Federal criminal courts differ from state and municipal courts in jurisdiction. Federal criminal courts handle federal law violations like drug trafficking and terrorism, while state/municipal courts deal with local offenses like theft and assault. Federal courts also follow uniform procedural rules, have more resources, and involve federal agencies. Trials in federal courts are often more complex, with stringent pre-trial processes. Sentencing in federal courts adheres to federal guidelines, typically resulting in harsher penalties than state and municipal courts.
It features three different levels
The federal court system in the United States is structured into three main levels, each serving distinct functions in the administration of justice. Here are the three levels of federal criminal court:
- District Courts: These are the trial courts where federal cases begin. There are 94 federal judicial districts, and each state has at least one district court. District courts handle both civil and criminal cases that fall under federal jurisdiction. They conduct trials, hear evidence and make initial rulings. They are the primary venues for federal criminal cases, where defendants are prosecuted and tried.
- Circuit Courts of Appeals: 13 appellate courts, also known as the U.S. Courts of Appeals, review cases from the district courts. These courts are divided into regional circuits. Appellate courts do not conduct trials but review the procedures and decisions of the lower courts to ensure that the court applied the law correctly. They handle appeals on both procedural and substantive grounds.
- The Supreme Court: The highest court in the United States, the Supreme Court has the final say on matters of federal law and constitutional interpretation. It is composed of nine justices. It hears a limited number of cases each year, typically those with significant legal or public interest implications. It reviews decisions from the circuit courts of appeals and state supreme courts on federal issues. These three levels work together to ensure that federal laws are interpreted and applied consistently across the country.
The most common cases in recent years
The most common types of federal crimes in 2023-24 remain dominated by a few key categories. According to the United States Sentencing Commission, the majority of federal felonies and Class A misdemeanors fall into the following categories:
- Drug offenses: These include the manufacturing, distribution, and possession of controlled substances.
- Immigration offenses: These include illegal reentry into the United States and other immigration-related violations.
- Firearms offenses: This category covers illegal possession, trafficking, and use of firearms.
- Fraud, Theft, and Embezzlement: These crimes involve deceit or theft for financial gain, including identity theft, credit card fraud and embezzlement.
These four categories have consistently comprised the majority of federal crimes over the past several years, accounting for over 80% of all cases reported to the Commission.
How are trials different?
While state and municipal courts set their own procedural rules, which can vary significantly, all Federal Courts are governed by the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, and Federal Rules of Evidence. These rules ensure uniformity across federal courts and are designed to handle complex and high-stakes cases.
The lawyers are also different
Practicing criminal law in federal court requires specialized knowledge, as federal courts handle cases governed by federal laws and procedures. While the criminal court has a prosecution and a defense, the lawyers who handle the cases typically are federal criminal defense lawyers. These attorneys must be well-versed in federal criminal statutes, sentencing guidelines, and the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure. Federal Prosecutors (Assistant United States Attorneys) represent the United States government in prosecuting federal crimes. They work for the U.S. Department of Justice and are responsible for bringing charges, presenting evidence, and arguing cases in federal court. They have substantial resources for investigating and prosecuting cases.
The right lawyer makes a difference
Federal criminal cases require criminal defense lawyers who can take on the U.S. Department of Justice. Contact the legal team at Leonard Trial Lawyers to discuss the details of your case. We can explain the legal process and work with the client to determine the best course of action for defending themselves.