White-Collar Crime Charges in Western PA: When Does a Case Move to Federal Court in Pittsburgh?

By Amy B. Levenson Jones

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White Collar Crimes

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Last Modified on Dec 01, 2025

White-collar crime charges in Western PA start from complicated financial allegations, including fraud and deceit-based financial crimes such as embezzlement and wire fraud. But not all white-collar crimes are federal. The question of whether a Pittsburgh case remains in state prosecution or is transferred to the federal system can have a major impact on how your defense is handled, what penalties you may be facing, and what rights you should have.

What Is Considered a White-Collar Crime?

White-collar crime is a generic term that can refer to a number of different kinds of non-violent offenses, but all of them typically involve financial misconduct, deception, or the abuse of position or trust for illegal purposes. While white-collar crimes vary, they can also include fraud, embezzlement, tax crimes, bribery, insider trading, internet fraud, wire fraud, and conspiracy to commit financial crimes.

Although white-collar crimes don’t involve violence or physical force, they are all serious offenses. Penalties can include lengthy terms of imprisonment and sizeable fines.

Pennsylvania white-collar charges can also be categorized as state or federal. This decision can be based on how and where the alleged misconduct occurred, what state or federal laws were allegedly broken, and whether federal agencies, property, or funding are involved in the case.

In fiscal year 2024, U.S. Attorney offices filed 4,332 prosecutions for white-collar crimes, which is less than half of the 10,269 prosecutions filed in FY 1994, thirty years prior. Additionally, a further decline to just 3,862 is anticipated in fiscal year 2025.

About the author: Amy B. Levenson Jones

Principal Attorney at Levenson Law Firm

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State-Level White-Collar Crimes

White-collar crimes can be prosecuted at either the state or federal level. White-collar cases are frequently heard in Pennsylvania at the state level when the alleged crime:

• Took place within state borders
• Involved only Pennsylvania statutes
• Did not impact interstate commerce

Pennsylvania prosecutors work with the state’s criminal code and corresponding statutes to prosecute white-collar crimes in state court. The Pennsylvania Court of Common Pleas and Magisterial District Courts handle these cases. White-collar offenders at the state level in Pennsylvania face penalties that span from misdemeanor fines and probation to felony convictions and multi-year prison terms.

When a Case Becomes Federal

White-collar cases are transferred to the federal court system when they violate U.S. federal statutes or involve federal interests.

Federal prosecutors in Pittsburgh work under the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania. Federal prosecutors typically only handle white-collar cases that are violations of federal, not state, law. This is because the crime must involve the use of, or effect on, the United States to fall under federal jurisdiction. Federal cases may include those that:

• Involve interstate communications, especially those dealing with fraud, such as wire transfers and internet communications
• Cross state lines either digitally or physically
• Happen on federal property
• Involve federal agencies

Because federal agencies like the FBI often have more investigative resources, financial crimes that seem complex or involve coordination across more than one state are more likely to receive federal prosecution.

Federal courts typically try cases involving these elements. The federal court in the Western District of Pennsylvania, U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania, hears federal cases for the Pittsburgh and surrounding areas.

The Difference Between Federal and State Courts

State and federal white-collar crime cases are not the same. A state white-collar crime case is prosecuted based on Pennsylvania laws by local state prosecutors. In contrast, a federal white-collar crime case is charged with the violation of the U.S. Code statutes and is prosecuted by federal prosecutors.

Federal rules of procedure, the rules of evidence, and sentencing guidelines vary significantly from state practice. The federal court system generally sees greater potential for white-collar crime penalties and legal challenges because federal prosecutors target the most serious financial crimes.

Hire a White-Collar Crime Lawyer

If you are facing state-level charges that have the potential of being referred for federal prosecution or if federal law enforcement is already involved in your case, one of the first things you should do is hire a white-collar crime lawyer.

When you understand both the events and laws that lead federal authorities to get involved and know what penalties might be imposed, you can assertively manage your situation with a Pittsburgh white-collar crime attorney.

FAQs

What Makes a Criminal Case Go Federal?

A criminal case is likely to be federal if the crime charged violates U.S. law, not just the law of a state. This may include crimes that cross state lines, use interstate communications, involve federal agencies or funds, or take place on federal property. Federal prosecutors also often handle cases involving large-scale fraud or complex financial crimes.

What Is the 5 Day Rule in PA?

The five-day rule in Pennsylvania generally means that a defendant who is arrested without a warrant must be given a preliminary arraignment without unnecessary delay, usually within five days. This arraignment informs the defendant of the charges, sets bail, and explains the defendant’s rights within the criminal justice process.

Is White-Collar Crime a Federal Offense?

White-collar crime can be charged at the state or federal level, depending on the specific conduct. Many white-collar crimes become federal cases when they involve interstate commerce, federal programs, or violate federal laws such as wire fraud or tax statutes. Some cases may involve both state and federal charges.

What Elements Must a Government Prove to Show a Crime Has Been Committed?

To obtain a conviction, the government must prove each element of the offense charged beyond a reasonable doubt. This generally requires showing that the defendant committed a prohibited act, had the requisite mental state or intent, and that the conduct met all elements defined by the relevant statute. If any element is not proven, the charge cannot be sustained.

Contact Us Today

Contact Amy B. Levenson Jones PLLC dba Levenson Law Firm if you have been charged with a state or federal white-collar crime. Our Pittsburgh criminal defense lawyers can help build an appropriate defense for you and fight for a better future. Contact us today for more information.