Is my case going to state or federal criminal court?

Kansas City criminal defense attorney Chris Angles will help you determine if your case is bound for state or federal criminal court. There are many factors to consider in the question of state versus federal court, but Chris Angles reminds you that you can tell a lot by where you're detained.

Being arrested by federal agents and detained in a federal detention center are pretty good indications that your case is bound for the federal criminal court system. If, however, you've been arrested by a local police department and held in a city jail, your case is most likely bound for a state court.

How do I know if my case is state or federal in nature?

The nature of the crime of which you are accused is another indicator of whether your case will be tried at the state or federal level. You can generally tell by thinking about the alleged crime. The following crimes are usually tried in the federal criminal court system:

• Drug smuggling/Trafficking/Cultivating
• Interstate Crimes
• Bank Robbery
• Pornography/Enticement
• Bribery
• Computer/Internet crimes
• Mortgage Fraud
• Tax Evasion
• Fraud

Typically speaking, the only time murder is tried in federal criminal court is if the murder victim was a federal official, or if the murder was committed on federal land or if the murdered crossed state lines in the commission of the crime.

Other crimes usually tried in state criminal courts include:

• Embezzlement
• Sex Crimes
• Drug Sales/Distribution
• Domestic Violence
• Assault and Battery
• Robbery/Theft
• DUI

For assistance in determining if your case falls under state or federal jurisdiction, contact federal criminal defense attorney Chris Angles today.