A federal indictment is a grave issue that should not be brushed aside. If a federal grand jury has indicted someone you care about, the first move you should make is to speak with an attorney. As your case progresses, every choice you make might significantly influence your future.
An attorney’s track record should show that he or she has successfully defended clients in your position.
Even though this is an agitated and stressful moment, you should not retain the services of the first lawyer you contact. Find a lawyer who has a proven track record of success and can boldly defend your rights by interviewing a number of them. So there, you need to know what is a grand jury indictment.
Having engaged an attorney, they will be able to thoroughly investigate the facts of your case and recommend the best course of action for you to follow. In federal grand jury indictment proceedings, there are often three options:
- File an indictment dismissal petition with the court
- Accept responsibility and enter a guilty plea
- Take your case to a courtroom with a jury.
Let’s take a look at the indictment process.
What Is An Indictment By A Federal Grand Jury?
In federal institutions such as banks or legislation approved by Congress, the federal government often investigates and prosecutes cross-state crimes, internet crimes, and crimes against federal institutions such as banks.
There are essentially no limits to the federal government’s ability to investigate and prosecute anybody it suspects of committing a crime. The FBI, DEA, and Secret Service are just three agencies that may take months or even years to develop a case against someone and then present it before a grand jury in particular situations.
A grand jury is a group of 16 to 23 persons who will hear the testimony of witnesses and the evidence acquired by the law enforcement agency. An indictment will be issued if the grand jury concludes that the individual under investigation committed a crime.
After Being Indicted By A Federal Grand Jury, What Are My Options?
The court threw out a federal indictment. The defendant basically argues that they should not have been charged in the first place when submitting a move for dismissal. The government erred in prosecuting the defendant with a felony either because of a jurisdictional error or a breach of the defendant’s constitutional rights.
Guilty Plea
One instance in which you should consider pleading guilty is if your lawyer decides that there is no other feasible alternative to prosecution. If you are a licensed professional, such as an accountant or a physician, pleading guilty in federal court might result in your license being revoked. Many attorneys opt to maintain guilty to avoid going through the arduous process. Throughout the interview process, do your best to avoid bringing up the names of these attorneys.
Conclusion: A Competent Federal Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help You With Your Case
Before you choose an attorney, make sure to do a comprehensive background check on them. The state of California is home to several highly talented federal defence lawyers, each of who has a particular area of expertise. You should look for a lawyer who has experience in the field of law that pertains to your case and who can effectively defend you.
