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Budget to defend a federal case

psalm34amen
psalm34amen
My husband's federal defender says she had to put together a budget and get it approved for the defense of my husband's case. She says she requested 2 computer forensic experts and 3 private detectives. She told us last week that her budget was approved. I don't know if that is good news and means anything positive or if its just part of the typical process.
ThoughtAsWeak
ThoughtAsWeak
I would say that is good, she is at least getting experts for his defense. Hubby's attorney called no expert witness (His wasn't federal).
Nakohichi
Nakohichi
My son was federal. I paid for 2 sets of forensics, cost me $2500 each... NOTE - have someone who you trust to do these. Don't use the courts forensics as they will be bias..
I also paid for a psych evaluation $2500. Don't know why you'd need the detectives but then your case is probably different from ours. My son accidentally downloaded a couple cp he never looked at.
My total cost, so far is $145K
I hope it works out for you. I don't trust using any of their people. Just be careful and make sure you get copies of everything you possibly can.
tonydc
tonydc
I would say that is very good news, although it is certainly a part of the process. Try not to let the negativity of others pull you in the wrong direction. At the same time, since your husband's case is obviously ongoing at this point, you must both steel yourselves for the likelihood of a less-than-favorable outcome. US Prosecuting attorneys are not accustomed to losing cases. Not knowing the specifics, it is impossible to predict any outcome in terms of punishment, but the federal system is certainly geared for prison time in the vast majority of instances.

Psalm 34 is a good choice. "I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.
Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.
This poor man called, and the Lord heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles.
The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them".(V 4-7)

Good luck, and God bless you both as you embark on this unpleasant journey. God, and God alone, can wring something good out of these situations. It may not seem that way sometimes, but it is true.

Tony
bakertaylor28
bakertaylor28
This is typical process, as the Court will not allow public defenders to use resources that are not reasonably likely to assist in a defense. This is largely to prevent attorneys from abusing the system to get more public defender pay than what they rightfully deserve. What this tells you: the defense attorney seems to think that there is a weakness in the forensics of the case, and that the defense expects to find evidence to either attack the credibility of police or witnesses at jury trial, or perhaps strategically appoint the crime to someone else. Bottom line is that this means there is a foundation upon which to build a defense.