What is a Federal Crime?

If you have been arrested in California you may find yourself wondering about the difference between a state and federal crime. Understanding the criminal justice system and its ins and outs is important when facing charges in any state. Reach out to a Red Bluff criminal lawyer for more information and experienced legal representation during your case.

What is a Federal Crime?

A federal crime is a violation of a federal law. Federal laws are put in place to ensure the safety and security of not only individuals who may fall prey to these crimes but of the general public. Federal crimes are more serious in nature and may have a significant impact on the United States as a whole.

Besides breaking federal law, other crimes can become federal or be considered federal if they meet certain criteria. A state law violation can become a federal crime if any of the following applies.

• The offender commits the same crime in multiple states or the criminal activity crosses state/international borders
• The crime is committed against a government employee or directly against the state or federal government
• The crime involves any act of terrorism
• The offense occurs on federal property
• Certain aggravating factors make the offense particularly severe

When a violation involves any of the above factors, it will be enhanced and considered a federal crime.

Examples of Federal Crimes

Some people may commit a federal crime without even knowing. Common examples of federal offenses include the following and more.

• Murder
• Tax evasion
• Child pornography
• Perjury
• Sexual abuse of a minor
• Kidnapping
• Wire fraud
• Sex trafficking
• Immigration violations
• Money laundering

What is the Difference Between a State and Federal Crime?

A state crime is a violation of a state’s laws. In the U.S., each state is afforded the right to set its own rules and regulations which may differ from one another. When an individual in a state breaks one of these laws, they have committed a state crime. The offense will be handled at the state level and prosecuted in state courts.

Federal crimes, however, are offenses that are committed against federal laws. These crimes are more intensive as federal laws apply to the country as a whole. They are prosecuted in federal courts by federal prosecutors. Federal crimes are investigated by federal law enforcement agencies like the FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation), the DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration), and the DHS (Department of Homeland Security).

Federal crimes also tend to be penalized more aggressively than state crimes. While both types of offenses can result in significant consequences like substantial fines, imprisonment, community service, etc., federal crimes generally have stricter sentencing guidelines and mandatory minimum sentences.

To learn more about the implications of committing a federal crime and obtain representation, contact a skillful defense attorney today.