Federal Defense Attorney
Federal crimes are those criminal offenses that fall under federal, rather than state, jurisdiction. Federal crimes are investigated by federal agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the United States Border Patrol (USBP) and are prosecuted by United States Attorneys, which is the federal equivalent of a state prosecuting attorney. Federal crimes are violations of federal law – the United States Code.
If you or someone you love has been accused of committing a federal offense – or are currently under investigation for a federal crime – criminal defense attorney Oliver Cleary is prepared to immediately work on your case.
Title 18 of the United States Code
Title 18 of the United States Code contains all federal criminal offenses and details on criminal procedure. Most federal criminal laws also have a corresponding code at the state level. For example, assault can be charged as a federal crime under Chapter 7, Title 18 of the USC section 245 under the California Penal Code.
Federal Court vs. State Court
Criminal cases are handled in federal court when the alleged offense is a violation of federal law or a violation of the United States Constitution. In some criminal cases, both the state and federal courts may have jurisdiction. When a case could go either way, the state and the federal government will deliberate and decide which arena the case will in.
Below are some examples of cases that could be held in federal court:
- Drug trafficking involving drugs transported across state lines or national borders.
- Crimes committed on federal property
- Mail fraud
- Wire Fraud