Many clients ask: I have been indicted by the federal government, why should I spend money on a Virginia federal criminal defense lawyer?  One reason is the interpretation and depth knowledge of the United States Sentencing Guidelines. These guidelines are used by the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia for sentencing purposes. There is a high percentage of convictions in the United States District Court in Richmond Virginia.  A competent federal criminal defense lawyer can study the Sentencing Guidelines and find exceptions and downward departures.  These could mean the difference between prison or probation, being subject to deportation, or avoiding a mandatory minimum prison term.