Prosecutorial Offices and Judges

While cases and investigations are initiated with a Federal agency and Special Agents, they cannot proceed to court without the approval and involvement of Federal prosecutors who work in one of the 93 United States Attorney’s Offices throughout the country. Assistant U.S. Attorneys get involved in virtually all Federal criminal investigations and prosecutions. The AUSAs are typically the ones who determine what charges are brought, negotiate plea agreements and represent the government in court and at trial. Nationwide, there are approximately 10,000 Federal civil and criminal prosecutors.

• Federal Law Enforcement: From the FBI to the US Attorney & Their Respective Roles

The headquarters of the Department of Justice (“DOJ”) is also called “Main Justice.” The head of the DOJ is the Attorney General. Eric Holder has been the Attorney General since he was appointed to the position by President Obama in 2009. Trial Attorneys at Main Justice often get involved in criminal investigations throughout the country. Main Justice is divided into various sections – such as the Fraud Section, Antitrust, Organized Crime, and the like. Typically, trial attorneys from Main Justice get involved in larger, nationwide investigations involving white collar fraud, Mail Fraud, Wire Fraud, Healthcare Fraud, Bank Fraud, Securities Fraud, Identity Theft, Public Corruption, international drug dealing, or violent criminal acts.

• The Federal Court Process from Arrest to Potential Sentence
• Understanding the Federal Arrest Process: The Importance of Knowledgeable Counsel

• Understanding the Federal Bail Process

Magistrate Judges work for and are appointed by federal District Court Judges. They are responsible for conducting preliminary proceedings in criminal cases; trial and disposition of misdemeanor cases; conduct of various pretrial matters and evidentiary proceedings on delegation from the judges of the district court; and trial and disposition of civil cases upon consent of the litigants. Typically, Magistrate Judges are the judges who authorize search and arrest warrants, establish bail and conduct criminal arraignments. Nationwide, there are approximately 600 Magistrate Judges.

• The Federal Districts

Federal District Court Judges are appointed for life by the President. They serve in one of the 93 federal Judicial Districts. There are approximately 675 federal District Court Judges. They are responsible for overseeing all federal civil and criminal cases. They preside over all aspects of the case, from arrest through trial and sentencing.

• From Witness to Target: Potential Exposure & Consequences of a Federal Investigation
• Federal White Collar Crimes
• Federal Arrest Warrants: What it Means and Your Next Steps
• Federal White Collar Crimes
• Federal Sentencing Guidelines: Understanding Your Criminal Exposure

Call the Federal criminal lawyers and former prosecutors at (212) 312-7129 or contact us online today.