If you are being investigated for a federal crime, it is a serious matter. The Tampa Federal crimes attorneys at McIntyre Thanasides Bringgold Elliott Grimaldi & Guito, P.A. can help protect your rights with their knowledge and experience dealing with federal crimes. If you have been charged with a federal crime, contact us immediately at 844-511-4800. We will strive to provide you with the best possible legal counsel in this serious matter.
What Is a Federal Crime?
A federal crime refers to an illegal act that's prosecuted at the federal level, rather than at the state level. These crimes may violate federal legislation, or they may refer to instances in which the federal government has jurisdiction and states do not.
Types of Federal Crimes
Federal crimes typically fall into a few basic categories. Common types of federal crimes include the following.
Crimes Committed on Federal Property
While local or state governments preside over most property in the U.S., federal agencies oversee numerous swaths of land, including national parks, federal courthouses and prisons, and all of the District of Columbia. The federal government also has temporary oversight over planes in the air and vessels at sea. Illegal actions committed in these areas are considered federal crimes.
Crimes Within Federal Jurisdiction
In addition, the federal government has jurisdiction over several types of crimes, no matter where they are committed. The federal government oversees the production and regulation of money, immigration, the U.S. Postal Service, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, and the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Any illegal actions related to these areas, such as fraud, bank robbery, counterfeit currency, or immigration violation, fall under federal jurisdiction.
Crimes Within Concurrent Jurisdictions
In some cases, state and federal legislation both apply to a criminal case. Although courts may not try a defendant for the same crime twice, prosecutors may try a defendant for state and federal crimes separately.
Crimes That Cross State Lines
While states oversee the prosecution of most crimes within state lines, those that cross one or more state lines fall under federal jurisdiction. These federal crimes include illegal actions related to interstate commerce, mail and wire fraud, or drugs and firearms.
Other Types of Federal Crimes
Other types of federal crimes can include:
- White-collar crime
- International money laundering
- Drug trafficking
- Identity theft
- RICO
- Hate crimes
- Felonies
- Gun crimes
- Computer crimes
- Immigration crimes
- Credit card and ATM fraud
- Major thefts such as stealing art, jewelry, and gems
- Computer fraud
- Organized crime
- Public corruption crimes
- Intellectual property rights
How Federal Crimes Are Prosecuted
Agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF); Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); and other federal agencies typically prosecute these crimes. They may work closely with state and local law enforcement officers.
Not just any lawyer can work on these particular cases. In federal cases, defendants must have legal representation from an attorney licensed to practice in the relevant federal court.
No matter which type of federal crime may apply to your situation, you need an experienced legal representative. Call the Florida federal criminal defense lawyers at McIntyre Thanasides and get the legal help you need today: 844-511-4800.
