Generally, crimes are investigated and prosecuted according to the jurisdiction they take place in. As such, most illegal acts are prosecuted on a state or municipal level. However, crimes that take place on federal property automatically become a case for federal courts, even if they would have been state-prosecuted had the crimes not taken place on federal grounds. For example, federal crimes are not only composed of serious illegal acts like drug charges or financial fraud, but they also include crimes such as robbery, theft of government equipment, possession or sale of government property, and criminal trespass. As long as the crime took place on federal property, it can be tried by federal courts and—in some cases—may be prosecuted on both a state and federal level.
Penalties for federal crimes tend to be harsher than those prosecuted on the state level, often including mandatory minimum sentences and, sometimes, negative publicity that can affect the outcome of your case. Additionally, the rules for trials in federal court are different from those of state courts. This means individuals charged with crimes on federal property will need a lawyer who is knowledgeable of these differences. If you have been charged with a criminal offense on federal property, consulting with a well-versed Columbia federal court defense attorney that can defend your case may be one of the most important decisions you make. At Truslow & Truslow, our qualified legal team has the resources necessary to present an effective defense to crimes committed on federal property and can advocate on behalf of your interests.
Federal Property Near Columbia
A crime that takes place in a national forest, on an Indian reservation, military base, against federal officers, or on premises insured by federal money is prosecuted federally. Federal property near Columbia includes:
Fort Jackson
Shaw Airforce Base
Congaree National Park
In very rare cases, a crime can be charged by both state and federal governments. This involves one government deferring prosecution of the case to the other, while the deferring government only pursues criminal charges if the initial prosecution fails in their jurisdiction. This escapes the Constitution’s Double Jeopardy Clause, wherein multiple prosecutions for the same crime are prohibited, because state and federal governments exist as separate powers.
Contact a Federal Court Defense Attorney
If you have been charged with a federal crime, you will likely need very strong legal representation that can look out for your interests. At Truslow & Truslow, the knowledgeable federal property crimes attorneys can fight for you throughout the legal process and provide support and guidance in your case. Don’t hesitate to contact our Columbia offices at (803) 256-6276 to discuss the particulars of your case.
