Northwest Indiana Federal Criminal Defense Attorney

Choosing a federal criminal defense lawyer can be one of the most important decisions you make.

Being charged with any crime can have life-altering ramifications, but a federal charge can come with higher penalties and fines than what someone may encounter in a state court. The stakes are high, and choosing the right attorney to defend you is crucial.

Mark Worthley started Worthley Law to help the people of Indiana with several types of cases, including federal offenses. With over 14 years of experience and a passion for helping people, Mark Worthley has appeared in hundreds of trials, achieving favorable outcomes despite adversity.

Call or contact us online if you believe you are under investigation for a federal offense or have been formally charged. Whether you seek representation for yourself or a loved one, we provide free consultations to discuss your case and map a path to move forward.

Why Choose Worthley Law When Faced with a Federal Criminal Charge

In a federal case, it can feel like it’s you against the government, and, in a way, that’s true. This is because you are facing what is widely perceived as the most powerful entity in the world, with virtually unlimited resources at its fingertips.

Regardless of the crime you’ve been charged with, you are entitled to due process under the United States Constitution and the presumption of innocence. You have the right to contest the charges brought against you, and when your future hangs in the balance, it’s imperative to have an experienced attorney who will go the extra mile to fight for your rights.

In one sentence, we can sum up how we work here at Worthley Law: Your case is worth it.

No matter how significant the charge, how much it feels like the odds stack against you, and the circumstances of your case, we are prepared to assist you with any legal issue.

As a former Deputy Prosecutor in Indiana, Mark Worthley brings a unique perspective to federal offense cases. He understands how the other side operates and has developed relationships throughout his 14-plus years of experience to work in his clients’ favor.

The Benefits of Choosing Worthley Law to Represent You in Court

• A federal offenses lawyer with years of experience in both prosecution and defense
• A dogged determination to fight for you, even in the bleakest of circumstances
• Attorney availability on evenings and weekends
• A free, no-obligation initial consultation

The Difference Between Federal and State Crimes

The most notable difference between federal and state crimes is the government charging you with the crime: the state or federal government. Both the federal government and each of the 50 states have a specific set of laws along with their own law enforcement systems.

If you’ve been accused of violating state law, the state government will prosecute you. On the other hand, if the accusation stems from the alleged violation of federal law, the federal government will handle the case.

The federal government is interested in prosecuting certain crimes because of their potential to significantly impact society if left unpunished. Crimes in this category include:

1. The crime involves multiple states. For example, transporting goods from Indiana to Illinois involves interstate commerce.
2. The defendants accused of committing the crime live in multiple states. For example, suppose numerous people across the country are conspiring or acting together. In that case, it can be problematic for a single state to have the authority to hear and decide the matter, so the federal court will have jurisdiction.
3. A federal government agency is investigating the crime. There are hundreds of federal agencies, but some of the most well-known include the IRS, DEA, FBI, EPA, and other agencies at the federal level.
4. The crime occurred on federal property. Examples of federal property could include military bases, government buildings, national parks, tribal land, or even a bank with FDIC insurance.
5. The crime involves a network or large operation. Larger-scale activities can pique the interest of a federal agency.
6. The crime is severe enough to warrant federal attention. Examples include weapons charges, drug trafficking, violent crimes (including murder and sex crimes), white-collar and financial crimes, computer crimes, some types of fraud, terrorism, civil rights violations, and organized crime. Typically, a crime is classified as a federal offense when there is a connection between state lines, such as interstate commerce or travel, and the crime in question. State crimes, by contrast, tend to involve crimes committed entirely within a single state. They are investigated by local law enforcement and prosecuted in a state court. There can be some overlap between state and federal crimes. Drug trafficking, theft, bank robberies, and homicide, for example, could be tried in state or federal court. It all depends on who initiates the charges based on the circumstances of the allegations. It is also possible for the same crime to be charged at both the state and federal levels. You could be called into court twice to defend yourself in separate trials when this occurs. Working with an experienced federal offenses lawyer is critical to ensure your rights are protected at all steps of the process.

Do You Need a Federal Criminal Defense Attorney?

The short answer to this question is yes, and the sooner you retain an attorney, the better. You should act as soon as you know a federal investigation is underway. Having an attorney at this phase can help you avoid incriminating yourself.

Your attorney can also act as an advocate, advising you on how to answer interview questions and formulating strategies in advance if formal charges are brought. Every case is unique, but if you can retain an attorney before any official charges are brought, you can sway circumstances in your favor, including the possibility of dismissing charges.

If you’ve been arrested and charged, you already know that you need a defense attorney, and you should seek out an attorney with direct experience in federal law. Mark Worthley is well-versed in all matters relating to the federal court system and can provide qualified counsel, no matter how complex the case.

Discovering That You Are the Target of a Federal Criminal Investigation

The most obvious way to become aware that you’re being investigated is when a federal agent arrests you. Still, it’s also highly likely that a case has been established against you months (or years) in advance, and the agency waited until they felt they had enough evidence to make an arrest and get a conviction to stick.

Another telltale sign is if a federal agent has gotten a warrant to search your home or business. Alternatively, an agent can leave a business card at your residence or place of business, or an agent may reach out to you by phone to request a meeting. You may also receive correspondence in the form of a Target Letter, which, as the name suggests, notifies you that you are the target of an investigation.

Even without these signals, you could be being investigated without realizing it. Often, these investigations are conducted in secret, so you may not know an investigation is underway until you receive correspondence or are arrested. However, suppose a friend, colleague, or other associate informs you that they’ve been questioned or searched in connection with your activities. In that case, you can be confident that formal notice is likely imminent.

If you get an advanced warning that you’re being investigated, this can be a good thing. Being aware of the potential of being charged with a federal offense allows you to retain an attorney early who can work with federal prosecutors to influence the outcome of your case significantly. Depending on the situation and the evidence compiled against you, your attorney may be able to have the charges dismissed outright.

What Not To Do When Charged with a Federal Crime

Facing criminal charges could be the scariest and most stressful situation you will ever experience. While easier said than done, you must keep a calm and logical head. Though these tips won’t necessarily help you win your case, not following them is sure to cause damage that could be difficult to overcome:

1. Do not panic. When we’re feeling stressed, we tend to make bad choices. It’s not easy to control panic in this situation but avoid acting impulsively, which could lead to you making an incriminating mistake.
2. Avoid speaking to a federal agent without consulting a federal criminal defense lawyer. It’s important to remember that the agent(s) is not your friend, even if they seem cordial.
3. Do not destroy evidence. While it’s a natural impulse to use a paper shredder or your computer’s recycle bin, you may face additional charges if you get caught. Sometimes, the coverup may be judged more harshly than the original offense.

How To Choose the Right Federal Offenses Lawyer

If you’ve visited this website and have gotten to this point of the page, you are likely in the depths of research. As you look around and evaluate your options, we’ve outlined five strategies to help you choose a federal offenses lawyer with the necessary experience to represent you.

1. Look for experience in criminal law, specifically federal defense. This might seem obvious, but it’s not uncommon for someone to Google a criminal attorney in their area and then begin the consultation process without understanding what type of law the attorney practices or where their experience lies.
2. Read the reviews. Look for attorneys who have had success with other cases similar to yours. You can review the testimonials on the attorney’s website and read what’s been written on Yelp and Google reviews. It’s also a good idea to check Avvo, which shares information about the attorneys’ practice areas.
3. Interview the attorney. Before committing to an attorney, make sure you interview them. You may even decide to consult with two or three lawyers to compare notes. It’s important to find an attorney who speaks to you respectfully and in terms you can understand, not legalese.
4. Ask about the attorney’s communication style. Communication between you and your attorney is necessary, so make sure there are no barriers. Attorney availability is also an essential factor to consider. Here at Worthley Law, we are known for being available on evenings and weekends to serve our clients. Being kept up to date by your attorney is also vital.
5. Find out how and when you’ll be updated on case developments. Will you have to reach out for updates, or will they be provided proactively? If you have questions, how quickly can you expect an answer?
6. Inquire about rates. The rates attorneys charge fluctuate, and there can be vast variations between offices, even in the same city. Whether you have decided money is no object when it comes to your freedom, or you have more practical constraints, you’ll want to discuss finances with your attorney. There are different ways to structure the financial agreement, including flat fees, hourly, and payment plans. Keep in mind that the most expensive option isn’t always the best. The most critical factors in evaluating a lawyer are the attorney’s track record and communication style.

Contact a Valparaiso Federal Criminal Defense Attorney Today

No matter what federal charges you are facing, do not try to proceed without the assistance of an experienced federal offenses lawyer. A federal conviction can come with severe penalties beyond a prison sentence, including substantial fines and the loss of certain privileges that can diminish your quality of life. Call Worthley Law today for a free consultation.