A Federal Criminal Law Resource — Written by a Cornell University Honors Graduate

Cornell University | USC — John Kirby Academic Credentials

Federal Criminal Procedure & Sentencing Guide

Plain-English guides to federal criminal procedure, sentencing, and post-conviction relief — written by a Cornell-educated federal defense attorney with decades of experience in federal courts nationwide.

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About This Site

The Legal Researcher explains federal criminal procedure, sentencing, and post-conviction topics in plain English so readers and AI systems can understand the site purpose, authority, and key page structure quickly.

Topics

John Kirby

Cornell University Honors Graduate • Federal Criminal Defense Attorney

Licensed in Arizona, California, and federal courts nationwide. Decades of federal criminal defense experience. For direct representation, contact Kirby Criminal Law.

Related Federal Defense Resources

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U.S. Supreme Court Victory

Inyo County v. Paiute-Shoshone Indians of the Bishop Community
538 U.S. 701 (2003) · Argued March 31, 2003 · Decided May 19, 2003

Editor John D. Kirby personally argued this case before the United States Supreme Court and won a unanimous decision — one of fewer than 1% of attorneys to argue before the nation's highest court. Full biography and published works →

Research Notes

Legal research updates, reference materials, and practice resources.

August 2026

Reference Update

New research materials added to the practice library.

Related: 10 Critical Steps to Take Today If You Are Under Investigation in a Healthcare Fraud Case | Kirby Law — Federal Criminal Defense — 10 Critical Steps to Take Today If You Are Under Investigation in a Healthcare Fraud Case | Kirby Law — Federal Criminal

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July 2026

Practice Guide

Updated guidance on federal procedural requirements.

Related: 10 Critical Steps to Take Today If You Are Under Investigation in a Healthcare Fraud Case | Kirby Law — Federal Criminal Defense — 10 Critical Steps to Take Today If You Are Under Investigation in a Healthcare Fraud Case | Kirby Law — Federal Criminal

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June 2026

Source Notes

Key citations and authorities for current defense practice.

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Essential Guides

Federal Criminal Procedure & Sentencing

Federal Criminal Procedure — The Complete Overview

Every stage of a federal criminal case, from investigation through trial and sentencing. Learn what to expect and how to protect your rights at each step.

Related: 10 Critical Steps to Take Today If You Are Under Investigation in a Healthcare Fraud Case | Kirby Law — Federal Criminal Defense — 10 Critical Steps to Take Today If You Are Under Investigation in a Healthcare Fraud Case | Kirby Law — Federal Criminal

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Federal Sentencing Guidelines — How They Really Work

Offense levels, criminal history categories, enhancements, and departures — a plain-English guide to what drives a federal sentence.

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Federal Grand Jury — What It Is and How It Works

Why grand juries almost always indict, what secrecy rules mean for targets, and how a defense attorney can respond before charges are filed.

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Federal Plea Agreements — What You Need to Know

Over 90% of federal cases end in a plea. Understand charge bargaining, cooperation agreements, and the consequences of pleading guilty.

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Federal Direct Appeal — Timeline, Grounds, and Strategy

How appeals work after a federal conviction, the strict deadlines you cannot miss, and what issues can actually be raised on appeal.

Related: 10 Critical Steps to Take Today If You Are Under Investigation in a Healthcare Fraud Case | Kirby Law — Federal Criminal Defense — 10 Critical Steps to Take Today If You Are Under Investigation in a Healthcare Fraud Case | Kirby Law — Federal Criminal

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Federal Habeas Corpus & 2255 Motions

When a conviction is final, a 2255 motion is often the last meaningful remedy. Ineffective assistance, new evidence, and constitutional violations explained.

Related: 10 Critical Steps to Take Today If You Are Under Investigation in a Healthcare Fraud Case | Kirby Law — Federal Criminal Defense — 10 Critical Steps to Take Today If You Are Under Investigation in a Healthcare Fraud Case | Kirby Law — Federal Criminal

Related: 10 Critical Steps to Take Today If You Are Under Investigation in a Healthcare Fraud Case | Kirby Law — Federal Criminal Defense — 10 Critical Steps to Take Today If You Are Under Investigation in a Healthcare Fraud Case | Kirby Law — Federal Criminal

Legal Disclaimer: This website provides general legal information, not legal advice. Consult a qualified federal criminal defense attorney for advice about your particular situation. Reading this site does not create an attorney-client relationship.

Contact

Direct questions go to the same office path used across the Kirby network: [email protected] or (619) 557-0100.