Where do I begin with a federal criminal case?
Start with the documents you have and the stage of the matter. I want to know whether you are under investigation, have been charged or already have a hearing scheduled. A federal case should be assessed using its own paperwork and applicable rules rather than assumptions drawn from a state court proceeding.
My practice includes federal court in the District of Arizona. The court publishes local rules, including rules of criminal procedure, that form part of the governing framework. I look at the actual case and current requirements before discussing the work needed. The first call lets me hear your concerns and explain what still needs examination.
District of Arizona: current local court rulesChris's confirmed client inputs, October 22, 2026
Why does the particular federal charge matter?
A federal accusation needs attention to the offense alleged and the evidence offered for it. I read the charging document and examine the state's or government's account in the discovery. The fact that a case is federal does not eliminate the need to understand each allegation and the legal questions it raises.
The District of Arizona's published criminal rules are a starting reference for its local practice, not a summary of every rule that may apply. I explain procedural questions in the context of the case and the documents involved. I do not assume that a step in an Arizona state case has the same requirements in federal court.
How I handle a federal criminal matter
Once hired, I obtain the police report and other discovery, identify legal issues and consider interviews and motions. I compare the alleged conduct with the available evidence and explain what is known and what remains uncertain. I want you to understand the questions the file presents before we discuss a proposed resolution.
I also present defenses and mitigation and work with the prosecution. If there are plea discussions, I explain the options and the decision about trial. Mitigation is information about you and your circumstances that may matter in resolving the case. I will be direct about the advice and will not predict a result from a charge label.
Chris's confirmed client inputs, October 22, 2026District of Arizona: current local court rules
What information is useful on the first call?
Tell me the court identified on any documents, whether there has been an appearance and what date is approaching. You can also call before a charge has been filed. I will be clear about the limits of that first conversation because I do not yet have the discovery or all the facts needed for an assessment.
People sometimes call because they are considering a change in representation, and parents may call for a son or daughter. I listen to where the case stands and explain how I work. The consultation is free, usually the same day, and I discuss my flat fee on that call. After hours, leave a voicemail.
Chris's confirmed client inputs, October 22, 2026
General information only. This practice-page draft requires Chris's review before publication.
