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.
Find a Criminal Defense Attorney near You
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.