Springfield Federal Lawyer

Which level of government brings criminal charges depends on who has jurisdiction. In most cases, that’s the state government and federal jurisdiction is limited by the Constitution of the United States. But the changing nature of society mean that more crimes can fall under the fall umbrella.

The prime example of a case where the feds can become involved is when jurisdiction crosses state lines. Here in Springfield, we’re only three hours from the Kansas border ,with Arkansas and Illinois not much further. All you need is multiple defendants, coming from different states, and federal prosecutors can get involved. 

Technology has also broadened the potential for federal involvement. Cellphones and email use platforms that cross state lines. Now, if a felony was committed using a cellphone, sending an email or any other form of technology, the feds could choose to press charges. 

That opens the door pretty wide, and it is important to emphasize that state and federal charges are not exclusive. A defendant could face both, with separate trials for the same crime. Double jeopardy—the right not to be tried for the same crime twice, only involves charges brought at the same level. A defendant could be acquitted in state court, but convicted in federal court. Or vice-versa. 

Having said that, simply because federal prosecutors can get involved in a case, doesn’t mean they will. Which brings us to our next key distinction between federal and state cases. 

The Difference Between Federal & State Court

Federal prosecutors have the ability to be selective in the cases they try. That usually means a caseload that is lighter than their state counterparts. That, in turn, means that federal prosecutors can devote more resources to the cases they do bring to trial. They may be less likely to plea bargain ,and they certainly have the opportunity to be better prepared at trial. 

The potentially lighter docket also has implications for how judges run trials. They may be more included to go slowly, to demand more detail from the attorneys on both sides and to entertain more motions than might be the case in a busy state court. 

All of that means the demands, and the need for detail-oriented preparation is high on a Springfield federal lawyer. The defense counsel that knows what’s ahead may be more likely to be prepared ,and better able to meet the unique challenges that federal court offers.