What is the difference between federal and state criminal wiretaps?

A wiretap is an interception of communication between two parties without their knowledge. Federal and state criminal wiretaps are two different types of wiretaps. A federal criminal wiretap is an interception of communication that has been authorized by a federal judge. These wiretaps are used in investigations relating to crimes that involve interstate or international activities, such as drug trafficking, terrorism, white collar crime and money laundering. Federal criminal wiretaps must be authorized by a judge based on evidence that there is probable cause to believe that the person being tapped is involved in criminal activity. State criminal wiretaps are authorized by state judges and used by state and local law enforcement to investigate state crimes. Crimes investigated through the use of state wiretaps could include bank robberies, murder cases, drug trafficking and other similar crimes. State wiretaps must be authorized by a judge based on evidence that there is probable cause to believe that the person being tapped is involved in criminal activity. The main difference between federal and state criminal wiretaps is the level of crime being investigated. Federal wiretaps are for federal crimes such as drug trafficking, terrorism and money laundering. State wiretaps are for state crimes such as murder, bank robberies, and drug trafficking. Both types of wiretaps require a judge to approve them and provide evidence of probable cause.

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What is the difference between federal and state criminal wiretaps?

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