Federal Criminal Procedure & Sentencing Guide
Reviewed by John D. Kirby, Former U.S. Federal Prosecutor
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.
Reference coverage
The Legal Researcher explains federal criminal procedure, sentencing, and post-conviction topics in plain English.
Essential Guides
Start With These Six
The core reference — every guide cites the statute or rule that controls the topic.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The record
The desk
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.
Last reviewed: 2026-08-19 · The Legal Researcher Editorial Desk
Topics
The Full Reference
Thirty guides from investigation through sentencing, appeal, and post-conviction relief.
Federal Criminal Procedure — The Complete Overview
02Federal Grand Jury — What It Is And How It Works
03Federal Indictment — What It Means When You're Indicted
04Federal Arraignment — What Happens And What To Expect
05Federal Pretrial Detention — The Bail Reform Act Explained
06Federal Pretrial Release — How To Get Released Pending Trial
07Federal Discovery — What The Government Must Disclose
08Federal Motions — Motion To Suppress, Motion To Dismiss
09Federal Plea Agreements — How They Work And What To Know
10Federal Plea Colloquy — What Happens At A Change Of Plea Hearing
11Federal Jury Trial Process — Selection Through Verdict
12Federal Sentencing Guidelines — The Complete Guide
13Federal Offense Level Calculation — How It's Done
14Federal Criminal History Category — How It Affects Your Sentence
15Federal Sentencing Enhancements — What Adds Time
16Federal Sentencing Departures — When Judges Go Below The Guidelines
17Federal Presentence Investigation Report (PSR) — Complete Guide
18Federal Sentencing Hearing — What Happens And What To Expect
19Federal Supervised Release — Rules, Violations, And Consequences
20Federal Probation — When It Applies And How It Works
21Federal Direct Appeal — How The Appellate Process Works
22Federal Habeas Corpus — 28 U.S.C. § 2255 Motions
23Federal Post-Conviction Relief — Options After Conviction
24Federal Clemency — Pardons And Commutations Explained
25Federal Prison Designation — How BOP Assigns Facilities
26Federal Prison Programs — RDAP, Education, And Good Time Credit
27Federal First Step Act — What It Changed And Who Qualifies
28Federal Compassionate Release — 18 U.S.C. § 3582
29Federal Forfeiture — Civil And Criminal Asset Seizure
30Federal Restitution — How Victims Are Compensated
Research Notes
From the Desk
Legal research updates, reference materials, and practice resources.
Reference UpdateNew research materials added to the practice library.
Practice GuideUpdated guidance on federal procedural requirements.
Source NotesKey citations and authorities for current defense practice.
The editorial method
Primary sources. Court opinions. Government sources.
Every guide cites the statute, rule, or opinion that controls the topic.
Primary Sources
Statutes and rules are cited as written — 18 U.S.C., 28 U.S.C., and the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure carry each discussion.
Court Opinions
Decisions are identified by caption and citation so a reader can locate the opinion itself.
Government Sources
Guidelines, policy statements, and official publications are preferred over secondary commentary.
Reference information, not legal advice.
Coverage
City Indexes
Federal criminal law research and legal resources by San Diego County city.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about the reference.
What is Federal Criminal Procedure & Sentencing Guide — The Legal Researcher?
Plain-English guides to federal criminal procedure, sentencing, and post-conviction relief, published by The Legal Researcher.
Read the full answer →What does Federal Criminal Procedure & Sentencing Guide — The Legal Researcher cover?
Sections include: Federal Enforcement Trends: A Deep Dive into DOJ and SEC Actions, The Role of the Sentencing Commission, Comparing Sentencing Trends: White-Collar vs. Violent Crime, Guidelines for Decision-Making: Navigating Federal Enforcement Actions, Trends in Enforcement Actions, Conclusion.
Read the full answer →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.