Many people are surprised to learn that not all criminal charges are handled in the same court system.
In the United States, criminal cases can be prosecuted by either the state government or the federal government—and the differences can be significant.
State charges involve alleged violations of state law and are prosecuted by local district attorneys.
Common examples include:
These cases are typically heard in state courts and investigated by local law enforcement agencies such as city police departments or county sheriff's offices.
Federal charges involve alleged violations of federal law and are prosecuted by U.S. Attorneys on behalf of the federal government.
Federal investigations are often conducted by agencies such as:
Examples of federal crimes may include:
Federal cases often involve:
In many cases, federal investigators may spend months or years building a case before charges are filed.
Not always—but federal cases often carry significant consequences.
Federal prosecutors generally have substantial resources and lower dismissal rates than many state-level prosecutions.
The potential penalties depend on the specific charges, criminal history, and other factors.
Yes.
In certain situations, the same conduct may trigger both state and federal investigations.
Whether both governments choose to prosecute depends on the facts of the case.
If you are under investigation, it is critical to understand whether you are dealing with state authorities or federal authorities.
The procedures, potential penalties, and defense strategies can be very different.
Early legal representation can help protect your rights and allow you to make informed decisions from the beginning.
We assist clients with:
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