Navigating Federal Criminal Defense with Attorney William Kroger: Jeffrey’s Story

Facing federal charges can be a daunting experience given the complexity of the legal system and the severe consequences that can arise. Federal crimes often involve intricate legal nuances and require a defense that is both deeply knowledgeable and strategically aggressive. Jeffrey, a client who faced federal drug charges in Los Angeles County, provides a compelling testimonial about his experience with Attorney William Kroger, a seasoned federal crimes lawyer known for his adept navigation of both state and federal criminal cases.

Jeffrey's Federal Crime Challenges

Jeffrey was implicated in a federal case that could have significantly altered the course of his life. With potential sentences whose severity hinged on the prosecution's portrayal of the case as well as the sentence enhancers—i.e. legal stipulations that increase the harshness of a sentence beyond the base level for a given offense, triggered by specific circumstances or factors associated with the crime—that are typically applied in federal court, Jeffrey needed a defense that could effectively minimize his role and negotiate the complex federal criminal defense landscape. We’ve highlighted some key insights from our conversation with Jeffrey below, and you can read the full interview afterward as well.

Interview Insights

Jeffrey's choice to hire Attorney William Kroger was driven by William Kroger's reputation among the best attorneys in Los Angeles and by his specific expertise as a federal crime lawyer. He first learned of William Kroger through a personal recommendation and immediately sensed that he had made the right choice. Jeffrey recognized not only that Kroger was thoroughly versed in federal law and took a meticulous, proactive approach to defense strategy, but also that he showed genuine care for his clients.

Attorney William Kroger's primary strategy was to challenge the prosecution's narrative, leveraging a scrupulous knowledge of US sentencing guidelines to advocate for a reduced sentence. Remarkably, despite the US Probation Office recommending 30 years and the Assistant United States Attorney recommending 15 to 30 years, Jeffrey was only sentenced to 12, of which he served but 8.5 thanks to William Kroger's intervention.

At the sentencing hearing, William Kroger employed a host of defense tactics, including a deeply impassioned, moving oratory that visibly influenced the judge's decision, showcasing his skill in federal court dynamics. His approach not only demonstrated his expertise but also his sincere investment, passion, and commitment to his clients' best interests.

William Kroger's existing relationships within the legal community, including with the very prosecutor assigned to Jeffrey’s case, facilitated a more civil and less adversarial process. This rapport was crucial in negotiating down potential sentence enhancers and guarding against more hostile tactics the prosecution could well have resorted to, ultimately ensuring a more favorable outcome for Jeffrey.

A pivotal piece of advice from William Kroger to Jeffrey was to "never talk to cops”—a strategy that preserved Jeffrey's rights and positioned his defense more favorably during proceedings.

The culmination of William Kroger's defense efforts resulted in Jeffrey receiving a significantly reduced sentence, especially in light of sentencing norms in the federal system.

The outcome significantly impacted Jeffrey's life, allowing him to return home much sooner to rebuild his life—a testament to the profound impact of effective legal representation in federal criminal cases.

Jeffrey's experience with Attorney William Kroger highlights the importance of having an experienced federal crimes lawyer when facing federal charges. William Kroger's ability to gracefully navigate the complexities of federal law, his strategic use of defense tactics, and his established relationships within the legal community make him an invaluable asset to his clients. For anyone facing similarly daunting legal challenges, Jeffrey's story underscores why Attorney William Kroger is considered one of the best attorneys in Los Angeles for federal criminal defense.

Get in Touch with a Federal Defense Attorney in Los Angeles

If you are facing a federal crime charge and are seeking an attorney, reach out to William Kroger, Attorney at Law, to take advantage of a free consultation at 323-655-5700.

Full Interview

1. How did you come to choose Attorney William Kroger for your legal representation among other federal crime lawyers?

I met Mr. Kroger through a friend’s referral and just instantly knew I was dealing with the right person. Not only was he extremely knowledgeable regarding federal drug laws and how the DEA and other federal law enforcement work, he was just very cool to get to know and I could tell he was very passionate about defending his clients.

2. How would you characterize Attorney William Kroger’s approach to his defense? Do you remember any of the strategies he used to challenge the prosecutor’s case?

Our main strategy was to minimize the government’s vision of how large a player I was and to work to take advantage of the various rules in federal sentencing rules to get me a much lower sentence. The US Probation Office recommended 30 years, and the Assistant United States Attorney recommended 15 and I got away with 12, of which I only served 8.5 due to Mr. Kroger’s help.

3. Could you describe a specific instance where Attorney William Kroger’s defense tactics noticeably shifted the direction of your case?

At my sentencing hearing Mr. Kroger made an impassioned presentation to the judge and you could visibly see how it swayed her decision.

4. How did Attorney William Kroger’s approach to federal criminal defense differ from other lawyers you have worked with? What made him stand out?

Most lawyers want to quickly get you to accept a plea so they can keep your retainer and move on. Mr. Kroger dives deep into a case, looks for any weaknesses in the [government’s] case, and will leverage those to get the best results for his clients. He also has a great working relationship with many prosecutors so they know when he’s speaking on your behalf they can take what he says seriously.

5. How did Attorney William Kroger interact with the prosecution, and what impact do you think it had on your case?

Mr. Kroger knew the prosecutor on my case already and it made the whole situation much more civil and not adversarial. His relationship helped us reduce potential sentencing enhancements and discouraged more aggressive tactics the AUSA could have taken.

6. How did Attorney William Kroger ensure your rights were protected throughout the process?

Mr. Kroger made sure I knew the most important rule, never talk to cops. I kept my mouth shut and waited for him to show up and it made a difference.

7. Were there any key moments in your legal proceedings that stood out to you?

The federal system is very different from state court and it is much more intimidating. Having Mr. Kroger there and seeing the ease and familiarity he had with the system put my anxiety at ease as we went through the process.

8. What were the results of your case, and how did Attorney William Kroger’s defense contribute to these outcomes?

I received a 12 year sentence instead of 15-30 that the government was requesting and only had to serve 8.5 of that which is very low in the federal system.

9. How has the outcome of the case affected your life?

I’m home now much sooner than I otherwise would have been, rebuilding my life and staying out of trouble.

10. To you, what makes Attorney William Kroger one of the best attorneys in Los Angeles, and in particular, a top federal crimes lawyer?

His experience and depth of knowledge. He’s seen it all and nothing shakes him up. Having him in your corner is a no-brainer when your life's on the line.