But how can families in Forney support a loved one facing federal criminal prosecution? Knowing what role you and your family members can play for your loved one can help them get through the daunting process of the federal criminal justice system.
Understanding Federal Criminal Cases in Forney
In Forney, federal criminal prosecutions occur in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas in the federal courthouse in Dallas. Federal crimes typically include offenses that take place across state lines or national borders, occur on federal property or land, affect the financial system or interstate commerce, or involve the use of the postal service or telecommunications systems. Common examples of crimes that may result in federal charges include:
- Drug trafficking
- Human trafficking
- Kidnapping (across state lines)
- Transportation of weapons across borders
- Distribution of child pornography
- Money laundering
- Counterfeiting
- Wire fraud
- Mail fraud
- Securities fraud
- Federal tax evasion
- Violent offenses against federal employees
- Terrorism
Family Support During the Investigation and Arrests
Families can help loved ones during the criminal investigation phase of a federal criminal case and at the time of arrest in various ways, such as obtaining legal representation and providing exonerating evidence, such as alibi evidence. Family members can also provide loved ones with emotional support to help them avoid fear-driven decisions while under investigation, such as destroying or hiding evidence or attempting to flee the state or country.
The Role of Family Support in Pretrial Release and Bond Hearings
After a loved one’s arrest, family members can provide support during initial appearances and bond hearings as they seek pretrial release. Federal judges assess multiple factors in deciding whether to grant pretrial release, including:
- The nature of the charged offense(s)
- The defendant’s criminal history
- The defendant’s history of appearing in court when ordered
- The stability of the defendant’s employment and housing
- The defendant’s family and community ties.
Family members can bolster a loved one’s chances of securing pretrial release by demonstrating to the court that they can provide a stable residence and the support needed to ensure that a defendant will refrain from committing additional offenses and will appear in court as necessary. Families can also highlight the importance of a defendant’s financial and household contributions, which the family would lose with their loved one’s pretrial detention.
Family Influence on Case Preparation
Families can assist loved ones and their legal counsel during the case preparation phase in various ways, such as:
- Locating and preserving relevant documents
- Identifying and locating fact witnesses
- Providing character references and background information for the sentencing phase preparation
A family can also help during federal prosecution by ensuring their loved one complies with pretrial conditions, as any violations may jeopardize pretrial release or reflect negatively upon them during sentencing.
Effect of Family Support at Sentencing
Following a conviction in federal court, a defendant’s family can provide critical emotional support and assistance with preparation during the sentencing phase. Family members can supply the federal court with letters of support or testimony to argue for a more lenient sentence. Such testimony may highlight the defendant’s remorse, efforts at rehabilitation, and the importance of the family’s support. Family members can also provide corroborating testimony for other relevant mitigating factors, such as a defendant’s cognitive or mental health challenges or traumatic aspects of their upbringing.
Contact Our Firm Today
After a loved one’s indictment for federal offenses, you and your family can play a significant role in guiding them through their prosecution. Contact Guest & Gray today for a free, confidential consultation with a criminal defense lawyer to learn more about what a loved one’s federal prosecution may mean for your family and discuss how you can support them through the challenging process of facing federal charges.
