Kansas Federal Criminal Attorney
If you are under investigation for a federal crime, you should contact an attorney as soon as possible. The time to fight federal criminal charges is before you are indicted by a grand jury. Once you are formally charged, it is very difficult to persuade prosecutors to drop charges.
I am Jackie Rokusek, a criminal defense lawyer who represents people on federal charges in the Kansas City area, including Kansas and Missouri. I defend clients in both the U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas and the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri. I represent clients who face all types of federal charges, including:
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Child pornography
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Computer crimes
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Identity theft
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Mail and wire fraud
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Bank robbery
Before I became a defense attorney, I was a Special U.S. Attorney focusing on methamphetamine laboratories and gun offenses. In this position, I gained experience in the area of Title III wiretap investigations, federal investigations, and federal motion and trial work. I worked directly with the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS), the United States Postal Service (USPS), and other federal agencies.
Whenever you are charged with a federal crime, you face the possibility of significant prison time. Your freedom is at stake, and the services of an attorney who understands the federal sentencing guidelines and federal prosecutors are a valuable asset.
If there is a defense in your federal criminal case, I will find it. I would never encourage a client to plead guilty on a federal charge when there is an opportunity for a dismissal or an acquittal.
Bond
Every defendant charged with a federal crime must appear before a magistrate judge who will determine whether you will be released on bond or held in custody pending trial. Most federal drug charges carry a presumption for detention pending trial, however that presumption can be rebutted. You must hire an experienced federal attorney who knows the federal code and knows what factors are relevant as it relates to your freedom pending trial.
Initially, you will be required to meet with a pretrial services officer (a branch of the federal probation department) who will gather information from you and compile a report for the court, the prosecutor and your attorney. The information in that report can dictate whether you are released from custody. You should have an attorney present at the meeting or immediately thereafter. Do not put your freedom in the hands of an inexperienced federal lawyer. My experience as a federal prosecutor gives me insight as to what personal information could assist you in your quest to be released from custody. Federal criminal law is not the same as state criminal law. There is more at stake - namely your freedom.
Investigating the Alleged Crime
You have been, or expect to be, indicted in federal court. What you may not understand is that the investigation was likely an ongoing matter with local and/or federal agencies working with a number of investigative tools, to include wiretaps, pole cameras, undercover officers, confidential informants, surveillance and pen registers (tracking phone numbers between individuals or groups). This is a non-exhaustive list of the tools that federal agencies have at their fingertips. When approached by law enforcement to discuss your involvement, do not speak with law enforcement without first contacting an attorney. Invoke your Fifth Amendment privilege against self-incrimination and say nothing. An experienced attorney can protect your rights. Do not trust law enforcement - remember, it is legal for a law enforcement officer to lie to or mislead you. Trust your instincts and call an experienced federal attorney immediately.
Experienced Federal attorneys are familiar with the most recent case law. We also have access to resources and materials due to our focus on this area of the law and the contacts we have developed to assist you in every aspect of the case.
Your defense is too important to be left to an inexperienced lawyer. Contact me, criminal attorney Jackie Rokusek, if you have been charged, or think you are about to be charged with a federal crime in the Kansas City area.
