Were you charged with a federal offense in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina? Contact Elizabeth Franklin-Best, P.C. for a consultation at (843) 620-1100. Our Mount Pleasant federal criminal defense lawyers can evaluate the best course of action for you and help you secure a favorable resolution.
Federal charges can carry serious penalties and long-term consequences, making early legal guidance critical. An experienced attorney can review the allegations against you, explain your options, and help determine the most effective strategy for your situation.
Why Hire Elizabeth Franklin-Best, P.C. For My Federal Criminal Defense Case in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina?
When the government accuses you of violating federal law, the prosecution’s resources are virtually unlimited. Federal prosecutors have access to multiple agencies, such as the FBI, as well as the full investigative power of the U.S. Department of Justice. Hiring Elizabeth Franklin-Best, P.C. will allow you to level the playing field.
Without a seasoned defense team on your side, it can feel like the odds are stacked against you. Here’s why you should choose us for help in Mount Pleasant, SC:
- Our nationally recognized criminal defense team has 43 years of combined experience representing clients in complex federal crime cases.
- Our firm focuses heavily on complex federal litigation, including direct appeals and post-conviction relief.
- Attorney Elizabeth Franklin-Best has appeared before numerous appellate courts, including the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals. She’s also earned a national reputation for her legal services.
With our legal team by your side, you’ll have a powerful ally in your corner who understands the intricacies of the federal system. Contact our Mount Pleasant federal criminal defense attorneys today for a consultation.
What Makes Federal Charges Different From State Charges?
Federal criminal cases are not just more serious versions of state cases; they’re fundamentally different. For one, federal prosecutors must prove violations of federal law. This often involves complex statutes, multi-jurisdictional investigations, and agencies like the SEC and others.
Overall, some of the key differences include:
- Jurisdiction and investigation: Federal agencies conduct investigations that can take years before an arrest is made. They can also involve activity that goes across state lines.
- Prosecution resources: U.S. Attorneys and federal investigators have significant funding and advanced technology at their disposal. This makes cases highly detailed and difficult to defend.
- Sentencing guidelines: Federal courts follow strict U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which can result in longer prison terms and limited judicial discretion.
- Procedural rules: The Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure set specific requirements for these cases.
With these complexities in mind, a lawyer who only practices in state courts may not be equipped to handle a federal crimes case. At Elizabeth Franklin-Best, P.C., we routinely practice in federal courts throughout South Carolina and have extensive experience with legal matters in this area of the law.
Types of Federal Criminal Cases We Handle in Mount Pleasant, SC
Federal charges can cover a wide range of offenses, from white collar crimes to violent acts. Each case requires a tailored defense strategy built on deep legal knowledge and a careful review of the evidence.
Our Mount Pleasant federal criminal defense attorneys handle cases involving:
- Drug trafficking
- Wire and mail fraud
- Tax evasion
- Money laundering
- Healthcare fraud
- Conspiracy
- Racketeering (RICO)
- Public corruption
- Bribery
- Cybercrime offenses
- Firearms violations
- Federal sex crimes
No matter what you’ve been charged with, we approach every case with the same level of preparation and determination. We’re confident that we can provide you with effective legal representation throughout the entirety of your case.
What Are the Potential Penalties for Federal Criminal Convictions?
The penalties for a federal conviction depend on many factors. These include the specific offense in question, the evidence against you, and your criminal history (if applicable). Many federal crimes carry mandatory minimum sentences, leaving judges with little flexibility.
Offenders can face severe consequences, including:
- Lengthy prison sentences, often served in federal facilities
- Enormous fines, restitution, and asset forfeiture
- Supervised release following incarceration
- Immigration consequences, including deportation for non-citizens
- Loss of civil rights, such as the right to vote and possess firearms
Beyond the formal penalties, a conviction can destroy your personal and professional life. Some of the collateral consequences may include difficulty finding housing and employment, just to name a couple of examples.
The sooner you hire a qualified criminal defense attorney, the better your chances of reducing (or possibly avoiding) these penalties altogether. Though no outcome is ever guaranteed, it’s not unheard of for federal charges to be dismissed in some cases.
How Does Federal Sentencing Work?
Federal sentencing differs significantly from state systems. Judges rely heavily on the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which assign “points” based on the severity of the offense and the defendant’s prior record.
These guidelines produce a sentencing range, though the judge sometimes might have limited discretion to deviate from it. In addition, certain crimes carry mandatory minimum sentences that can’t be reduced without cooperation with the government or extraordinary circumstances.
An experienced defense attorney can help you in this area by:
- Challenging improper sentencing enhancements
- Arguing for downward departures from guideline ranges
- Presenting mitigating evidence to reduce your exposure
- Advocating for alternative sentencing options, such as probation
Elizabeth Franklin-Best, P.C., knows very well the nuances of federal sentencing and has decades of experience crafting arguments that help our clients obtain fair outcomes.
Your Constitutional Rights in a Federal Case
No matter what you’ve been accused of, you are entitled to constitutional protections. Our Mount Pleasant criminal defense lawyers will ensure that your rights under the Sixth Amendment and others are upheld throughout every stage of the process.
Key rights include:
- The right to remain silent and avoid self-incrimination
- The right to an attorney during questioning and trial
- The right to a fair and speedy trial
- The right to confront witnesses and review evidence against you
- The right to be free from unlawful searches and seizures
If law enforcement violated your rights during the investigation or arrest, we can move to suppress any evidence obtained illegally. This can significantly weaken the government’s case and potentially lead to a dismissal of your charges.
What Are Some Common Defenses to Federal Criminal Charges?
Federal prosecutors must prove every element of your offense beyond a reasonable doubt. That gives a criminal defense lawyer room to challenge the evidence and argue against the government’s case.
Depending on the facts, potential defenses may include:
- Unlawful search or seizure
- Lack of intent
- Insufficient evidence
- Entrapment
- Mistaken identity
- False accusation
- Violation of your constitutional rights
At the end of the day, every case is different and has a unique set of facts and circumstances. A defense that works in one prosecution might not apply to another. That’s why having a lawyer with extensive federal experience is critical.
How a Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Help
Federal criminal proceedings move quickly and leave little room for error. A single missed deadline or procedural mistake can jeopardize your defense. Having a lawyer who understands the federal system can make all the difference in how your case ultimately plays out.
An experienced federal criminal defense attorney in Mount Pleasant with Elizabeth Franklin-Best, P.C. can:
- Thoroughly analyze the government’s case to find weaknesses and inconsistencies
- Investigate the evidence against you independently, using expert witnesses when necessary
- Negotiate with federal prosecutors to explore your legal options as appropriate
- File pretrial motions to suppress unlawfully obtained evidence and dismiss your charges if possible
- Prepare an aggressive trial defense, ready to challenge every aspect of the prosecution’s narrative in court
- Advocate for sentencing alternatives if a conviction cannot be avoided
- File any appeals and post-conviction processes as applicable
Federal defense is complex and unforgiving. You deserve the best defense possible, and we’re confident that we can provide you with just that.
Contact Our Mount Pleasant Federal Criminal Defense Attorneys To Schedule an Initial Consultation
If you’re facing federal charges in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, don’t wait to get legal help. The government has already started building its case; you need a powerful advocate to build yours.
Elizabeth Franklin-Best, P.C., has more than 43 years of combined experience defending clients in state and federal courts nationwide. Our team knows how prosecutors operate and how to protect your rights at every step of the process.
Your future is too important to leave to chance. Contact our Mount Pleasant federal criminal defense lawyers today to schedule a consultation. We’ll review the facts and circumstances of your case and begin crafting a strategy to defend your freedom.