Federal crimes are almost more serious than state offenses, and you may need to take your defense very seriously if you face a federal charge in Dauphin County. But what exactly makes prosecutors “elevate” a state crime to a federal crime? This is a common question for many defendants in Pennsylvania, and you might want to discuss this subject further with your criminal defense attorney.
Any Crime that Crosses State Lines Typically Becomes a Federal Offense
The most obvious example of a federal crime is one that crosses state lines. This encompasses a wide range of potential offenses. Some of these offenses are relatively minor, like transporting a stolen item across the border between Pennsylvania and another state. For example, you might carry out a heist in Pennsylvania before driving the getaway vehicle to New York. In this case, federal charges would likely apply. If you had stayed inside Pennsylvania with the stolen items, you would likely face only state charges.
Kidnapping is another example of a federal offense that may occur across state lines. For example, you might have taken your biological child on an impromptu trip across state borders. If you do not have primary custody and you never notified the other parent of this trip, you could potentially face federal kidnapping charges. In contrast, a trip inside Pennsylvania with your child might not even trigger any criminal charges whatsoever.
Note that many interstate crimes are digital in nature. For example, transmitting a threat across state lines can lead to serious consequences – even if you merely threaten someone via social media. If you engage in “swatting” by calling a school in a different state, you might also face heightened federal charges – even if you were never physically present in another state.
Crimes Against the Government are Always Federal
If you commit a crime against a federal government agency, you will almost certainly face federal charges. For example, you might be accused of defrauding the federal government in some way – perhaps by filing a false application for VA benefits or Social Security. In recent years, many people faced federal charges for submitting false claims for small business loans during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Crimes That Occur on Federal Property are Generally Federal
Finally, crimes that occur on federal property also fall under federal jurisdiction. Examples include federal government buildings, military bases, and Native American reservations. Note that if you are an enlisted service member and you commit a crime on a military base, your offense will fall under the Uniform Code of Military Justice – a completely different justice system.
Can a Criminal Defense Attorney in Dauphin County Help With Federal Crimes?
If you face federal charges, it makes sense to work with a Dauphin County defense attorney who has direct experience with federal cases. One example is The Law Office of Geoffrey McInroy, LLC. Mr. McInroy has handled many federal cases over the years, and he has been practicing law since earning his J.D. in 2000. If you would like to discuss your federal charges in more detail, feel free to schedule a consultation with us today.