The majority of criminal cases tried in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, are tried in the state courts. The federal government, however, also has the power to arrest you and charge you with a crime. Federal criminal laws can be very different than state laws, setting out different types of charges and different penalties for convicted offenders. Federal investigators and prosecutors often focus on more serious cases and, therefore, the penalties are generally more substantial in federal criminal court. Anyone who is under federal investigation or is facing any type of federal criminal charge should consult with a highly experienced federal criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.
Examples of federal crimes include:
Often there are crimes that are punishable by using both the state court system or the federal system. Prosecutors may negotiate which system will take jurisdiction. Other times, the prosecution will choose the forum, state or federal. In some instances, a state case may be “adopted” by the federal prosecutors for many reasons, not the least of which is the generally higher sentences in federal court compared to state court.
Federal criminal cases often take years to build. Many of these cases are built on the words of informants who are providing information in an effort to reduce their own sentences. You should expect that a federal criminal case to be handled by an experienced investigator, and not merely based upon the word of a cooperating witness.
It is essential to have an experienced federal criminal defense attorney who is familiar with the procedures and law in federal court. At Neff & Sedacca, we have tried numerous trials in the federal courts in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
Confidential Consultation
If you believe that you are under investigation, have been subpoenaed before a grand jury or arrested and charged with a crime, contact Neff & Sedacca, PC for a confidential consultation by phone at (215) 563-9800 or email at info@NeffSedacca.com.