Morristown, NJ criminal defense lawyer Blair R. Zwillman explains what you should look for in hiring a lawyer to defend you against federal charges. He states that if an individual is charged with a federal offense, the first and most important step is to retain an attorney who is thoroughly experienced in federal criminal practice. He cautions that federal criminal law is highly specialized, and it would be a mistake to hire an attorney who primarily handles unrelated matters, such as real estate closings.

He advises seeking out a specialist, ideally a certified criminal trial attorney, with a strong reputation that can often be verified through online research and community referrals. The attorney should have substantial experience trying federal cases, including jury trials, and a track record of success.

He stresses that anyone facing federal charges should carefully review an attorney’s background and confirm their depth of experience before making a decision, as the stakes in federal court are especially high.