If you are facing federal or state charges in Colorado, you need a skilled and knowledgeable attorney capable of navigating federal and state courts. At Peakstone Law Group, formerly known as Patterson Weaver, we will explain the differences between state and federal charges as we craft a unique defense strategy for your case, regardless of the jurisdiction.
We understand how challenging this time in your life is and we are ready to fight for you through the legal process, whether it involves state charges or federal charges.
How to Determine If Your Case Is State or Federal
The determining factor between federal crimes vs. state crimes is often the jurisdiction where the alleged offense occurred and which laws it involves. A crime that happened in one state, here in Colorado, typically involves state charges. If a crime occurs in multiple states or the alleged perpetrator crosses state lines, it may be a federal crime. If the crimes involve federal statutes, jurisdiction over criminal cases is in federal courts.
What Are the Differences Between State and Federal Crimes in Colorado?
Understanding state vs. federal court differences can be critical to your legal defense strategy. The differences are best discerned by considering the following factors:
- Jurisdiction – Federal offenses may involve more than one state and are tried in federal district court, where the prosecutor is usually an assistant attorney general. State crimes are prosecuted by local district attorneys before state court judges.
- Types of crimes – The U.S. Department of Justice handles federal crimes such as white-collar crimes, crimes concerning foreign nations, and drug or child trafficking. The Colorado State Department of Justice typically handles state crimes such as homicide, assault, robbery, sex crimes, and arson, among others.
- Legal process – Federal district courts generally adhere to stringent procedures and maintain higher sentencing guidelines than state courts, which can result in more severe penalties for federal offenses compared to state offenses. Under state law, the Colorado sentencing laws are different and are subject to judicial discretion.
- Court system – The federal court system has three levels: the U.S. Supreme Court, the U.S. Court of Appeals (Tenth Circuit), and the federal District Courts, the court of original jurisdiction in federal crime cases, which are located in each state. The Colorado court system has a similar structure. Its highest court is the Colorado Supreme Court, which hears appeals from the state Court of Appeals. The Colorado District Courts are the general jurisdiction trial courts in Colorado with original jurisdiction over criminal cases.
Our Colorado Criminal Defense Attorneys Are Ready to Help
If you have been charged with a crime, you need an experienced attorney from the Peakstone Law Group to develop a robust legal defense to the charges you face, regardless of whether they are state of federal. We know how stressful this time in your life is, and we are well-equipped to handle your case.
Contact the Peakstone Law Group today to speak to a Colorado criminal defense attorney in a free consultation that is confidential and comes without further obligations.