What is the difference between a federal investigation and a state investigation?
Federal and state investigations differ in several ways. At a basic level, a federal investigation is conducted by the federal government and its law enforcement agencies, such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). A state investigation, on the other hand, is conducted by law enforcement agencies within a particular state, such as the Indiana State Police. The scope of a federal investigation is typically much broader than that of a state investigation. Federal investigations often involve multiple states, while state investigations tend to remain confined to the jurisdiction of the particular state in which it is being conducted. Additionally, federal investigations more often involve violations of federal laws, while state investigations typically focus on violations of state laws. In terms of the court system, state investigations are handled in state court, as opposed to federal investigations, which may be conducted in either state court or federal court. This may depend on the jurisdiction that the case falls under, as well as the nature of the alleged crime. An example of this might be a crime that is illegal under both federal and state law. In this case, the authorities may choose to pursue a federal investigation due to the severity of the crime and its ties to federal laws. However, if the alleged crime is only illegal under state law, then the authorities may pursue a state investigation instead. Overall, the key difference between a federal investigation and a state investigation is the jurisdiction in which they are conducted and the nature of the laws that are being enforced.
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