What are the Differences Between Federal and State Charges?
If you have been arrested for committing a crime, depending on the type
and severity of the offense, you could be charged with a misdemeanor or
a felony. Typically, federal charges will result in a sentence that ranges
from at least one year in a state prison up to the death penalty. Misdemeanor
crimes, on the other hand, generally come with less than a year served
in a county jail.
If you are charged with a
felony crime in Illinois, the amount of time you serve and the fine you are charged will vary.
First-degree murder is the most severe felony group followed by Class
X felonies, which in some cases can land you upwards of 60 years in prison.
After felony Class X, there are felony classes 1, 2, 3, and 4, with class
4 being the least severe felony charge you can get.
Depending on the nature of the crime you committed, you will be either
charged through the federal system or the state system. Any Illinois criminal
charge has the potential to negatively impact your life for the long-term.
It is vitally important that when you are
arrested in connection with a Chicago crime, you enlist the representation of the most effective and resourceful Chicago
criminal defense attorney. Thomas C. Hallock is a trusted
Chicago criminal defense lawyer with many years of experience representing and protecting the civil liberties
and rights of individuals charged with both federal and state crimes.
How do Federal and State Charges Differ?
The biggest thing to understand when it comes to the type of charges you
have is that when you are charged with a federal offense, the penalties
are oftentimes much higher than they would be if you sustained state charges.
Federal laws have jurisdiction over the entire country, while each state
has its own set of laws and these laws only have jurisdiction in the state.
If you have only violated state law, then you would be charged by the
state. If you have committed a federal crime, a federal prosecutor on
behalf of the federal government will be charging you.
The most common federal charges include:
- Drugs
- Firearms
- Cases of fraud
- White-collar criminal activity
There are crimes that the state outlaws which the federal government also
makes illegal. If you commit one of these crimes in the state of Illinois
but on federal property like a national park you will be charged federally.
If you have committed multiple crimes in more than one state in the nation
you will also be charged federally because your crimes were not isolated
to only one state. There are also instances where a crime is committed
and both the state and the federal government have jurisdiction. When
this happens, it is up to prosecutors to determine where the case will be heard.
Meet With a Chicago Criminal Defense Attorney Today
When it comes to your freedoms and your rights under the constitution,
you need the very best representation. Thomas C. Hallock has extensive
knowledge, understanding, and experience with both federal and state cases.
Call Thomas C. Hallock today to meet with an aggressive
Chicago criminal defense attorney and discuss your case during a completely free consultation at (312) 487-2441
for local residents or toll-free at (888) 412-3741.