What are Federal Crimes?

Federal crimes are specified federal (national) offenses. If a crime occurs in one state, it is usually considered a state crime unless it is defined as a federal crime. State crimes fall under the heading of most typical violations of the law for example: burglary, theft, robbery, assault, arson, rape, murder, etc.

Federal crimes are named federal offenses, for example mail fraud, kidnapping, immigration offenses, damaging or destroying mail boxes and IRS violations. Additionally, The Federal Bureau of Investigation is the main United States investigating entity that has been granted the power to investigate federal crimes that are assigned to it.

Jurisdiction, Penalties and Defense

Jurisdiction in a federal court case is in most instances held by the federal district where the crime was originally committed. Federal courts are required to follow the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, despite where they are located. Procedures do differ between the state and federal courts; the main difference being the use and non-use of grand juries, the manner in which filing and discovery of evidence is accomplished, and how the trial proceeds.

There are differences in penalties and sentencing in the state and federal courts. In the federal courts, judges use a manual referred to as "The Federal Sentencing Guidelines" as a guide for calculating sentences and penalties for federal crimes. These guidelines are not necessarily mandatory; however they are still used by judges when considering penalties and sentencing.

The differences between state and federal crimes can be complicated. If you have been charged with a federal crime in the Houston or surrounding areas, it would be in your best interest to hire a Houston federal crimes attorney. At The Martinez Law Firm, we have been defending clients who have been accused of federal crimes since our inception in 1999. We can use our knowledge of different federal laws and litigation experience to help give your case the best possible advantage in court.

Contact a Houston Federal Crimes Attorney here for a free consultation today.