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Understanding Legal Concerns

When I was younger, I didn't really see the point of spending a lot of time worrying about something as silly as liability. However, as my business continued to grow, I started to see the problems with some of our policies. I knew that I needed to consult with some lawyers to figure out how to protect our business, so I began focusing on taking care of things. I wanted to start a new blog to help other people to understand legal concerns, so I made this little website. I hope you can find information on the things you are looking for.

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Understanding Legal Concerns

Understanding Federal Crimes

by Rose Larson

In most cases, people charged with crimes are tried in county and municipal courts. These are state-level court cases. But what happens to somebody who is charged with a federal crime? They may face charges in federal criminal court.

So, what exactly are federal cases? This is what you need to know.

What Does the Federal Government Have Jurisdiction Over?

The Constitution grants the federal government some authority over specific issues. For example, the federal government can cover issues like immigration and money regulation. This means that federal courts may cover cases like mail fraud, counterfeiting money, and criminal immigration. Tax matters and civil rights issues are included as well.

Can the Federal Government Take Charge of Crimes Committed on Federal Property?

While states, counties, and cities have authority over most areas, there are some places where this is not true. So, while the state government handles most felonies, this can change in certain circumstances. These circumstances change when the crime is committed on federal property.

The federal government owns more properties than you might think. Federal crimes occur on airplanes, at sea, in Washington, D.C., on reservations, in federal prisons, and at national parks. If a crime is committed on these lands, the case could be charged as a federal crime.

What About Crossing State Lines?

Crossing state lines to commit a crime or while committing a crime comes with its own set of rules. The federal law can step in to make changes if somebody crosses state lines or if interstate commerce is involved in the crime. Each case is different and may come with different charges.

Can You Face Both State and Federal Charges?

Some overlap can occur in criminal cases, allowing federal and state jurisdictions to charge somebody. The consequences can be serious with lengthy prison times. This is not considered double jeopardy because technically the federal and state courts would not consider them to be the same offense.

Should You Hire a Criminal Defense Attorney?

It is worth your time to hire a criminal defense attorney. You could face serious penalties if you are charged with a federal crime. The conviction could lead to years in prison and steep fines. Even if you are acquitted on federal grounds, you could still face state charges. You need a strong attorney on your side to represent you in court. Your rights are on the line, and an attorney can help.

For more information, contact a firm that offers criminal lawyer services.

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