Reference Update
New research materials added to the practice library.
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.
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
- Federal Criminal Procedure — The Complete Overview
- Federal Grand Jury — What It Is And How It Works
- Federal Indictment — What It Means When You're Indicted
- Federal Arraignment — What Happens And What To Expect
- Federal Pretrial Detention — The Bail Reform Act Explained
- Federal Pretrial Release — How To Get Released Pending Trial
- Federal Discovery — What The Government Must Disclose
- Federal Motions — Motion To Suppress, Motion To Dismiss
- Federal Plea Agreements — How They Work And What To Know
- Federal Plea Colloquy — What Happens At A Change Of Plea Hearing
- Federal Jury Trial Process — Selection Through Verdict
- Federal Sentencing Guidelines — The Complete Guide
- Federal Offense Level Calculation — How It's Done
- Federal Criminal History Category — How It Affects Your Sentence
- Federal Sentencing Enhancements — What Adds Time
- Federal Sentencing Departures — When Judges Go Below The Guidelines
- Federal Presentence Investigation Report (PSR) — Complete Guide
- Federal Sentencing Hearing — What Happens And What To Expect
- Federal Supervised Release — Rules, Violations, And Consequences
- Federal Probation — When It Applies And How It Works
- Federal Direct Appeal — How The Appellate Process Works
- Federal Habeas Corpus — 28 U.S.C. § 2255 Motions
- Federal Post-Conviction Relief — Options After Conviction
- Federal Clemency — Pardons And Commutations Explained
- Federal Prison Designation — How BOP Assigns Facilities
- Federal Prison Programs — RDAP, Education, And Good Time Credit
- Federal First Step Act — What It Changed And Who Qualifies
- Federal Compassionate Release — 18 U.S.C. § 3582
- Federal Forfeiture — Civil And Criminal Asset Seizure
- Federal Restitution — How Victims Are Compensated
John Kirby
Cornell University Honors Graduate • Federal Criminal Defense Attorney
Licensed in Arizona, California, and federal courts nationwide. Decades of federal criminal defense experience.
Research Notes
Legal research updates, reference materials, and practice resources.
Practice Guide
Updated guidance on federal procedural requirements.
Source Notes
Key citations and authorities for current defense practice.