WHEN DECIDING WHICH ATTORNEY I SHOULD HIRE DOES IT MAKE A DIFFERENCE IF I AM CHARGED IN FEDERAL COURT?

Yes. There is a substantial difference between the practice and procedures in federal court as opposed to state court. Federal court is a much more formal atmosphere with strict deadlines and also involves more written "pleadings" than state court. As explained below, sentencing in federal court is done using complex sentencing guidelines that the judge is often bound to follow. The legal fees charged to defend a case in federal court are also significantly higher than the legal fees to defend a case in state court. If you are charged with a crime in federal court, always make sure that your attorney has had extensive experience practicing in federal court and does not practice primarily in state court. David Finn is a former federal prosecutor. He knows the federal system.