2007-07-19 17:07:08 · 7 answers · asked by Jerry Y 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
It means you will be prosecuted by the Federal government instead of the state government. The penalties also vary greatly. Often they will try someone on drug charges in the Federal courts because the penalties are harsher.
2007-07-19 17:11:40 · answer #1 · answered by arejokerswild 6 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Hi! Being charged with a crime is basically your arrest. A traffic ticket would be a charge.
An indictment is when there is a significant charge or charges that had to be brought forward by the district attorney to a group of people called a grand jury. The grand jury listens to the allegations that the distict attorney provides, then decides whether or not there is enough evidence to proceed to trial. If the grand jury chooses that it does, then the charges become an indictment and the case goes to trial.
Indictments are handed down regularly in local courts (counties, boroughs, parishes). Normally, indictments are a simple formality and does not by any means that the person is guilty. It just means that there is enough evidence to warrant a trial.
If the indictment comes from the US district court however, it is much more serious. It still stands true that the suspect is innocent until proven guilty as he or she is with a local indictment. However, the US attorney, as I understand, tends not to process indictments unless the odds of winning the case are overwhelming. The US district attorney has a plea bargain or conviction rate of 95%, an incredibly high rate. If there is much doubt, the attorney will not press the case.
I hope this helps. Take care.
2007-07-20 00:35:40 · answer #2 · answered by TeacherGrant 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Simple, a Federal indictment means you'll be subjected to the penalties of the US Government as opposed to a Municipal or State charge and the penalties of that jurisdiction.
2007-07-20 00:12:16 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
Federal means that it is a federal crime as opposed to a state crime. For example any crime that involves travelling over state lines follows federal jurisdiction. Most financial, postal, and internet crimes are federal as well because they usually involve more than one state. The federal government is an umbrella over state crimes. State crimes can be just as serious or more so, depending on what it is.
2007-07-20 00:23:35 · answer #4 · answered by Eisbär 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Only jurisdiction, but it is said that if you have to do time you are much better off in a federal jail, than a state or county jail, none are appealing
2007-07-20 00:10:30 · answer #5 · answered by jean 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Just the statute that you are charged with. Most Federal offenses are felonies.
2007-07-20 00:09:03 · answer #6 · answered by cyanne2ak 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Federal time is straight time..no deferred sentences, good behavior, etc. Avoid.
2007-07-20 00:10:35 · answer #7 · answered by J J 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋