Federal criminal defense · RI and MA
Federal Criminal Defense in Rhode Island and Massachusetts
DiLibero & Associates represents people facing federal investigations and criminal charges in the U.S. District Courts for Rhode Island and Massachusetts. From our Providence office, we review the allegation, the evidence, release or detention issues, and the decisions ahead.
A Federal Investigation, Subpoena or Search
You do not need to wait for an arrest to discuss a federal investigation. Keep the complete request, subpoena, warrant or property receipt and identify the agency, recipient and any date shown. Preserve existing records and discuss requests for an interview or production with counsel.
Criminal Rule 17(a) addresses subpoenas for testimony, and Rule 17(c) addresses subpoenas for designated records. Our grand-jury subpoena guide and search-warrant guide explain the separate papers and questions.
Initial Appearance, Arraignment and Detention
In a federal felony case, Rule 5 addresses notice of the accusation, counsel and release or detention. A plea is taken through Rule 10’s arraignment procedure. Check the actual notice and our initial-appearance and arraignment guide.
A detention hearing concerns whether conditions can reasonably assure appearance and safety under 18 U.S.C. § 3142 (official 2024 text), checked alongside the current statutory passage. It does not decide guilt. Counsel reviews the government’s request and a supported release plan; release is not guaranteed. See our detention-hearing guide.
Evidence, Motions and the Charged Offense
We compare each count with the charging statute and the available evidence, examine discovery and supported search or statement issues, and assess the investigation needed for the defense. Relevant records can include recordings, testing, financial documents, electronic evidence and witness accounts.
For charge-specific issues, explore federal drug defense, reading a conspiracy indictment and white-collar investigations and defense. Identify a related state case or forfeiture notice separately.
Plea Decisions, Trial and Sentencing
We discuss the evidence, available motions, a proposed plea, trial preparation and the consequences of each option with the client. A possible resolution must be evaluated against the actual counts and applicable law; another person’s sentence does not settle the outcome.
If sentencing is ahead, Rule 32 governs presentence reports and the objection process. Use our presentence-report guide to organize disputed facts and supporting records. For an existing judgment, seek prompt appeal or post-conviction review of the record and applicable timing.
Discuss the Federal Matter with Our Providence Office
Dylan C. DiLibero, Esq. practices state and federal criminal defense. His listed admissions include the U.S. District Courts for Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Our office is at 130 Dorrance Street in Providence.
For initial screening, provide the person seeking representation, the agency or court, the next known date and the names needed for a conflict check. A brief overview is enough before screening. For a federal civil lawsuit, use our separate federal court representation page.
Federal Criminal Defense Questions
An investigation, a subpoena and a filed criminal charge are different situations. Bring the actual notice and any court papers so counsel can identify the present stage and required response.
No. For a federal felony, Rule 5 addresses the initial appearance and important rights; Rule 10 addresses the charge and plea at arraignment. The actual court notice controls what is scheduled.
Release or detention depends on the statutory grounds, the court’s review and the facts. An initial appearance can lead to a separate detention hearing. A proposed release plan does not guarantee release.
Yes. The firm handles federal criminal matters in the U.S. District Courts for Rhode Island and Massachusetts. Identify the district and next court date when you contact the Providence office.
No. Start with the court or agency, the next known date and the papers you have. We begin with a conflict check and discuss what further records are needed.
Next step
Discuss a Federal Investigation or Charge
Call 401-621-9700 or request a consultation. Identify the court or agency and any approaching date. We check for conflicts before discussing sensitive details.