Some Providence criminal defense attorneys handle federal cases in U.S. District Court at the John O. Pastore Federal Building, but federal practice requires separate admission to the federal bar and familiarity with federal procedural rules, the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, and federal investigative agencies (DEA, FBI, ATF, IRS-CID). If you face federal charges, ask specifically whether the attorney has federal criminal experience. State criminal practice and federal criminal practice differ significantly. An attorney without federal experience can refer you to a colleague who specializes in federal work, often within the same Providence legal community.
