Both state and federal laws outline penalties if these laws are broken. A federal crime can be charged when federal laws are broken, just as a state crime is charged when state laws are not followed. State crimes occur within a state's boundaries. But when state lines or national borders are crossed, the crime would be considered a federal offense against the government.
In determining whether a crime will be a state or federal offense, jurisdiction must be established. If a crime is found to occur within a state's boundaries, it will typically be considered a state offense. If the crime took place in a federal location, such as a national museum or park, the federal government would have jurisdiction.
Sometimes it's possible for a crime to occur in both state and federal jurisdictions. In such cases, charges may be limited to the state, but can also be brought by both the state and the federal government.
Just as you would hire a criminal defense lawyer with experience defending cases in your state to defend your case in state court, you should hire a proven federal criminal defense lawyer to defend your federal case.
Stangl Law Offices of Madison has over 32 years of experience defending clients across Wisconsin against all types of federal charges, including:
- Federal drug charges (for example, drug conspiracy charges)
- Federal fraud charges (like wire fraud, bank fraud, and embezzlement charges)
- Federal firearms charges (such as possession of a firearm by a prohibited person or felon)
- Other federal charges
Whether you're facing federal drug charges, mail fraud, wire fraud, or any other federal crime, you need the experience and expertise of an established criminal federal defense lawyer fighting to defend your case.
Attorney Pat Stangl of Stangl Law Offices, S.C. is dedicated to protecting the rights of clients accused of federal crimes across the state of Wisconsin.