When would you need a
Federal Criminal Defense Attorney? Some crimes - child pornography, drug, sex, violent and white collar crimes, to name a few - can be prosecuted by both Maine and the Federal Government. Often times, criminal charges are filed in only one court - a
Maine
court or the Federal courts in
Portland or Bangor. But sometimes, a person is charged in both Maine and Federal courts. That’s why it’s important to have a criminal defense attorney who can handle the case no matter which system it’s in - State or Federal - because they are very different.
Each system stands on its own with its own rules and procedures and sentencing structure. A drug charge that could warrant only months of jail time in a Maine court could mean years of prison time in a Federal court. You need an attorney who understands what’s at risk and can steer a case through the complex Federal Sentencing Guidelines.