We all think we know what a crime is, but there are various types of crimes. There are federal crimes, state crimes, code violations, felonies, misdemeanors, and other ways of breaking the law. Depending on what type of crime you’re being charged with, you’ll want a lawyer specifically trained to help in the case you find yourself embroiled in. So what are federal crimes and why would you need a federal crimes lawyer?
What’s Are Federal Crimes?
These are any type of violation of national, or federal, United States law. This is in contrast to violations of your state law or city codes. There are also crimes that are prohibited by both state and local laws as well as federal law, and normally these crimes would be prosecuted by the states. A person is charged with federal crimes instead of prosecuted by an individual state if they commit such crimes on federal property.
What Are Some of These Crimes?
The list is long, but there are some common ones that it is worth realizing are prohibited by federal law as well as state and local laws. These include:
- Sexual abuse or abusive sexual contact
- Armed robbery
- Arson
- Assassination
- Assault
- Attempted murder
- Bank robbery
- Bombings
- Blackmail
- Child abuse or child pornography
- Concealing escaped prisoners or persons fleeing arrest
- Contempt of court
- Damage to property
- Drive-by shootings
These are just a few of the crimes that federal law prohibits that would also be violations of state law. Committing such crimes on federal property can be far more serious than if these crimes occurred under state jurisdiction. There are also crimes that are unique to the powers of the federal government, such as:
- Advocating for the overthrow of the government
- Airplane hijacking
- Assaulting a federal officer
- Demands against the US
- Destruction of an energy facility
- Destruction of Veterans’ memorials
Who Prosecutes Federal Crimes?
Federal crimes are investigated and brought to court by officers of the federal court. This would include the FBI, US Marshals, US attorneys, the Department of Homeland Security, the DEA and other entities.
What’s Different About Being Charged With a Federal Crime?
There are entirely different courts and guidelines for the prosecution of violations against federal law. The way the courts operate and the rules governing those courts are different from state courts.
Another difference is in the length of sentence a person faces for violating federal law. Judges in a federal court are bound by sentencing regulations unique to federal courts, and sentences handed down in federal court tend to be far lengthier than state court sentences. Those convicted of a federal crime will also serve their time in a federal rather than state prison.
What’s The Difference Between Federal and State Prisons?
State prisons tend to have a large number of violent offenders, while federal prisons typically house mostly white-collar offenders, making it all the more ironic that the typical non-violent offender in a federal prison is serving a longer sentence than a violent offender in a state facility.
Do I Need a White Collar Crime Lawyer?
If you are being charged with a federal crime, whether a white color crime, sex crime charges, or something else, it’s always a good idea to have a federal crime attorney on your side. There are two important reasons for this.
- The nature of the courts. Because federal court rules are different from state rules, it’s crucial that you have a federal crime lawyer who can help you navigate this system. Any mistake could be costly.
- The nature of the consequences. Because federal crimes carry significant penalties, often greater than the same crime would carry if prosecuted in a state court, the stakes are high for anyone charged with such a crime. That makes it essential to have the best qualified professional you can get to defend you.
If you’re being charged with a federal crime, don’t hesitate to get the help you need.