Jurisdiction
Although state and federal prosecutors both possess the authority to bring charges against defendants for similar crimes, there are certain offenses exclusively under federal jurisdiction or more likely to be pursued by federal authorities. These typically encompass crimes involving the U.S. government or its agencies, offenses occurring on federal land or property, and those related to interstate or international commerce.
Procedure
Rules and procedures vary between state and federal courts, with differences in investigatory procedures, discovery, motions, and other elements of the criminal process. Therefore, it is important to consult defense attorneys who have experience in the federal court system. While state criminal courts and their procedures can fluctuate across different states, the regulations and protocols in federal courts remain consistent, regardless of the state where the federal court operates.
Scheduling in Courts
Scheduling differences between state and federal courts can be significant. For instance, federal judges typically preside over fewer cases compared to their counterparts in state courts, where many cases are set to be heard in the same hearing, rather than only one case set for hearing or trial in federal court. Additionally, due to workload variations and potential lack of involvement in a defendant’s initial arrest or investigation, prosecutors in state courts may exhibit more unpredictability than those in federal courts. Federal prosecutors typically refrain from frequent dismissal or postponement of cases, adhering instead to a swifter trial process.
Bail
Upon arrest and facing charges for a state crime, defendants may have the choice of meeting bail requirements by either providing the necessary funds themselves or enlisting a bondsman to post bond on their behalf. In contrast, within the federal criminal court system, defendants typically secure release through personal recognizance bonds or by posting substantial sums. Additionally, federal criminal defendants are subject to pretrial release conditions and oversight by a court officer, potentially necessitating regular reporting to pretrial services and adherence to strict rules mandated by a federal judge. In certain instances, defendants may also be obligated to wear a GPS ankle monitor if they are deemed a flight risk, pose a threat to the community, or have international ties.
Jury Selection
Juries in state and federal courts are selected from different jury pools. In state courts, juries are people who live in the county where a trial is to be held. Federal jurors, by contrast, may live anywhere within larger federal districts, meaning federal juries can be more diverse and may include individuals from different urban and rural communities with vastly different social views.
Sentencing
One of the most notable distinctions between state and federal courts lies in their approaches to sentencing. Individuals found guilty of crimes by state or local prosecutors may encounter a range of penalties, including incarceration in a state prison. Conversely, while certain federal offenses might result solely in federal probation and/or fines, the majority of individuals convicted in federal court are subject to federal sentencing guidelines.