Skilled WI Attorney Handles Federal Court Litigation
Milwaukee law firm represents clients in civil and criminal matters
Since most criminal trials and civil lawsuits are prosecuted in state courts, the majority of practicing attorneys never even enter federal court. If you are charged with a federal crime or face a lawsuit where federal jurisdiction applies, you need an attorney who is more than simply acquainted with U.S. law and federal rules of procedure. At Law Offices of Thomas E. Hayes, I litigate cases in the federal court system. I understand the many nuances, advantages and disadvantages of federal court and am prepared to represent you in matters related to:
- Federal criminal defense
- Civil lawsuits filed in federal court
- State court lawsuits where removal to federal court is permissible
Criminal defense from an advocate who understands the special rules and procedures of federal court
If you are accused of a crime that violates a statute passed by Congress, you will be tried in federal court. Crimes against federal agencies such as the Securities and Exchange Commission (e.g., securities fraud), U.S. Treasury (e.g., counterfeiting), Environmental Protection Agency (e.g., toxic waste dumping), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (e.g., gun-running) and Drug Enforcement Agency (e.g., drug smuggling) are federal crimes, as are crimes that cross state lines, such as moving a kidnap victim from one state to another. Crimes that use a federal agency, such as the U.S. Postal Service, to perpetrate an illegal act are likewise federal. I understand federal criminal law and all aspects of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, including:
- Federal Bail Reform Act
- Motions to compel discovery
- Federal Sentencing Guidelines
Don’t give the federal prosecutor an added advantage. Retain an experienced federal criminal defense attorney.
Civil litigator advises clients on cases tried in federal court
Some civil lawsuits can and should be filed in federal court. If you are the plaintiff, you can file in federal court for several reasons, including:
- Diversity – If the issue falls under state law, but the parties are from different states, the federal court will hear the case but apply state law in adjudicating.
- Constitutional question – The case must raise some issue under the U.S. Constitution.
- Civil rights claims – State law may be sufficient, but federal law also permits civil suits.
- Federal Sector Employment Law including EEOC, NLRB and MSPB
A defendant in a state court lawsuit may also remove the case to federal court if jurisdiction exists. Attorneys who are unfamiliar with the federal system may be overly wary. Their hesitation may prevent clients from receiving numerous benefits. Depending on the state in question, federal court may offer:
- More favorable discovery rules
- Judges more experienced with complex cases
- A more neutral forum
- Favorable precedent binding on the court
- The right to jury trial for specific cases
- Speedier trial
- A broader jury pool
An experienced federal court litigator will fully explain why your case should be filed federally or removed from the state court to the federal.
Contact an established and successful federal court litigation law firm
To schedule a consultation with Law Offices of Thomas E. Hayes, call 414-323-2475 or contact the firm online. My office is conveniently located in Milwaukee and represents clients throughout Wisconsin.
