Plea Negotiations

The vast majority of federal charges result in convictions, most of them through guilty pleas. That is because when a conviction appears to be inevitable, most defendants attempt to minimize their losses by pleading guilty. If you have been charged with a crime in federal court and are considering a plea, choosing the right lawyer to negotiate the agreement could be the most important decision you'll make in your case. Whether you eventually serve time in prison, and if so, how long and where, depends to a large degree on the experience and skill of your attorneys in identifying what should and should not be in your plea agreements.

The Law Offices of Alan Ellis limits its practice to representing federal criminal defendants in plea negotiations, sentencing representation and consultation; Rule 35 Motions; prison designation, transfers, disciplinary matters and other problems; direct criminal appeals; 2255 habeas corpus motions and other post conviction remedies; and international prisoner treaty transfer work for foreign inmates and Americans arrested abroad. Since 1968, the firm's attorneys have negotiated with federal prosecutors throughout the country to secure for its clients the lowest possible sentence, and if it is one of incarceration, to be served at the best possible facility, with release at the earliest opportunity. The firm conducts its nationwide practice out of its San Francisco and Philadelphia area offices.

Approximately one-third of my work comes to me from defense attorneys requesting my assistance on cases. Another one-third comes to me from clients, their family or friends who are currently represented by counsel.  These individuals are pleased with their attorneys and simply want me to consult with them to ensure a better result.   Some, however, are concerned with the performance, ability or skills of their current attorney and want me either to consult with them or to actually take over their representation.  The final third of my clientele comes to me directly. With increasing frequency, I am being called upon to consult and assist earlier in the criminal defense process. This is due in no small part to the importance of plea bargaining and the significant recognition that planning and preparation for sentencing, prison placement, and post-conviction remedies must not be relegated to the post-verdict or part-plea stage of the proceedings.

While I cannot guarantee or predict a favorable outcome in any particular case, I will not take a case which I believe has no merit. I will only handle a case if I think the client has a reasonable chance of success. Accordingly, when an individual or his family or friends call us, I require a thorough review of the record before I will agree to represent the person. 

For more information about federal plea negotiations, please contact the Law Offices of Alan Ellis.