In Minnesota, like in every other state, many crimes can be punished in both state and federal court.   The United States Attorney for the District of Minnesota generally decides which cases are  prosecuted in federal court.   Generally, federal cases tend to involve the more serious accusations of drug trafficking, mail and wire fraud, and money laundering.   State and federal courts do have overlapping jurisdiciton, but some crimes are exclusively prosecuted in federal court.  State cases are prosecuted with by the county attorney or city attorney’s office, and there are some crimes which are exclusively handled by those prosecutors. 

Regardless of the court, you need someone who knows the system to advise you of your rights and respresent your interests.

Minnesota Federal Defense Attorney

A Minneapolis federal defense attorney must know how to deal with many unique aspects of federal court.    For example, the sentencing guidelines in federal cases are complex, and federal law is constantly changing  by court decisions and amendments laws and the sentencing guidelines.  Federal cases often involve mandatory minimum sentences, making the  stakes very high.   Advocacy at sentencing is increasingly important for you to obtain the best outcome if you are found guilty by jury or based on a plea.   

Grand juries charge crimes in federal court.  If the federal government accuses you of a crime, you may be summoned before a grand jury.   You have the right to counsel if you are subpoeaned before a grand jury, even if you are not the subject of the investigation. 

Federal cases are investigated by various federal agencies, including the FBI, the IRS, and the the U.S. Postal Inpection Service, and others.  Federal investigators also work in conjuction with state law enforcement in some situations.  If you are contacted by any federal investigator, you should immediately advice of an attorney.  You have no obligation to talk to the investigator.

Because the stakes are often higher in federal court, it is important to protects your rights early.  The first thing you need is a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney to act as a buffer between you and law enforcement and the prosecution. The federal court system is complex, so having a Twin Cities federal court defense attorney by your side can make a considerable difference in your case.

Minnesota State Court Defense Attorney

State criminal court, although generally not as tough  federal court, is still a complicated system to navigate and the penalties can be severe as well.
State courts handle many more criminal cases than the federal courts.   Because of the large number of cases in many county courts, your case can experience numerous delays, particularly if you are out of custody.  Generally, the procedures in state court are less formalized than in federal cases, though you have all the same fundamental rights, e.g., the right to remain silent, the right to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures, the right to challenge illegal police conduct and exclude evidence, and the right to fair jury trial.    Most state crimes are charged by the prosecutor, not a grand jury.  

Although state sentencing procedures are less complicated than those in federal court, strong advocacy is still needed, and the stakes at sentencing can also be very high depending on the case.

State cases are investigated by local police, sheriff’s departments, various task forces, and other law enforcement.  If you are contacted by a state investigator or a police officer, you should immediately seek the advise of any attorney.  You have no obligation to talk to law enforcment.

Minneapolis Criminal Defense Lawyer and Attorney

If you have been accused of a federal or state crime, you need to consult with an experienced Twin Cities federal and state court defense attorney. W ith the right representation, the law can work for you rather than against you.

Call James B. Sheehy at 612-341-1011 for your free initial consultation to learn your rights and receive the representation you deserve.