Federal Court Practice

Assault and Assault Family Violence
Capital Murder
Child Pornography
Computer and Internet Crimes
Conspiracy
Criminal Copyright Infringement
Drug Possession and Distribution
DWI
Firearms Violations
Foreign Corrupt Practices Act

Forfeiture
Fraud
Wire and mail fraud
Medicaid Fraud
Medicare Fraud
Murder
Identity Theft
Immigration Offenses
Money Laundering

Perjury and False Statements
The Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO)
Robbery
Sexual Assault Cases
Sex Trafficking
Tax Crimes
Terrorism
Writ of Habeas Corpus
Writ of Certiorari

Pre-Indictment or Investigation Stage

Often times, citizens or corporate entities under investigation receive a grand jury subpoena demanding they produce documents or demanding citizens to appear before a grand jury and give sworn testimony. During this the investigation or pre-indictment phase of a criminal case, an attorney can help their client navigate a potential legal minefield by contacting the investigating agency to work through the logistics and details of complying with an investigation while protecting their client's constitutional rights and interests, the goal being to successfully present evidence that may dissuade the government or state from seeking charges. An attorney can assist in obtaining additional time to produce demanded documents or contest the legality of the grand jury subpoena. Generally, in this stage, an attorney undertakes an investigation of the facts, interviews witnesses, and makes preparations to present an argument to the grand jury or the authorities who are investigating or seeking to charge a company, its employees, its board of directors, or individual citizens. The primary purpose of pre-indictment activities undertaken by counsel is to avoid criminal charges or perhaps seek a civil resolution to an investigation. Even when it is impossible to stave off indictment entirely, effective pre-indictment representation can limit the scope of the indictment. Finally, any work undertaken by counsel at this stage may be critical in negotiating a favorable plea or defending a case at trial.

Post-Indictment or Pre-Trial

At this stage, an indictment has been returned. An indictment is simply a piece of paper that outlines the allegations against the citizen or corporate entity; it is not proof beyond all reasonable doubt of criminal activity. At this point, counsel is needed to make appearances in court, litigate matters involving obtaining a bond, what those bond conditions ought to be, obtain and review the evidence the government or state has obtained against the citizen and investigate the law and facts regarding the allegations. Such investigation is critical and requires vigilance and patience to ensure all facts and witnesses essential to the defense of the citizen are sought and thoroughly examined. Dependent on the nature of the case, working with experts can be crucial, both in preparing for trial and testifying at trial. It is during this phase that interviewing and selection of any necessary experts are undertaken, and data review and assimilation or testing are undertaken. Selecting and using appropriate trial experts and filing all the appropriate legal memoranda on behalf of clients with a well-appointed strategy in mind is essential to negotiating with the government or state and in preparing for trial.

Trial

Preparation is the key to an effective defense at trial. Ali has been involved in over 100 jury trials, many of them lasting longer than 4 weeks. Having a vast amount of experience with lengthy, high-profile cases, Ali prepares exhaustively for every trial. He painstakingly prepares for all relevant issues and witness's testimony. With years of experience dealing with document-intensive cases, he is adept in organizing his team to successfully present documentary and testimonial evidence.

Sentencing

Sentencing in federal court and state court are vastly different. In federal court, the judge handles all sentencing matters, and a voluminous amount of time is undertaken by good federal practitioners to review and object to the Pre-sentence Investigation Report. Ali is an experienced and highly regarded federal sentencing attorney. Ali's attendants of all pre-sentence interviews conducted by the probation department of the citizen interacts with the assigned United States Probation Officer, reviews, researches, and objections to all facets of the Pre-sentence Investigation Report ("PSIR"), and prepares and files departure or variance motions, a compilation of mitigating sentencing materials and argument at sentencing.

Conversely, state court sentencing is like a mini-trial that may be held before the jury that convicted the citizen or the judge who heard the trial. This is often a critical stage of a criminal proceeding. Having been involved in hundreds of trials and sentencing proceedings, Ali is well aware of what it takes to prepare an appropriate presentation to the court or jury and convince them to sentence the citizen compassionately and justly, taking into account all mitigating factors that warrant consideration.

Appeal

Ali is a practiced legal researcher and brief writer. Appellate representation includes the identification of issues for appeal, drafting of appellate briefs, and oral argument, if necessary. Ali has argued before the First and Fourteenth State Courts of Appeals as well as Fifth Circuit Courts of Appeal and has filed Petitions for Discretionary Review to the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals as well as Petitions for Writs of Certiorari in the United States Supreme Court. Appellate law is extremely complex, and it is critical to be represented by a seasoned and qualified professional who understand the time restrictions and the law.

Other

Ali provides representation and assistance with other issues arising in criminal cases. Examples of related matters with which he can provide representation include motions to seal, expunctions, sealing of juvenile records, motions for a new trial, asset forfeiture proceedings, motions for post-sentencing sentence reductions under Rule 35 of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, and select civil matters, particularly as they relate to criminal cases or any potential charges.