Wondering about the difference between federal and state crimes? Boston’s best federal defense attorney explains
If you have been charged with a crime, chances are you will be tried on the state level. However, in some cases, depending on the crime and/or context, you may be charged with a federal crime and tried in a federal court. If that is the case, you will want the best federal defense attorney on your side to defend you in court. Understanding the difference between state and federal crimes and which courts have jurisdiction can be a bit confusing. This article will help provide an overview of the key differences between how federal and state crimes are prosecuted.
If you have been charged with a federal crime or believe you are being federally investigated, contact the Law Offices of Keren Goldenberg for a free consultation online or by phone: 617-431-2701. As a member of the prestigious Criminal Justice Act panel for the U.S District Court in Boston, Goldenberg is one of the best federal defense attorneys.
State courts vs. federal courts
Each state in the United States establishes its own court and legal system that dictates what is defined as a criminal act and how it shall be prosecuted and penalized. Some states may share similar laws, and some may rule differently. Within each state, the courts are further broken down into different cities, counties, and municipalities.
Federal courts, however, are dictated by the United States Constitution and the laws the US Congress passes and establishes. There are cases, however, that fall under the jurisdiction of both federal and state courts. If you believe that you may be facing charges in both, you should seek the counsel of a good federal defense attorney to help figure out your next steps.
The crimes federal and state courts can prosecute
Each court system has certain jurisdiction over specific criminal acts. In general, most of the crimes fall under state jurisdiction. Federal courts, however, can only hear cases on crimes that directly violate constitutional law. Crimes like these include:
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There are instances, however, when the crime falls under both state and federal court jurisdiction. If you or a loved one is facing federal charges for a crime, it’s imperative that you find the best federal defense attorney. If you are in the Boston area, Keren Goldenberg and her associate Kayla Fahey have the experience and knowledge to expertly handle federal cases.
The best federal defense attorney knows how to handle evidence in a federal case
When cases are tried on a state level, the state is much more limited in their available resources. While the state can only pull up records and information on the alleged perpetrator through state agencies, the federal court has access to agencies like the FBI and IRS. Said plainly, the evidence collected about you in a federal case can be far more extensive. This is why it is crucial that the legal representation you hire be one of the best federal defense attorneys you can find, someone who knows how to process and handle the heavier caseload.
Keren Goldenberg is one of Boston’s best federal defense attorneys. She has aggressively and successfully defended clients on the federal level. She has had profound success and understands how to navigate the details and rules of engagement of federal court.
If you or a loved one is facing criminal charges at the federal level, do not hesitate to contact us today to schedule a free consultation to discuss the specifics of the case: 617-431-2701.