FAQ – Federal Crimes

What is the most common federal crime?

While there isn’t a definitive “number one” crime in America, certain federal crimes are more prevalent than others. Common categories include drug offenses, fraud, immigration violations, and firearms offenses.

What qualifies as a federal crime?

Crimes that involve crossing state lines can lead to federal charges. For instance, transporting drugs from Texas to New Mexico or kidnapping a child and leaving the state. Additionally, even if the defendant doesn’t personally cross state borders, any crime that does can still qualify as a federal offense.

Explain the concept of double jeopardy and how it relates to state and federal crimes.

This stems from the principle of “dual sovereignty,” meaning that both the state and federal governments can prosecute an individual for the same act without violating the constitutional protection against double jeopardy, as long as the act violates both state law and federal statute.