What is the definition of a federal crime?

A federal crime is an illegal act that violates a federal law. Federal crimes are investigated by federal law enforcement agencies like the FBI and prosecuted by federal prosecutors. These crimes are usually more serious than those prosecuted in state court. State laws only apply to certain states, while federal laws are applicable across the United States. This means that if someone in South Carolina commits a crime that violates federal law, they can be prosecuted in a federal court. Common federal crimes include drug trafficking, tax fraud, immigration violations, and cybercrime. Federal crimes are often punishable by long prison sentences, large fines, and other forms of punishment. For example, a person convicted of a federal drug offense may face up to life in prison and millions of dollars in fines. Because federal crimes are serious, prosecutors typically will seek to have the defendant enter a plea bargain in order to avoid a lengthy and expensive trial. If the defendant pleads guilty to a federal crime, they will generally receive a lighter sentence than they would if they chose to go to trial and face the original charges.

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What is the definition of a federal crime?

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