When you are charged with a criminal offense, understanding whether or not the crime against you is a state or federal charge is critical. Unfortunately, you may find that in some instances, you can be charged by both the state and federal governments. It’s imperative to understand that these matters should not be taken lightly. As such, connecting with an experienced Oklahoma City federal crime lawyer is in your best interest to fight the charges against you.

What Makes a Crime a Federal Offense?

Generally, a crime is a federal offense if it violates the laws established by Congress. In many instances, less intense crimes will vary from state to state. For example, the Zero Tolerance Policy laws that punish underage drivers differ in Oklahoma, where the laws state that any driver under 21 with any amount of alcohol in their system will be charged with a DWI, while in Texas, the underage driver must have a BAC at or over 0.02%. Because the laws differ based on the state the crime occurs, the state handles the prosecution of these crimes.

However, when someone violates the laws established by the federal government, it is much more significant. This is because these laws do not only apply to certain states but rather to the entire United States. As such, it will be considered a federal offense. These crimes are often very severe, and as a result, carry very harsh penalties. It’s also important to understand that if you are charged federally, you will be tried in a federal court by federal agencies.

You should also note that a crime that crosses state lines becomes a federal offense. For example, if you are making and selling drugs in Oklahoma, it is a state crime. However, if you drive across state lines to sell drugs to someone in Texas, it would then be considered a federal offense.

Examples of federal offenses include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Tax fraud
  • Terrorism
  • Child Pornography
  • Extortion
  • Treason
  • Conspiracy
  • Drug trafficking
  • Sex Trafficking

What Should I Do if I’m Charged With a Federal Crime?

If you are facing a federal offense in Oklahoma City, it’s imperative to ensure you take the necessary steps to protect yourself during these times. The most important thing to keep in mind when interacting with law enforcement, regardless of whether they are local, state, or federal officers is that you have the right to remain silent. You do not have to provide any information other than your name, address, and date of birth. As such, when you are arrested, you should invoke your right to remain silent until you have consulted an attorney.

At the Jones Firm, PLLC, we understand how severe a federal offense can be, which is why we will do everything in our power to help you recover the compensation you are entitled to. Our dedicated and competent team will