Theft

Although most theft crimes fall under state law, some specific kinds of theft are prosecuted in federal court. If your alleged crime is a theft that involves federal property or interstate commerce, you will risk being indicted on federal theft charges.

Federal Theft

Federal theft crimes are those involve thefts from federal agencies or thefts that cross state lines.

Federal theft covers items government-owned property such as computers or trucks but it can also include documents and data. Prosecutors will pursue federal theft cases regardless of the dollar value of the item taken.

Federal theft also covers theft or misuse of government money, including loans or grants.

Interstate theft crimes, such as identity theft and illegal downloading, are also tried in federal court.

State Versus Federal

The federal court system is complex, and its procedures are significantly different from those in the Pennsylvania court system. One of the biggest contrasts is that the federal court system uses unique, complicated sentencing guidelines to decide how someone convicted of a federal crime will be punished.

Another difference is that federal prosecutors can draw on extensive resources, including the results of lengthy investigations conducted by federal agents. Philadelphia area prosecutors do not have those kinds of resources available to them.

If you have been charged with a federal crime, you are probably facing more severe consequences than if you had been charged by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

How A Philadelphia Federal Theft Attorney Will Help

When you are up against a theft charge, you will be facing inflexible laws and a determined US prosecutor. You will need Philadelphia federal theft attorney who can help you determine all of your options and achieve the best outcome for your circumstances.

United States Code

Read more about federal criminal offenses in the United States Code.