampshire criminal defense attorneys who vigorously defend clients from federal charges such as white collar crimes, tax fraud, tax evasion, public corruption, federal drug crimes, and terrorism.

Our history and reputation in defending federal criminal defense is unique in New Hampshire. Bill Shaheen and Steve Gordon met when they both served as prosecutors in the United States Attorney's office under the Carter administration. Their background in federal prosecution formed the background of Shaheen & Gordon's federal criminal defense practice. Today, our attorneys serve as leaders in the federal criminal defense bar, serving the legal community and the federal court on the Criminal Justice Act Panel. Rare it is these days to locate attorneys with actual trial experience in federal criminal cases. The criminal defense lawyers at Shaheen & Gordon, P.A. stand among those remaining few, willing still to size up a federal charge and determine the course to follow even if that means a jury trial.

To practice in the federal system means to understand issues unique to federal investigations, which are conducted by various federal agencies rather than local police departments. These issues include the more regular use of investigative technology and cooperation and immunity agreements than in the state court system. Sizing up the pros and cons of cooperation, drafting cooperation agreements to safeguard clients from later prosecution and exacting clear understandings regarding consideration for cooperation is critical to the effective representation criminal clients in the federal system.

Interpreting and applying the federal sentencing guideline is likewise critical in defending federal criminal cases. Though recent court opinions have done away with the mandatory application of the United States Sentencing Guideline, that guideline remains still the driving force in sentencing for federal cases in New Hampshire. The guideline allows for upward and downward departures under a variety of circumstances, including cooperation and acceptance of responsibility, among others. At Shaheen & Gordon, we have taken the time to understand the nuances of the sentencing guideline and regularly supply guideline analysis both for our clients as well as other members of the bar that seek out our assistance in tending to their federal criminal cases.

Federal criminal cases also touch upon issues that relate to the forfeiture of property and assets. Asset forfeiture is a complicated enough area that the US Attorney's office has specific attorneys assigned to issues that relate to the seizure of funds and property in forfeiture actions. Aside from the direct consequence of a federal criminal case, aggressive forfeiture actions can result in financial ruin for clients. Our lawyers have a wealth of experience dealing with these difficult situations and regularly address forfeiture concerns in the context of their case negotiations.

Exposure to federal prison, the application of the sentencing guideline and the impact of a federal criminal record requires that those charged with federal criminal offenses secure experienced representation. At Shaheen & Gordon, we understand the draconian impact that a federal conviction has on our clients, their families and their financial and professional futures. Our firm is one of the largest in the state and has the representative you need to defend yourself from harsh penalties. Contact a criminal lawyer today if you are in need of counsel.

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Our track record of success reflects our ability to obtain favorable outcomes for our clients. No matter how serious your federal charges may be, our attorneys apply a team oriented approach, pursue meaningful negotiations with federal prosecutors and apply aggressive defense strategies when necessary. Members of our criminal defense team are highly rated on Avvo and appear in Superlawyers, BestLawyers in America and New Hampshire Magazine among others, establishing that they are cream of the crop in the criminal defense bar.

Do not hesitate to contact our firm for a consultation if you've been arrested for a federal crime. We will fight relentlessly for a dismissal or reduction of your charges.