FEDERAL CRIMES
Federal crimes are prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office and the cases are filed in the federal court. Because of the difference between the state and federal criminal justice systems, it is critical that a person being investigated or who has been charged in federal court obtain the services of an attorney who practices in that court on a regular basis.
Federal charges are filed in an indictment. The filing of an indictment means that the Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) has presented sufficient evidence for a grand jury to find probable cause that a crime has been committed and that the person named committed that crime. At the arraignment in federal court a plea is entered and the AUSA will be asked if detention is sought. If detention is sought, the defendant will be held for up to three days pending a hearing to determine if he or she is either a flight risk or a danger to the community. If an affirmative finding is made on either of those factors the defendant will be held without bail pending trial.
Federal charges are generally very serious. The discovery materials may number in the tens of thousands of pages. The sentencing procedures are very complex. The sentencing procedures require a working knowledge of the sentencing guidelines and current case law. Effective representation in the federal courts requires an understanding of substantive, procedural and sentencing law.
Mr. Metos has defended hundreds of cases in the federal courts. He has experience in dealing with major drug offenses, white collar crimes and racketeering cases. In 2009 he was given the Distinguished Service Award by the Federal bar Association of Utah. That award was given in recognition of service and accomplishment in his practice in the federal courts.