Some estimates suggest that there are nearly 6,000 federal crimes in the United States. However, there may be more. It is difficult to pinpoint the exact number of crimes as federal laws are continuously created, repealed, and amended.
Federal law predominantly includes the United States Code and the Code of Federal Regulations. There are likely tens of thousands of specific statutes and regulations, and violating any of them could be a federal crime.
If you are accused of a federal crime, a Los Angeles federal crimes lawyer can help you understand your rights and options. Taking on the federal government is a terrifying proposition, but you don’t have to go it alone.
What Classifies a Crime as Federal?
It is hard to know the difference between state and federal violations, especially since many state and federal crimes have similar names. You may charged with a federal crime if:
- Your crime specifically broke federal law, such as firearm violations.
- Your crime involved crossing state lines, such as wire fraud or drug trafficking.
- Your crime involved a representative of the federal government, such as assaulting or threatening a public official.
- Your crime was against the federal government, such as tax evasion.
To make things even more confusing, you may be tried for the same crime in both state and federal court. Contact a skilled criminal defense attorney to understand better what federal offenses are and how your charges may play out.
For a free legal consultation, call (310) 896-2723
How Many Federal Laws Are There?
Committing a federal crime means violating a federal law, and there are many. Based on their origin and method of enforcement, federal laws can be classified into several types. The two main sources of federal law are the U.S. Code and the Code of Federal Regulations.
Federal Statutes
Federal statutes are laws enacted by Congress. They are organized in the United States Code, which consists of 54 titles, each corresponding to a specific area of law.
Federal Regulations
Federal agencies issue and enforce federal regulations. The Code of Federal Regulations also has multiple titles covering a diverse range of topics.
Some of the agencies responsible for federal regulations include:
- Environmental Protection Agency
- Food and Drug Administration
- Federal Communications Commission
- Department of Labor
- Securities and Exchange Commission
Other forms of federal laws include executive orders issued by the President, international treaties ratified by the Senate, and administrative orders issued by federal agencies. Because there are so many federal laws, it is difficult to estimate how many federal crimes there are.
What Is a Federal Felony
A federal felony is a major crime that violates federal law. Penalties vary depending on the offense and the specific law violated. Some examples of federal felonies include:
- Drug trafficking
- Bank robbery
- Child pornography
- Immigration violations
- Terrorism-related offenses
If you have been arrested or accused of the above violations or any other federal felony, you must immediately obtain representation from a federal crimes lawyer. Federal felonies typically involve harsher punishments than state felonies.
What Are the Most Common Federal Crimes?
Some of the most common federal crimes include:
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Drug Offenses
Drug trafficking is one of the most common federal crimes, along with other elements of the narcotics business, such as distribution and manufacturing. Federal penalties for drug offenses can be very serious, especially for trafficking or distribution.
White-collar Crimes
White-collar crime may be handled in federal or state court. These crimes are usually non-violent, but they can harm large numbers of people. White-collar crimes include things like:
- Fraud
- Insider trading
- Money laundering
- Embezzlement
- Misappropriation of funds
Ponzi schemes are a type of fraud that would fall under white-collar crimes. In recent years, the rise of cryptocurrency has presented another avenue for white-collar criminals to engage in fraud.
Immigration Crimes
Crimes related to illegal immigration and immigration violations fall under federal jurisdiction. These can involve entering the country illegally, overstaying visas, and human trafficking. Penalties are serious, particularly if an individual is charged again after a previous deportation.
Weapons Violations
Federal gun laws regulate the possession, distribution, and trafficking of firearms. Crimes such as illegal possession of a firearm by a felon and selling illegal weapons are often prosecuted in federal court. It is important to understand the regulations that govern firearms to avoid potential issues.
Cybercrimes
Hacking, identity theft, and online fraud schemes have become a serious issue for many Americans. Cybercrimes fall into federal crimes, not only due to fraud but because they typically involve actions across state lines or internationally.
Environmental Crimes
The Environmental Protection Agency regulates federal environmental laws. Violations include
illegal dumping of hazardous waste, pollution, or violations of federal wildlife protection laws.
What Do You If You Are Charged With a Federal Crime?
If you are charged with a federal crime, you need to contact a lawyer as soon as possible. Doing so immediately could save you from costly errors. Federal cases are complex, and the sentencing can be severe. Do not try to take on the government on your own.
The federal government has endless resources they can use against you. They have powerful lawyers who know the law inside and out, and they may use confusing or aggressive tactics to pin you with a crime you didn’t commit.
The job of a federal prosecutor is to put criminals behind bars and close cases. Many of them are very good at it, but even the best can get it wrong. You need a powerful attorney to help you defend your rights.
Reach Out to a Federal Crimes Lawyer for Help
Exactly how many federal crimes there are is hard to estimate. There are tens of thousands of individual laws. Violating any of them, even accidentally, can land you in serious trouble with the government.
It can feel hopeless when you have federal charges hanging over your head. At the Simmrin Law Group, we have decades of experience defending people like you. We can help level the playing field so you have a fighting chance.
Contact us today for a free consultation. When we partner with you, rest assured that you have a friend who knows the law.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form