Florida and Federal Criminal Defense and Criminal Appeals

Why does it matter if you are charged with a crime in state court or federal court? Federal courts typically (but not always) have harsher penalties than state courts. Federal prosecutors are more likely to have conducted a thorough investigation before bringing charges, developing a strong case over a year or more-while your attorney may have as little as 30 days to get ready for your trial. Whether you will be prosecuted in federal court or state criminal court depends upon the type of crime you have been charged with and the punishments available under state or federal law. On occasion, criminal defendants are charged in both the state and federal systems. If the person is convicted of the federal criminal charge, the state charges are frequently dropped because of the harsher penalties available in federal court.

Pensacola Florida and Federal Criminal Defense Attorney Kenneth R. Ridlehoover

The criminal justice system is complex, even for those who work within it. When the consequences can be so harsh, working with a lawyer who is experienced in the federal system can give you greater confidence that everything possible is being done in your defense.

Federal criminal cases are difficult, but a defense is possible—and you deserve an aggressive, committed defense. Contact my Pensacola criminal defense law office. I'm attorney Kenneth Ridlehoover, and I have been defending people facing Florida and federal felony charges for 30 years.

Work with a Criminal Defense Lawyer Who Is Experienced in Federal Cases

I have more than 1,500 hours of federal jury trial experience. I understand the system and how federal cases are built. I know the kind of investigation that has been done and the kinds of evidence that will be presented. I also know very well the ways in which police and prosecutors can violate people's constitutional rights, such as illegal traffic stops, racial profiling, unconstitutional searches and seizures, and entrapment.

Whatever your situation, I am committed to aggressively defending your constitutional rights and presenting your strongest case for staying out of federal prison.

I defend people facing felony charges in Florida or federal courts in cases involving:

Drug Crimes and Drug-Related Offenses

• Felony drug possession, sale, or distribution 
• Drug or narcotics trafficking of crack, cocaine, methamphetamine, Ecstasy, or other illegal drugs
• Prescription drug fraud involving OxyContin, Vicodin, or other legal drugs being diverted for illegal purposes
• Drug manufacture, such as operating a meth lab, or cultivation of drugs
• Smuggling or drug importation
• Drug conspiracy or VCAR racketeering charges
• Accusation of being a "drug kingpin"
• Racketeering charges under the federal RICO Act and related property forfeitures

Other Federal Crimes 

Federal crimes can include gang-related or other organized crime, gambling-related offenses, many types of fraud, interstate crimes such as kidnapping or violent crimes, public corruption, and many different financial crimes, such as:

• Weapons violations, such as trafficking, possession of illegal firearms, or being a felon in possession of a gun
• Firearms charges added to related felonies, such as a count of felony possession of a firearm while committing another offense
• Armed robbery or bank robbery
• Extortion, bribery, or corruption of a public official
• White collar crimes such as forgery, counterfeiting, embezzlement, or money laundering
• Tax fraud, mail fraud, wire fraud, Medicare or Medicaid fraud, bank fraud, Internet fraud, "phishing schemes," or identity theft
• Securities fraud and insider trading
• Child pornography or human trafficking
• Violations of Patriot Act or other homeland security restrictions

Everyone deserves their day in court and an aggressive, committed defense. Contact my Pensacola law office for a free initial consultation about your criminal defense. I defend people facing criminal charges in Escambia County and Santa Rosa County, and in federal criminal courts.

Work with an Attorney Experienced with the Federal Sentencing Guidelines

All federal criminal sentences are determined under the federal sentencing guidelines, a very complex system. There are a number of complicated issues involved that lawyers who are inexperienced with federal criminal cases may not be aware of.

As your defense attorney guides you through the federal system, there may be opportunities for your lawyer to negotiate with the prosecutor regarding the exact counts you will be charged with. Or, if you and your attorney agree that it is in your best interest to plead guilty, your lawyer might negotiate for a plea agreement that limits your potential fines, jail time, and other consequences. If your attorney does not know the system, these opportunities to advance your interests may be missed.

If you are charged with a federal crime, you need a federal criminal defense attorney experienced with the federal sentencing guidelines. I have been representing criminal defendants for 30 years. Contact my Pensacola law office now for a free consultation about your federal criminal case.

Kenneth R. Ridlehoover
Attorney at Law

900 North Palafox Street
Pensacola, FL 32501
Telephone: (850) 432-3492 ● Fax: (850) 432-4604
Map and Driving Directions ● E-Mail Me

Pensacola, Florida attorney Kenneth Ridlehoover provides a range of legal services for individuals and families, including personal injury, Florida and federal criminal defense, real estate law, and probate. He represents clients throughout the Florida Panhandle in Escambia County and Santa Rosa County, in communities such as Pensacola, West Pensacola, Pensacola Beach, Bellview, Brent, Ferry Pass, Myrtle Grove, Warrington, Pace, Milton, Century, and Jay.