TL;DR A person can face both state and federal charges for the same act when that act violates both state law and federal law. Double jeopardy prevents repeated prosecutions by the same sovereign, but states and the federal government are treated as separate sovereigns. The dual sovereignty doctrine allows state and federal governments to prosecute …
Ten common examples of federal offenses include: tax evasion, counterfeiting, money laundering, murder, immigration-related offenses, felon in possession of a firearm, drug possession, drug crimes involving the intent to distribute, treason, and child pornography. Federal crimes are those offenses that violate U.S. federal criminal laws. Federal courts also have jurisdiction over crimes that allegedly take …
Federal prison is operated by the federal government and houses inmates convicted of breaking federal laws. By contrast, state prisons are operated by state governments and house people convicted of breaking state laws. Federal prisons are generally safer than state prisons and they keep inmates that are of a less violent and dangerous nature. The …
You may have been charged with arson for allegedly setting fire to a building. But then you soon learn that you could face extensive prison time because the arson was really “aggravated arson.” Is there really such a crime? Yes. Simple arson generally refers to the crime where you willfully and maliciously set fire to …
The term “queen for a day” in the legal context refers to a written agreement between federal prosecutors and a person suspected of a crime. Under the agreement, you agree to tell the government about your knowledge of criminal activity, and in turn, the prosecutor agrees not to use your statements against you in any …
There are federal prisons located throughout the United States. Federal crimes can be committed throughout the United States. When you’ve been convicted of a federal crime and sentenced to incarceration, you will serve that time in a federal prison. But where? Will you be sentenced to a facility close to your home and your family? …
As reported in The Washington Post, when Pope Francis visited Mexico City early in 2016, his plane was hit by a laser strike – likely from a handheld laser pointer – as it descended. If you aim a laser pointer at a plane, helicopter, or other aircraft flying over the San Francisco Bay area or …
If you lie to an agent from the FBI, DEA, or any other federal agency while they are conducting a criminal investigation, you are a committing a serious federal crime. You definitely have a right to remain silent or consult with an attorney when speaking with federal agents or investigators. However, you do not have …
