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May 06, 2025
It can be stressful and intimidating when you’re facing criminal charges, especially if you’ve been hit with federal criminal charges. If you live in New Jersey, you may find yourself wondering how federal crimes are classified in the first place. To know the answer, it can be useful to look at some examples of federal crimes in New Jersey.
Understanding these concepts can help you better navigate your own legal situation. Whether you face state charges or federal charges, your life can change drastically. It’s wise to work with a New Jersey criminal attorney to navigate the legal process and, hopefully, reduce the penalties you may face.
Federal Crimes vs. State Crimes in New Jersey
A federal crime is any criminal act that violates federal law. According to New Jersey’s Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program, a violent crime occurs in the state every 14 minutes and 42 seconds. However, this doesn’t mean it’s classified as a federal crime.
While state charges tend to focus more on the protection of property and people in isolated incidents, federal crimes often deal with more involved criminal acts that impact a wider group of people.
Some key differences between state charges and federal charges in New Jersey include:
- Jurisdiction. For local charges, you may settle your case with a judge in a municipal court or a jury in a superior court. Federal charges, however, are handled by federal judges in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey.
- Laws. Different laws govern state offenses and federal offenses. Municipal courts handle traffic violations and violations against another person or municipality. Superior courts handle violations against New Jersey’s criminal statutes. Federal courts handle violations under Title 18 of the U.S. Code, as well as under other titles (such as Title 21 for drug charges and Title 26 for tax charges).
- Mandatory minimum sentencing. State and federal courts have different mandatory minimum sentencing. Federal prison sentences are known to be typically lengthier than state sentences.
- Procedures. You can expect completely different proceedings between state and federal criminal courts in New Jersey.
- Punishments. State charges and federal charges come with their own sentences and punishments. State laws classify levels of crimes, which allows judges to determine how long an offender may need to spend in jail in a fairly straightforward way. Federal courts use the Federal Sentencing Guidelines to give judges guidance on the appropriate sentences, as well as apply the U.S. Code’s Crimes and Criminal Procedures.
Examples of Federal Crimes in New Jersey
Federal crimes come in all different forms and can present themselves in many different ways. A vast majority of alleged federal criminal acts in the state have to do with drug activities or white collar crimes. These include offenses like trafficking and fraud.
The Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) Consumer Sentinel Network had over 6.47 million reports of fraud and identity theft in 2024. New Jersey was among the top 15 states with the most identity theft reports.
Some of the most common federal criminal acts present in New Jersey include:
- Bribery
- Committing a federal crime with a firearm
- Conspiracy
- Crimes on federal property
- Drug-related crimes
- Embezzlement
- Fraud
- Mail fraud
- Money laundering
- Tax evasion
- White collar crimes
The type of federal crime dictates the potential penalties and punishments you may face. By working with a New Jersey criminal defense lawyer, you can better understand what you’re up against, and your attorney can build a strong case on your behalf.
