Tampa Federal Criminal Defense Attorneys are often asked by their clients about what a proffer means and why it can benefit them. Frankly, one of the easiest ways to get a reduced sentence in the Federal Criminal system is by providing substantial assistance to the assigned Assistant United States Attorney. Obviously, the thought of sitting down with Federal Law Enforcement Officers from the Drug Enforcement Agency, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Department of Homeland Security and/or Federal Bureau of Investigation and an Assistant United States Attorney and confess to a multitude of crimes can appear very concerning and scary for a defendant and their attorney. Fortunately, the current system provides several safeguards for criminal defendants concerning Federal Proffers.
First, the United States’ Attorney Office will provide a proffer agreement to the defendant and their attorney. This proffer agreement typically gives the defendant immunity for all things stated during the proffer itself. For example, the Assistant United States Attorney cannot use those specific statements against you during the Government’s case-in-chief. It is worth noting though that the statements can be used against you if you testify differently at trial to impeach your testimony. This agreement is essentially a contract for a Federal Proffer.
Secondly, it is absolutely critical that a Federal criminal defendant be totally honest and forthcoming during these proffer sessions. These proffer sessions are often very intense and intimidating for criminal defendants, but are often necessary to assist with lessening sentences in the Federal system. Tampa Federal Criminal Defense Attorneys often spend a significant amount of time preparing their clients for these proffer sessions to ensure their client are prepared.
If you or someone you know has questions concerning a federal proffer, contact the Tampa Federal Criminal Defense Attorneys of Hackworth Law for a free case consultation. Our office has handled thousands of criminal cases throughout Central Florida. If you would like to contact one of our Tampa Federal Criminal Defense Attorneys immediately, please use the “contact us now” tab in the upper right hand corner of the website. We appreciate you taking the time to check out our Tampa Federal Criminal Defense Attorney blog and look forward to hearing from you.