How do federal prosecutors decide whether to bring charges in a case?

When deciding whether to bring criminal charges in a case under federal law in Texas, prosecutors consider the evidence, the applicable laws, the strength of the case, and the public interest in certain types of crimes. To determine if they have enough evidence, prosecutors review the evidence and determine if they could prove their case in court. They will also look at the applicable federal laws to ensure that the case falls under the jurisdiction of the federal government. After doing this, the prosecutors then assess the strength of the case which requires them to consider how likely it is that a jury could convict the suspect and how much time they would be willing to spend on the case. Finally, prosecutors must also consider the public interest when deciding whether to pursue a case. Certain crimes such as terrorism, drug trafficking, and white collar crimes are of particular public concern and are likely to be pursued by prosecutors even if the case is weak. Other crimes such as minor offenses without any major effect on public interest are less likely to be pursued. Ultimately, prosecutors must carefully consider all the facts and evidence before making a decision.

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How do federal prosecutors decide whether to bring charges in a case?

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