When you have been charged with a crime, effective communication with your criminal defense attorney is crucial to the success of your case. Your lawyer will guide you through the criminal process and ensure you take the proper steps to defend yourse…
Read More
When someone is arrested and charged with a crime, they are taken into custody while awaiting trial. In many cases, a defendant can be released from custody while waiting for their trial date. To request pretrial release in federal court, the crimina…
Read More
Someone who is charged with a federal crime but cannot avoid a conviction may be able to negotiate a plea bargain wherein there exists a possibility of probation.. A sentence of probation can be imposed as an alternative to prison. It is similar to p…
Read More
The Federal Court Rules of Evidence control the admissibility of evidence in a federal case. The decision as to whether or not certain evidence is admitted can mean the difference between a Guilty verdict and your freedom. By carefully analyzing evid…
Read More
For many crimes, the prosecutor must prove not only that the defendant committed the acts they are accused of, but also that they had a guilty mental state. This is the mens rea, or “guilty mind” element, and reflects the idea that, to warrant pu…
Read More
Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) are part of the United States government’s ongoing efforts to target money laundering, fraud, and other financial crimes. Under the Bank Secrecy Act of 1970, financial institutions are required to report suspiciou…
Read More
Pretrial diversion is an alternative way to resolve a criminal case that can allow you to avoid jail and a criminal conviction. If you are eligible, pretrial diversion removes you from the criminal justice system after completion of supervised releas…
Read More
A plea bargain is an agreement between the prosecution and the defendant where the defendant agrees to plead guilty or no contest to criminal charges, often in exchange for a less severe charge or a more lenient penalty than the judge might otherwise…
Read More
The federal criminal process is unique, and many people, including some lawyers, do not fully understand what is involved when someone is facing federal criminal charges. If you believe you are under investigation for a federal crime or are facing fe…
Read More
On August 24, 2023, the United States Sentencing Commission voted to allow delayed retroactive application of Amendment 821, which authorized a two-point reduction under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines for people with no significant criminal histor…
Read More
© 2026 Law Offices of Hope Lefeber| View Our Disclaimer | Privacy Policy