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What’s the Difference Between State and Federal Crimes?
Each state has its own criminal laws, courts, and punishments, which differ from those of the federal government.
The difference between state and federal crimes matters when you’re facing state or federal criminal charges. The legal system abides by the state laws set forth by the state legislature, while federal law is governed by Congress. Often, state and federal courts have dual jurisdiction for a crime. The difference is in the details and the punishment.
The legal system is complex and facing charges of any kind can leave you anxious and confused. Federal crimes typically carry more stringent penalties and severe consequences compared to state convictions. When navigating this type of situation, talk to a criminal defense attorney for guidance on your charges and the difference between state and federal cases.
What are State Crimes?
A state crime occurs when you are accused of violating state law. State laws may differ from state to state and are enacted by state lawmakers. Each state has its unique criminal or penal code which is routinely updated and revised. The Illinois Compiled Statutes is an extensive list of public law.
Examples of state crimes include:
- Sexual assault including rape
- Assault and battery
- Drug possession in small amounts
Under Illinois law, defendants are entitled to having their rights upheld under both federal and state constitutions. This can mean that the rights granted in a state case include those state-specific recognitions that the federal law may not honor.
What are Federal Crimes?
Federal laws are uniform and consistent throughout the United States and are written by congress. The federal courts have exclusive jurisdiction over crimes that meet the definition of federal criminal charges. The federal process is far more stringent and differs from that of state procedures.
Examples of federal crimes include:
- Identity theft and credit card fraud
- Tax evasion
- Bank robbery
- White collar crimes
- Drug trafficking
- Organized crime
- Crimes that take place on federal property or in which state lines are crossed
In federal criminal cases, you may have fewer protective rights allowed to you than in a state case. The Federal Court only recognizes those which have been granted from the United States Constitution regardless of your state of residence or in which state the crime was committed.
There are instances in which the charges may overlap and cases may be tried as both state and federal crimes. Talk to your lawyer about the details of your charges if you believe you may be facing overlapping jurisdiction issues.
Differences in Prosecution
State criminal charges typically begin with either having a complaint filed or with the police witnessing the infraction. State crimes are typically prosecuted by state district attorneys. The investigation into these accusations is carried out by both state and local law enforcement and prosecuted in a state court if it’s determined there is efficient evidence to move forward.
If the state decides there is enough evidence for an arrest, charges will be brought and you may be arrested, booked, and released before your trial. In the pre-trial, the accused will appear in court for their arraignment where formal charges are brought, followed by preparing for the final court date.
The scope of what is processed in the state court differs from that of its federal counterpart.
Federal criminal cases are determined by federal agencies, such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Federal agents investigate and obtain evidence using warrants, if needed, through the grand jury, and an indictment is issued. After appearing in front of the judge in federal court, federal criminal charges will be filed, followed by arraignment and a possible plea bargain. You may not be released.
If a plea bargain can’t be made, the case will go to trial. Federal cases are handled by federal prosecutors with the United States Attorney General’s Office of the Assistant Attorney General by lawyers with extensive experience. Talking to lawyers with experience handling federal cases is key.
Differences in Sentencing
With both state and federal crimes, the penalties vary based on the circumstances of each criminal case. In general, federal punishments are longer than state sentences for a similar crime. The federal courts follow the federal sentencing guidelines and if convicted the sentence will be carried out in federal prison.
State sentences are served in the state correctional facility. The specifics of your sentence will depend on your state, whether there are aggravating factors, and other details your lawyer can review with you.
Defend Your Case and Your Future with a Lawyer
Whether you are up against accusations at the state or federal level, strong legal counsel is your best chance for an optimal outcome. At Chicago Trusted Attorneys® we understand both Illinois and federal law and will be in your corner from start to finish.
Ready to get the guidance you need during this difficult time? Connect with us today by calling 312-931-5411 or completing the online form below.
"Wanajisi wamekuwa wakipiga simu watu binafsi na kujifanya kuwa ""Washauri wa Uaminifu wa Chicago"" wakiuliza juu ya kesi ya Johnson & Johnson." Ikiwa umepokea moja ya simu hizi, tunashauri usitoe habari yoyote ya kibinafsi na kuzuia nambari. """Kwa sasa tunafanya kazi na washirika wetu kutenganisha chanzo na kuondoa uwezo wao wa kuwasiliana na wewe." Ni nini tofauti kati ya uhalifu wa Jimbo na wa Shirikisho? Kila jimbo lina sheria zake za uhalifu, mahakama, na adhabu, ambazo hutofautiana na zile za serikali ya shirikisho. Tofauti kati ya uhalifu wa serikali na shirikisho ni muhimu wakati unakabiliwa na mashtaka ya jinai ya serikali au shirikisho. Mfumo wa kisheria unatii sheria za jimbo zilizowekwa na bunge la jimbo, wakati sheria ya shirikisho inatawaliwa na Bunge. Mara nyingi, mahakama za serikali na za shirikisho huwa na mamlaka mbili za kuhukumu uhalifu. Tofauti ni katika maelezo na adhabu. Mfumo wa kisheria ni tata na kukabiliwa na mashtaka ya aina yoyote kunaweza kukuacha ukiwa na wasiwasi na kuchanganyikiwa. Uhalifu wa shirikisho kwa kawaida hubeba adhabu kali zaidi na matokeo mabaya ikilinganishwa na hukumu za serikali. Wakati wa kusafiri katika hali hii, zungumza na mwanasheria wa ulinzi wa jinai kwa mwongozo juu ya mashtaka yako na tofauti kati ya kesi za serikali na shirikisho. Uhalifu wa Serikali Ni Nini? Uhalifu wa serikali hutokea wakati unashtakiwa kwa kuvunja sheria ya serikali. Sheria za jimbo zinaweza kutofautiana kutoka jimbo moja hadi jingine na hutekelezwa na wabunge wa jimbo. Kila jimbo lina sheria yake ya kipekee ya jinai au ya adhabu ambayo inasasishwa na kurekebishwa mara kwa mara. Sheria za Illinois zilizokusanywa ni orodha kubwa ya sheria za umma. Mifano ya uhalifu wa serikali ni pamoja na: - unyanyasaji wa kingono ikiwa ni pamoja na ubakaji - shambulio na betri - kumiliki dawa za kulevya kwa kiasi kidogo Chini ya sheria ya Illinois, washtakiwa wana haki ya kuwa na haki zao zilizotegemezwa chini ya katiba za shirikisho na serikali. Hii inaweza kumaanisha kwamba haki zinazotolewa katika kesi ya jimbo ni pamoja na utambuzi huo maalum wa jimbo ambao sheria ya shirikisho haiwezi kuheshimu. Uhalifu wa Shirikisho ni nini? Sheria za shirikisho ni sawa na thabiti katika Marekani yote na zimeandikwa na bunge. Mahakama za shirikisho zina mamlaka ya kipekee juu ya uhalifu ambao unakidhi ufafanuzi wa mashtaka ya jinai ya shirikisho. Utaratibu wa shirikisho ni mkali zaidi na hutofautiana na ule wa taratibu za serikali. Uhalifu wa serikali ya shirikisho ni pamoja na: - Uibaji wa kitambulisho na udanganyifu wa kadi ya mkopo - Utekaji kodi - Uibaji wa benki - Uhalifu wa collar nyeupe - Uuzaji wa dawa za kulevya - Uhalifu uliopangwa - Uhalifu unaofanyika kwenye mali ya shirikisho au ambapo mistari ya serikali hupitia. Mahakama ya Shirikisho inatambua tu zile ambazo zimetolewa kutoka kwa Katiba ya Marekani bila kujali hali yako ya makazi au katika hali gani uhalifu ulifanywa. Kuna visa ambapo mashtaka yanaweza kuingiliana na kesi zinaweza kusikilizwa kama uhalifu wa serikali na shirikisho. Zungumza na mwanasheria wako kuhusu maelezo ya mashtaka yako ikiwa unaamini unaweza kukabiliwa na masuala ya mamlaka ya juu. Tofauti katika mashtaka ya jinai ya Jimbo kwa kawaida huanza na malalamiko yaliyowasilishwa au na polisi wanaoshuhudia kosa hilo. Uhalifu wa serikali kwa kawaida hushtakiwa na wanasheria wa wilaya ya serikali. Uchunguzi wa mashtaka haya unafanywa na serikali na utekelezaji wa sheria wa mitaa na kushtakiwa katika mahakama ya serikali ikiwa imedhamiriwa kuna ushahidi mzuri wa kuendelea. Ikiwa serikali itaamua kuwa kuna ushahidi wa kutosha wa kukamatwa, mashtaka yataletwa na unaweza kukamatwa, kuandikwa, na kuachiliwa kabla ya kesi yako. Katika kesi ya awali, mshtakiwa atakuja mahakamani kwa ajili ya mahakama yao ambapo mashtaka rasmi ni kuletwa, ikifuatiwa na kutayarisha kwa ajili ya tarehe ya mwisho ya mahakama. Upeo wa kile kinachoshughulikiwa katika mahakama ya jimbo hutofautiana na ile ya mwenzake wa shirikisho. Kesi za jinai za shirikisho huamuliwa na mashirika ya shirikisho, kama vile Ofisi ya Shirikisho ya Uchunguzi (FBI). Wakala wa shirikisho huchunguza na kupata ushahidi kwa kutumia hati za kukamatwa, ikiwa inahitajika, kupitia baraza kubwa la mahakama, na mashtaka hutolewa. Baada ya kuonekana mbele ya hakimu katika mahakama ya shirikisho, mashtaka ya jinai ya shirikisho yatawasilishwa, ikifuatiwa na mashtaka na uwezekano wa makubaliano ya rufaa. Huenda usiachiliwe. Ikiwa makubaliano ya kukiri hayataweza kufanywa, kesi hiyo itaenda mahakamani. Kesi za shirikisho zinashughulikiwa na waendesha mashtaka wa shirikisho na Ofisi ya Mwanasheria Mkuu wa Marekani ya Msaidizi wa Mwanasheria Mkuu na wanasheria wenye uzoefu mkubwa. Kuzungumza na wanasheria wenye uzoefu wa kushughulikia kesi za shirikisho ni muhimu. Kwa makosa ya serikali na ya shirikisho, adhabu hutofautiana kulingana na hali ya kila kesi ya jinai. Kwa ujumla, adhabu za shirikisho ni ndefu kuliko hukumu za serikali kwa uhalifu kama huo. Mahakama za shirikisho hufuata miongozo ya hukumu ya shirikisho na ikiwa atahukumiwa hukumu hiyo itafanywa katika gereza la shirikisho. Hukumu za serikali zinatumika katika kituo cha marekebisho cha serikali. Hukumu yako itategemea hali yako, ikiwa kuna mambo yanayohatarisha, na maelezo mengine ambayo mwanasheria wako anaweza kukagua na wewe. "Kama wewe ni dhidi ya mashtaka katika ngazi ya serikali au shirikisho, ushauri wa kisheria wenye nguvu ni nafasi yako bora kwa matokeo bora.""" Katika Chicago Trusted Attorneys, tunaelewa sheria za Illinois na shirikisho na tutakuwa kwenye kona yako kutoka mwanzo hadi mwisho. Je, uko tayari kupata mwongozo unaohitaji katika wakati huu mgumu? Kuwasiliana na sisi leo kwa kupiga simu 312-5411 au kujaza fomu ya mtandaoni hapa chini.