Federal offenses are different from state crimes, in that they fall under separate legal jurisdiction and can be punished by different means.
What Are Some Common General Federal Crimes?
The United States Criminal Code spells out an array of hundreds of criminal acts that violate U.S. laws. Common crimes include:
- Healthcare fraud
- Conspiracy
- Violations of immigration law
- Certain weapons charges
- Kidnapping
- Anti-trust violations
- Drug possession, drug sales, manufacturing, or trafficking
- Counterfeiting United States currency
- Computer crimes
- Violations of gun laws
- Conspiracy
If You Commit A Non-Federal Crime On Federal Property, Under Which Jurisdiction Will Your Crime Be Prosecuted?
If you commit a criminal act at a national park, airport, federal building or other property owned or run by the United States federal government, you can be charged with a federal offense, even if the crime would not typically fall into this category.
How Does The Justice System Process Federal Offenses?
Per the United States Sentencing Commission, the guidelines are as follows: First, federal prosecutors investigate the conduct, and a U.S. attorney reviews these findings. If a case merits action, a complaint may be filed. A grand jury can then issue an indictment against the defendant, after which he or she will be arrested and a preliminary hearing will be set. Discovery, the filing of motions, and the actual trial follow thereafter.
Is The Burden Of Proof For Federal Offenses Different From The Burden Of Proof Required In State Criminal Cases?
In all criminal cases both at the state level and at federal level the prosecution must show that the defendant is guilty “beyond a reasonable doubt.” In civil cases, the burden on the prosecuting party is relaxed. A defendant must only be shown to be guilty based on a “preponderance of the evidence.”
Contact David A. Stein
For help with your federal criminal charges, trust attorney David A. Stein. He has successfully handled criminal defense matters in Southern California, and he can draw on his criminal definese experience with jury trials and serious criminal cases to provide a high caliber defense. To connect with the law offices of David A. Stein, please call 949) 445-0040, or contact us confidentially online.
