Differences Between State Court and Federal Court Charges | Houston Criminal Defense
Criminal Charges in Houston
You’ve just learned that you been charged with a crime here in the State of Texas. Are you going to be in State Court or are you going to be in Federal Court and does it make a difference? Hello, my name is Dan Cogdell. I’m a criminal defense lawyer here in Texas.
State Court vs. Federal Court
There’s a huge difference between being charged in State Court and in Federal Court. Probably the most important of which is in Federal Court, the judges are extremely powerful. They are appointed for life. They are nominated by their senators, confirmed by the senate and appointed for life by the President. In Federal Court the judge always determines what the sentence is. In Federal Court generally speaking you’re dealing with much more experienced prosecutors and you’re looking at much more severe penalties.
In State Court often time there’s much greater flexibility in terms of how the cases are handled. In the federal system there is less flexibility, they are more rigged. If you are convicted in Federal Court the sentences almost always result in confinement.
If you need more information call me. I handle cases in State Court and in Federal Court, and you need to hire a lawyer that’s experienced in whatever arena and whatever avenue you’re charged with. Thank you.