Legal Definitions - federal crime

A federal crime is an offense that violates a law enacted by the United States Congress, rather than a law passed by an individual state legislature. These laws are typically found within the U.S. Code, with many criminal offenses codified under Title 18. Federal crimes often involve activities that cross state borders, impact national security, or fall within areas of responsibility specifically assigned to the federal government by the U.S. Constitution.

• Example 1: Interstate Drug Trafficking

  Imagine a criminal organization that transports large quantities of illegal drugs, such as methamphetamine, from a manufacturing facility in one state to distributors operating in several other states across the country.

  This scenario illustrates a federal crime because the activity of drug trafficking crosses state lines. Federal statutes, such as those found in the Controlled Substances Act, prohibit the manufacture, distribution, and possession of certain controlled substances, especially when these activities involve interstate commerce. Because the crime impacts multiple states and falls under Congress's power to regulate commerce between states, it is prosecuted at the federal level.

• Example 2: Counterfeiting U.S. Currency

  Consider an individual who sets up a sophisticated printing operation in their basement to produce fake U.S. dollar bills, intending to use them to purchase goods and services.

  This is a federal crime because the integrity of the nation's currency is a matter of federal concern. Laws prohibiting the counterfeiting of U.S. money are enacted by Congress to protect the national financial system and are enforced by federal agencies like the U.S. Secret Service. Violations are prosecuted under federal statutes, regardless of where the counterfeiting operation is located.

• Example 3: Robbery of a Federally Insured Bank

  Suppose a group of individuals plans and executes a robbery of a local bank branch that is insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC).

  Even though the bank is physically located within a single state, robbing a federally insured institution is considered a federal crime. The federal government has a vested interest in protecting the stability of the banking system and the funds of depositors, leading Congress to pass specific laws addressing crimes against such institutions. Therefore, the perpetrators would face federal charges rather than solely state charges.