Whether your case falls under state or federal jurisdiction can significantly impact the outcome of your circumstances if you’re facing criminal charges. While Pennsylvania has its own set of laws, certain crimes fall under federal jurisdiction.
The distinction between state and federal charges plays a crucial role in how a case is handled, legal consequences and the severity of potential penalties.
What makes a crime a state crime vs. a federal crime?
The main difference between state and federal charges boils down to the jurisdiction under which the crime falls. In the U.S., state and federal governments operate under separate legal systems, each with its own criminal statutes.
Most criminal offenses are prosecuted at the state level and handled by state courts under Pennsylvania’s legal code. This includes crimes like:
- Theft
- Assault
- Burglary
- Drug possession
These crimes are considered violations of state law because they occur within the state’s jurisdiction and affect local communities.
In contrast, federal crimes are offenses that violate federal law or cross state lines. Some criminal actions that may be prosecuted at the federal level include:
- Mail fraud
- Drug trafficking
- Crimes committed on federal property, such as national parks
- Crimes that involve federal agencies, like the FBI or DEA
- Crimes that occur across state or international borders, like human trafficking
Even some cases of drug-related offenses, if large-scale or involving distribution across state lines, can shift from state to federal jurisdiction.
Key differences in legal consequences
Federal charges tend to carry more severe penalties than state charges. This is primarily because federal crimes often involve larger-scale operations or activities that harm a broader range of victims.
Additionally, federal courts follow specific sentencing guidelines, often leading to longer prison terms and stricter penalties. For instance, many federal crimes come with mandatory minimum sentences, meaning that even if a judge wants to be lenient, they may not have the flexibility to do so. In contrast, state courts may offer more discretion in sentencing, which may allow for
- Probation
- Rehabilitation programs
- Lighter sentences
Federal cases are prosecuted using the resources available to federal prosecutors and law enforcement agencies. This makes federal prosecutions more extensive than those at the state level.
While state crimes generally deal with offenses committed within the boundaries of a state and generally result in less severe penalties, federal crimes involve violations of U.S. law, often involving more significant harm and resulting in harsher consequences. Whether facing a state or federal charge, defendants can benefit from enlisting reputable legal support when navigating the criminal justice system.