What Happens When Crimes Cross State Lines?

 Posted on October 07, 2024 in Federal Crimes

Originally published: June 23, 2023 -- Updated: October 7, 2024

Someone who commits a crime in Illinois may be charged under state law. However, if that same offense crosses into another state, it can be charged as a federal crime. When someone crosses state lines in the act of breaking the law, he or she can face heavier penalties and investigations by federal law enforcement like the FBI.

This article will discuss the most common crimes that cross state lines, what you need to know about federal crime, and how to contact an Illinois federal criminal defense attorney to protect your rights.

What Are Some Common Crimes That Cross State Lines?

Since the internet usually crosses state lines, it is more common than ever for crimes to fall under federal jurisdiction. Even if you remain in Illinois, communications you send may route through out-of-state servers. This is especially true if you use tools like VPNs.

Crimes like wire fraud, therefore, commonly cross state lines. Wire fraud makes it a federal offense to use interstate electronics such as the internet to commit fraud.

Here are some other examples of common crimes that cross state lines:

• Cybercrimes: Offenses like hacking, cyberstalking, and child pornography usually involve the internet and therefore are likely to cross state lines.
• Mail fraud: 18 U.S.C. Section 1341 makes it a federal crime to use the mail for fraudulent activity. Since mail often crosses state lines, mail fraud is an example of an interstate crime.
• Solicitation of prostitution: These days, soliciting prostitution is often done online which, as mentioned earlier, typically involves interstate electronic communication.
• Drug crimes: Drugs are often transported across state lines, particularly by organized drug rings.
• Human trafficking: Human trafficking involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion to make someone perform labor or a sexual act. Organized crime groups use human trafficking as a trade and transport their victims across state lines.

Some of these crimes, like mail fraud, are federal crimes even without crossing state lines. Others, like drug offenses, only fall under jurisdiction if they cross state lines or involve federal property or officials.

Generally speaking, criminal activities that cross state lines can be charged and prosecuted as federal crimes. This is because the federal government has jurisdiction over interstate illegal activity. In simpler terms, when individuals commit crimes that affect people, property, businesses, or government interests across multiple states or countries, it is easier and more effective for one federal law to govern charging or prosecuting all related parties in such interstate criminal activity. If you have been charged with a federal crime, contact an attorney immediately, as failing to do so may put you in worse legal trouble than you already are.

Here is What You Need to Know Regarding Federal Crime

Federal criminal charges often lead to substantial sentences and steep fines. They may also lead to secondary consequences, like a less-than-flattering criminal record, difficulty finding a job, professional membership restrictions, and more.

The federal government’s criminal code details numerous offenses that fall under federal jurisdiction, including drug trafficking, piracy, terrorism, and even some cybercrimes, which have become increasingly prevalent in today’s digitized world. Likewise, activities involving child pornography or technology providing access to this material may also constitute a federal crime. It should also be noted that while federal murder charges exist, traditional murders are usually classified as crimes under state jurisdiction.

Federal investigations of hate crimes may also be charged as a federal crime. The Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2009 expanded the reach of federal hate crimes to include aggravating offenses motivated by the sufferer’s race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or disability.

Ultimately, if an interstate crime occurs, be it in the form of securities fraud, computer hacking, identity theft, or any other offense that has the power to cross state lines, the federal government will likely have the jurisdiction to prosecute it as a federal crime.

Contact a Chicago, IL Federal Crimes Attorney

When facing federal charges, the outlook can look grim. However, by retaining experienced legal counsel, you can put yourself in a more favorable position than if you relied upon a court-appointed attorney. As you hire an attorney, look for counselors who have experience and a proven track record of defending clients against the most serious of crimes. While hiring a qualified attorney will not guarantee any particular outcome, it will give you peace of mind knowing that you have selected an attorney with your best interests in mind. Contact the skilled Chicago, IL, federal crimes lawyer with Law Offices of Hal M. Garfinkel LLC, Chicago Criminal Defense Attorney for a high-quality attorney. Call 312-629-0669 for a free consultation.