Minnesota and Wisconsin Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you have been accused of a federal crime, you need legal representation on your side as soon as possible. The federal government has substantial resources at its disposal, and federal agents conduct thorough and lengthy investigations before a person even knows that they are a suspect. Thus, the federal prosecutor handling the matter will have a bevy of evidence to build a case against you. If you are found guilty, you could be facing severe penalties that include years of imprisonment and/or thousands of dollars in fines.

To level the playing field and aggressively attack the allegations, it is crucial to hire a skilled attorney. At Midwest Defense, our lawyers have over 35 years of combined experience. Also, Attorney James Robbins is licensed in federal court in Minnesota and Wisconsin. We have an in-depth understanding of the judicial process and can effectively guide you throughout your case. Our team will learn about the situation from your perspective, review the prosecutor's evidence, and discuss your legal options. Providing personalized attention, we will develop a defense strategy for your unique case.

To discuss your case with a federal criminal defense attorney in Minnesota or Wisconsin, call us at (651) 808-0335 or contact us online today. Your initial consultation is free.

What's the Difference Between a State Crime and a Federal Crime?

The difference between a state crime and a federal crime largely depends on where the offense happened. For an offense to fall under state jurisdiction, the alleged offender must have violated state law. State laws cover conduct occurring within its borders.

An offense would fall under federal jurisdiction if the alleged offender violated federal law. Federal laws concern conduct that crosses state lines or country borders. In some cases, the alleged offender might move from one place to another, such as in a kidnapping case. In others, the crime itself might affect interstate or foreign commerce, such as in a child exploitation case, where the alleged offender in one state entices a minor in another state to engage in sexually explicit conduct to produce a visual depiction of it.

In some situations, an offense can be charged as a federal crime even if it does not move from one state to another or to or from the U.S. This can happen when the violation took place on federal property, such as a courthouse or national park, or was committed against a federal employee.

Because similarities exist in the elements of offenses enumerated in state and federal statutes, some crimes can be handled by both state and federal governments. Often, the question arises as to whether this is allowed, as the U.S. does not permit someone to be tried for the same crime twice (the Double Jeopardy clause). However, this principle does not apply when a crime falls under both jurisdictions because state and federal governments are considered separate sovereigns.

State and federal crimes also differ in how they are handled. With a state crime, local or state law enforcement officials will investigate. A prosecutor for the State will pursue the case, and the matter will be heard in a state court.

In contrast, federal crimes are investigated by agents from agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, or Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. A U.S. Attorney will prosecute, and the case will be heard in federal court.