Many people do not know the difference between state and federal charges. They might even think that federal charges mean that the crime is more serious. That is not how it works. Whether a charge is federal or state has nothing to do with the severity of the crime. It has everything to do with jurisdiction. Who can prosecute an offense: the state government, the federal government, or both? That is the question at the core of federal charges.
If something is a crime at both levels, the state may choose not to pursue you because the federal offense may carry more severe penalties, like longer prison sentences and heftier fines. Plus, the state often has a second chance at getting a conviction if the federal prosecution fails.
An Avalon Park federal crime lawyer understands the complexities of jurisdiction and how the state and federal governments might approach different criminal penalties. Call our criminal defense attorneys for legal help.
Any offense violating U.S. law is a federal crime. Various federal agencies, such as the FBI, DEA, or AT, investigate these crimes, and the Department of Justice prosecutes them. Local law enforcement agencies investigate state crimes, and county and state prosecutors bring the charges.
The differences in investigation and prosecution have a practical impact on defendants. Federal crimes involve extensive investigations and higher stakes, and the elements of the crimes may differ according to jurisdiction.
An Avalon Park federal crime attorney can help you understand jurisdiction and explain potential penalties for state and federal offenses. Convictions can result in time served in federal prison, loss of professional licenses, and permanent damage to your reputation. We can also assist you in a federal citation case, which is essentially a ticket for violations on federal land or buildings.
Certain crimes are prosecuted at the federal level due to their severity or involvement in interstate activities. Some standard federal charges include drug trafficking, sex offenses, fraud and financial crimes, and firearms offenses. Drug trafficking is more than possession. It often involves the transportation, distribution, or manufacturing of controlled substances like:
Many—but not all—sex offenses are federal crimes. Sexual assault of an adult is not generally a federal offense, and neither is sexual assault of a child that does not cross state lines. However, if the sex offense involves child exploitation materials, human trafficking, or similar offenses, it may be a federal offense.
Many white-collar crimes are also federal crimes. Examples include:
Some gun crimes are federal offenses, including the illegal possession, distribution, or trafficking of firearms.
The penalties for a federal conviction depend on the specific charge and whether it is a misdemeanor or a felony. Many federal crimes carry mandatory minimum sentences, meaning a judge must impose a certain amount of prison time. Additionally, they often have hefty fines that are much higher than state fines. Federal fines can reach hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Some of the crimes come with other conditions. For example, a conviction can lead to losing the right to own firearms, vote, or secure employment in specific industries. A federal crimes lawyer can help you understand the potential penalties for the charges you face.
An Avalon Park federal crime lawyer from The Umansky Law Firm can develop a tailored defense strategy to protect your rights and fight for your future. Our team has decades of experience handling federal cases, including drug trafficking, firearms offenses, and fraud. We know the local courts, prosecutors, and federal procedures that can make a difference in your case.
Contact us today to discuss your case and learn how we can help.
The Umansky Law Firm Criminal Defense & Injury Attorneys
