Criminal law is governed by state criminal codes and the federal penal code. In the event a single act violates both federal and state law, it is at the discretion of the United States district attorney to decide whether the defendant will be prosecuted in a state or federal court.
Crimes are typically categorized as felonies or misdemeanors. A felony involves serious misconduct that is punishable by imprisonment, usually over one year’s length of time even though this is at the presiding judge’s discretion; or death. Lesser crimes are categorized as misdemeanors. Misdemeanors are usually punishable for up to one year in prison and/or with a fine.
If you or someone close to you has been charged with committing a crime, it may be in your best interest to contact a criminal lawyer as soon as possible.
Types Of Crimes
There are many thousands of pages of the federal penal code and state criminal codes that address many different crimes. The following lists of crimes are not exhaustive but are intended to provide an overview of the many different crimes one can be charged with in the United States.
State Crimes State laws differ from state to state but most states have jurisdiction over the following offenses: aggravated assault and/or battery including sex crimes; burglary; child abuse; possession of fake identification; stalking, murder and manslaughter; robbery; DUI/DWI; grand theft; domestic violence; and extortion.
Federal Crimes Federal courts have jurisdiction over the following offenses: workers compensation fraud, unemployment fraud, Social Security Disability fraud; wire fraud; aggravated identity theft; bank fraud; child pornography; money smuggling; credit card fraud; tax evasion/fraud; organized crime/racketeering; possession of illegal drugs or other contraband items, with intent to distribute; gambling offenses and internet gambling; illegal immigration, immigration related fraud and alien smuggling; firearm and bomb offenses; credit card fraud; environmental violations; and asset forfeiture.
There are many more crimes than the ones mentioned here. No matter what the crime is, no matter whether you think you are guilty or not or are just not sure, being charged with a crime is scary for almost everyone. It does not matter whether or not this is your first time being charged with a crime or your fifth time facing a prison sentence, it is a bad feeling if you are already incarcerated or know that this might be in your future.
Get a Lawyer on Your Side
If you are facing criminal charges, it may be in your best interest to enlist the help of a lawyer as soon as possible. The sooner you do this, the sooner a lawyer may be able to start protecting your rights and building a strong case in your defense.
Do not hesitate, contact a reliable criminal lawyer today.