How Immunity Works In Federal Criminal Cases

If you’re under investigation for a federal crime, you’re most likely feeling overwhelmed and confused. The beginning stages of your case can be extremely difficult to navigate alone, which is why you should secure the services of a premier federal defense attorney. The team at Grabel & Associates has over 15 years of experience in Michigan law, and is considered one of the top criminal defense firms in the state. We are committed to defending your wellbeing and will do everything in our power to ensure you have the best possible shot at receiving your desired results. We promise to explore every legal option available, including immunity, sentencing and plea options, or the possibility of victory in court to ensure we have developed an approach that will set you up for success. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you in your federal criminal case. We are available 24/7 to provide a free initial case consultation and answer any questions you may have. Contact us online to set up an appointment here.

What is Immunity in Federal Cases?

If you’re involved in a federal criminal case and have information that the government could use, you may enter into immunity negotiations. The definition of immunity varies case by case, but in general, it refers to exception from some or all forms of penalties, in exchanging for offering information. Your lawyer will review the details of your case and hear your side of the story to determine if immunity negotiation will be a wise course of action for you as you progress through an investigation. You should never attempt to negotiate with the government without your lawyer, and never speak to investigators without an attorney present. You may end up revealing information that could end up hurting your case, and may miss out on the opportunity to negotiate a better deal. If you’re interested in learning more about immunity in federal criminal cases, contact Grabel & Associates now.

The Three Types of Immunity in Federal Criminal Cases

Generally speaking, there are three types of immunity in federal criminal cases. The first type of immunity is proffer letter immunity. A proffer letter is a written agreement between you and the federal prosecutor that states that you can tell them all of the information about the case that you have, and they will not use it against you at any point in the case. This is the weakest form of immunity, because while the government cannot use this information against you, they can use it to collect further evidence against you. They may also end up using the information against you if your case goes to court and you say something under oath that contradicts the information you provided before.

The second kind of immunity is an agreement between the government and you that the information you give them will not be used to prosecute you or find further incriminating evidence. This is a stronger form of immunity, because if the government does stumble upon additional information, they must go to an ethics hearing and attempt to prove that the evidence did not originate from the information you provided. Your lawyer will communicate with the government while negotiating this type of immunity, ensuring you receive the treatment you’ve been promised.

The final type of immunity is the strongest of the three. If a federal judge reviews the details of your case and considers your testimony valuable, he or she may order you to speak. Since the Fifth Amendment outlines your right to remain silent, what you say due to a court order cannot be used against you, either directly or indirectly. Your attorney will work to help you understand which of the three types of immunity you are being offered, enabling you to make an informed decision.

Federal Immunity Agreements

An immunity agreement can be extremely valuable in your federal criminal case. Your attorney will review every detail of your situation in an attempt to determine a course of action that will result in your desired case outcome. The team at Grabel & Associates has an extensive understanding of how immunity works in federal criminal cases, allowing our lawyers to guide you through the process and explain every step along the way. We believe in putting the power in your hands, so you have complete control of your future. Reach out to us today to learn more about how our top-tier attorneys can assist you in your federal criminal case.

Contact Us for 24/7

The sooner you connect with a skilled defense attorney, the better your chances are of receiving the best results available. We are available by telephone or via our online contact form 24/7, so you can start building your defense strategy as soon as possible. Call us at 1-800-342-7896 to receive a free initial case consultation and to get connected with an attorney who can guide you through the initial stages of your case. We value your future and are willing to do whatever it takes to ensure you have the best shot at being successful in your federal criminal case.