Utah Federal Criminal Defense Attorney
Indicted for a federal crime? If so, the stakes are high. Utah Federal Criminal Defense Attorney James Esparza is available to help you protect your freedom and future.
When your life hangs in the balance of the criminal justice system, call and speak with Utah Federal Criminal Defense Attorney James Esparza.
Federal prosecutors have unlimited discretion in how they charge a crime because there are thousands of federal regulations and thousands of federal laws that can be used to charge someone with a federal crime. Many of the offenses are clear but many are vague. This discretion along with biased discovery rules that favor the government, the failure to disclose exculpatory information, which happens all to frequently, and Federal Sentencing Guidelines it may seem hopeless. However, we can help.
Federal Criminal Indictment
When an investigation is completed by a law enforcement agency the case is presented to the United States Attorney, District of Utah. The U.S. Attorney will screen the case and present it to a grand jury. In the grand jury hearing, the U.S. Attorney will present some evidence, including hearsay. Then the U.S. Attorney will request that the grand jury issue an indictment. Most often, a defendant will be unaware that they have been indicted. Typically, if you have been indicted for a federal crime you will not know of your indictment until you are arrested.
Once indicted a defendant will likely be detained until a hearing is held before a U.S. Magistrate. The hearing is designed to determine if a set of conditions can be created for release of a defendant pending the outcome of the court proceedings. In some circumstances, there is a presumption that no conditions exist that would guarantee the appearance of a defendant or the safety of the community. In such situations the defendant is held in custody pending conclusion of the case.
When a defendant makes the initial appearance, time limits start and a case will work its way through federal court.
Charged with a Federal Crime? What Do You Do?
You push back by hiring the best Utah federal criminal defense attorney you can. An attorney such as James Esparza can help you assess and challenge the evidence federal prosecutors have.
When your freedom is at stake call Utah Federal Criminal Defense Attorney James Esparza at 801.272.9100
Utah Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer
If you learn that you are the target of a federal criminal investigation you need to act quickly and seek the services of federal criminal defense attorney James Esparza before you speak to any law enforcement officer, including agents with the FBI, DEA, IRS or US Marshall’s Office. You do not have speak with law enforcement personnel.
Federal Criminal Defense Practice Areas
As a trusted criminal attorney, James Esparza has experience defending clients facing federal criminal charges, including:
- White Collar Crimes
- Drug Pipeline Cases
- Drug Distribution
- Mail, Wire & Securities Fraud
- Tax fraud or Tax evasion
- Money Laundering
If you need federal criminal representation for pre-trial matters, such as grand jury subpoenas and pre-indictment representation, we can help you.
Need assistant negotiating reduced charges, plea deals, or federal jury trial, sentencing or post-conviction representation we can help you navigated the federal criminal justice system.
James Esparza represents clients in the United States District Court for the District of Utah, Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals, the United States Supreme Court and other Federal District Courts. Our clients are teachers, business owners, police officers and professionals who find themselves in difficult situations. Complete our online form to set a time for a confidential appointment. If you need immediate attention, call 801.272.9100.
Our Philosophy
When facing federal criminal charges you need an experienced attorney. An attorney who works hard and one that cares for you and your family. If you select James Esparza to represent you in a federal criminal case, we start by assessing the facts, piece by piece, detail by detail, conducting an independent investigation, and interviewing witnesses, where possible. You will be advised of each significant development. The goal is to prepare for trial. However, not all cases are suited for trial. When this occurs, we will work to help our clients obtain the lowest possible sentence focusing on developing and establishing mitigating facts.
Protect your freedom, future and family. Call James Esparza at 801.272.9100 for a confidential strategy consultation.
Representative Cases
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U.S.A. v. Walker, 941 F.2d 1086 (Tenth Cir. 1991), 933 F2d 812 (10th Cir. 1991)
- Possession with Intent to Distribute Controlled Substance, 69 Kilos of Cocaine.
- Motion to Suppress Granted.
- Important constitutional case involving 4th Amendment, Unreasonable Search and Seizure.
U.S. v. Robinson, 39 F.3d 1115 (10th Cir. 1994)
- Possession with the Intent to Distribute Controlled Substance, 13 Kilos of Cocaine.
- Motion for New Trial – Granted Failure of Prosecution to Disclose Exculpatory Evidence.
- New Trial – Not Guilty – Significant failure to disclose exculpatory information and eyewitness identification.
U.S. v. Fabela-Garcia, 753 F. Supp 326 (1989)
- Possession with Intent to Distribute Controlled Substance, 12 Kilos of Cocaine.
- Motion to Suppress Evidence Granted – Unreasonable Search and Seizure.
U.S.A. v. Burrell, et al.
- Possession with Intent to Distribute Controlled Substance, 15 Kilos of Cocaine.
- Motion to Suppress Evidence Granted – Unreasonable Search and Seizure.
U.S.A. v. Identity Withheld
- Multiple Count Mail & Wire Fraud Indictment
- Not guilty verdict.
State of Utah v. Identity Withheld
- Search and seizure issue with charges dismissed after motion to suppress.
State of Utah v. Identity Withheld
- First Degree Felony –
- Motion to Exclude Evidence Granted – Charges Dismissed
- Challenge to eyewitness identification
State of Utah v. Identity Withheld
- Automobile homicide, plea disposition resulting in no prison sentence.