Federal vs. State Criminal Charges and Prosecutions
In the USA, some criminal areas come under state crimes and some intensive crimes come under federal government criminal laws. Any type of criminal conduct that falls under national government laws is a federal offense. If you are facing charges in federal court, then it is important to have a criminal defense attorney with experience in federal court.
Federal vs. state courts
Both federal and state court systems have their own separate courts, prosecutors and judges. The federal court system includes 13 U.S. Courts of Appeals and 94 District Courts. The federal prosecutors are generally the toughest and the federal judges are nominated by the president and approved by the senate. Sometimes based upon the case, a state court may give more harsh punishment than federal court. But the prosecutions in federal courts are very different from that of state courts, even if the cases are similar.
Federal vs. state criminal charges
There are a variety of crimes that are considered federal offenses. Examples of federal crimes include kidnapping across state lines, terrorism, white-collar crime, interstate drug trafficking, internet and computer crimes, immigration crimes, and identity theft. Some other criminal cases may also fall into this category based on the intensity of crime committed.
Federal crimes are generally more serious than crimes charged in state courts, and the consequences of federal case conviction can lead to more harsh punishments. If you are convicted of a federal crime, then your future is at stake. Federal lawyers who have knowledge in dealing with these cases can only help you if you are accused in a federal crime.
Do you need a skilled federal lawyer for the defense?
For federal criminal cases, you need lawyers who have experience in handling such cases. Experience counts and improves your chance of winning the case. An experienced federal attorney can help protect your rights during the investigation and minimize the possible sentence.
New York criminal defense federal lawyer Mr. Paul D. Petrus Jr. has experience representing clients facing federal criminal charges. For several years, he has worked to defend his clients against federal criminal charges. He was awarded the 2013 Top Rated Lawyer in White-Collar Criminal Defense by American Lawyer Media and Martindale-Hubbell.
Contact The Law Offices of Paul D. Petrus Jr. & Associates, P.C. at 212-564-2440 and schedule a free consultation with him to discuss your federal criminal case.
