I've been doing federal criminal defense now for the past 27 years, and I think one of the most powerful traits that the best criminal defense attorneys have is a well-rounded background as it relates to defending federal criminal cases. That means:
- understanding how prosecutors deal with cases,
- understanding how judges deal with cases, and
- understanding what it takes for a defense attorney to be successful in a federal case.
Whether the case is going to trial or whether it is going to be resolved through a plea agreement, successfully handling federal cases requires time, experience, and a certain skill set.
Not all defense attorneys can handle federal cases. In fact, it's a rare skill set. Most attorneys focus on state cases, making the percentage of those who handle federal cases even smaller.
Probably 10% of the attorneys that practice federal also practice state criminal defense.
Skilled Litigator with Federal Crimes
Another important point when assessing the traits of a good criminal defense attorney at the federal level is whether that attorney can try a case and win it.

Because if the attorney is not a skilled litigator, I think that shows up when it comes time to negotiate a case that should be negotiated. Those skilled litigators are able to point out problems and weaknesses with the prosecutor's case in their negotiations.
If an attorney hasn't successfully won federal cases or can't try them, it's a red flag. A successful track record in federal cases is essential for effective plea bargaining with the government.
Obviously, you want somebody who can argue on your behalf. I can tell you right now, having done many federal criminal sentencings throughout the years, that if you're not ready to argue, these federal judges will take apart your attorney.
They will take advantage of your attorney and that means they're taking advantage of the criminal defendants.
You have to be ready to stand up for your client, argue the right points, and don't argue points that don't make any sense and aren't going to help you because it just makes your argument weaker as it relates to your particular client.
Best Criminal Defense for Federal Crimes
So, if you or a loved one has a federal criminal case anywhere in the nation and you're looking for one of the best federal criminal attorneys, I believe you've come to the right place.
I encourage you to pick up the phone. Ask to speak to Ron Hedding about your case. We'll go over everything. I'm more than happy to meet with you face to face.
If you're out of state or not available to come in at the time, we can certainly have a conversation over the phone. We can really get down to the following:
- what you need in your federal criminal defense attorney,
- what type of a case you have,
- what your history look like, and
- what it's going to take to make you happy in a successful defense of your federal criminal case.
Hedding Law Firm is a top-ranked criminal defense law firm located in Los Angeles County at 16000 Ventura Blvd #1208 Encino, CA 91436.
We serve people in California courts and throughout the United States, including Utah, Arizona, Alabama, Washington, Oregon, and Nevada. Contact our office for a free case evaluation at (213) 542-0994.