“When a client comes in and they’re facing the federal criminal justice system, yes, freedom is paramount, but there are so many other collateral consequences that come along with a criminal prosecution: their reputation, their livelihood, their ability to earn an income, their ability to continue supporting their family. Winning a case does not solve all the problems. You have to take a holistic approach, because an indictment or criminal charge brings with it so many other issues—loss of licensure, loss of income, and long-term damage if you wait too long to prepare.” – David Tarras, Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer
In this video, South Florida federal defense attorney David Tarras, founder of Tarras Defense, explains why collateral consequences of federal charges must be addressed from the very beginning of a case.
David emphasizes that:
- Freedom is only one piece of the puzzle in federal defense
- Indictments and convictions can cause loss of professional licenses (medical, financial, legal, real estate, etc.)
- Criminal charges often lead to job loss, income disruption, and financial instability
- Reputational harm can affect future career opportunities, business relationships, and community standing
- Family and dependents often suffer if consequences are not proactively managed
- A holistic defense strategy prepares clients for both the courtroom and the broader impact on their lives
“Clients need to start preparing early—not just for trial or sentencing, but for the collateral consequences that follow an indictment. That’s where we focus on protecting their families, their careers, and their futures,” David explains.