Most crimes are prosecuted in the state, county, or city where they occur. This is not the case if you get charged with a federal crime though. Depending on what you are accused of and where you are accused of committing a crime, the feds are going to get involved. You’ll want a Montgomery County internet crime lawyer on your side when they come for you.
Does a Federal Crime Have to Take Place on Federal Property?
Not necessarily, but any kind of crime that takes place on federal property is likely to be considered a federal crime. Committing an offense in a government building or on a military base can quickly land you in hot water. Any kind of offense, from vandalism to a violent action, can result in federal charges.
You don’t have to be on federal property to end up attracting interest from FBI or DEA agents though. Crimes that cross borders, be they state or national ones, can also result in federal charges. If you are accused of going into another country or crossing state lines to commit an offense, the feds are sure to get involved.
It’s also important to note that some crimes just fall under federal jurisdiction instead of being investigated by local authorities. In cases like these, the U.S. government comes after someone directly without a need for local DAs or courts to get involved.
What Kinds of Crimes Have the Potential to Be a Federal Crime?
So let’s take a look at some of the crimes that are likely to attract some attention from those working for agencies like the FBI, ATF, or the IRS. Some good examples include:
Mail fraud: This can cross state lines and you’re using a federal institution, the USPS, to carry it out.
Trafficking: Trafficking of drugs or people often crosses state and national borders.
White-collar crimes: Many financial crimes like securities fraud and insider trading are left to federal law enforcement.
Hate crimes and civil rights violations: These are often left to the fed as well.
Cybercrimes: Offenses like hacking and identity theft require the Internet, which means using federal infrastructure that crosses state lines.
What Happens If I’m Already Facing State Charges?
Your state charges or other local charges may not get dropped just because you have been accused of committing a federal crime. You can actually end up facing two sets of charges at once and it’s not considered double jeopardy. So be ready to fight back and stand up for your rights.
Schedule Your Consultation
Facing federal charges can be scary, but you don’t have to do it on your own. Contact Mudrick & Zucker to schedule an appointment with our team and learn more about how we can help you fight criminal charges coming from any level of government.
