What is the definition of a federal crime?

A federal crime is an offense that is punishable under federal law as opposed to state or local laws. Federal crimes are prosecuted by the United States Department of Justice and investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Federal crimes usually involve violations of rights that are protected under the U.S. Constitution, or involve activities that cross state lines such as fraud, counterfeiting, and drug trafficking. Federal crimes can range from relatively minor offenses such as tax evasion to more serious acts of terrorism and treason. Generally, federal crimes are more serious offenses than those pursued by state or local law enforcement and come with more serious penalties. Other common federal crimes include, but are not limited to, mail and wire fraud, money laundering, and violations of certain environmental laws. In some cases, federal crimes involve a violation of a state or local law as well. In Washington, all federal crimes are prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office, who is responsible for ensuring that everyone accused of a federal offense receives a fair and impartial trial. If convicted, the sentence may include prison time, fines, restitution, or a combination of any of the aforementioned penalties.

Related FAQs

What is the definition of a federal crime?
What is the role of the U.S. Attorney in federal criminal prosecutions?
What is the federal criminal discovery process?
How does the federal criminal justice system handle cases involving terrorism?
What is the federal sentencing guidelines system and how does it work?
What is the difference between federal prosecutors and federal public defenders?
What is the difference between a federal plea agreement and a state plea agreement?
What is the federal criminal justice system's approach to sentencing in white collar cases?
What are the most common federal crimes?
What is the judicial review process in the federal criminal justice system?

What is the definition of a federal crime?

Related FAQs

Related Blog Posts