how is the case involving the Falcons player Micheal Vick considered a federal case?

Question

why isn't the case at state level? is it because he is a famous athlete? how is that determined? Do you think that he will be found guilty by trial ? (because in the media and society has already found him guilty)

Answer 1

Federal because of the gambling issues and money crosssing state lines, that takes it out of the state level. I think had it been only related to the dog fights then it would have been a state case. Him being a famous athlete has nothing to do with it. He will be found guilty because he is.

Answer 2

a bill known as HR 137-determines whether Vick and others should be prosecuted for promoting and sponsoring dogfights. The new federal law makes it a felony to organize a dogfight. There's a jail term of three years, and there's a fine of $250,000. And if that isn't enough, those penalties are per dog. The local police and the county prosecutor were taking their time in their investigation of Vick and the 66 dogs seized on his property. Poindexter, the Commonwealth's Attorney, refused to execute a search warrant on Vick's property, and that's a rare event in the world of law enforcement. In fact, he actually let the warrant expire, creating the impression that things might be worked out in a friendly settlement with the local authorities. But the day after the county search warrant expired, the USDA agents were on the scene armed with their own search warrant. So instead of reluctant local cops, Vick appears now to be up against the might of the federal government.

Are they doing this just because Vick is a famous quarterback?
No. The USDA and the humane societies are engaged in a major effort to end animal fighting in the U.S. They are interested in people who promote and sponsor dogfights. It might matter to some of the animal-rights lobbyists who can use Vick's celebrity to promote their causes; but legally, Vick's football success is inconsequential. In Dayton, Ohio, for example, the USDA and other federal and state agencies investigated a dogfighting operation for 14 months, seized 64 dogs, and indicted nine people. Last week, state authorities in Ohio charged another 38 who were involved in the same scheme. All 38 are charged with state felonies. Although that investigation began with a dogfighting conspiracy, it quickly led to drug, gun and gambling charges as well.

Answer 3

The indictment talks about money crossing state lines, which makes this a federal issue. People forget that this case is about illegal gambling (which is really why the FBI is involved) as well as cruelty to animals.

Answer 4

Dog-fighting is a federal offense. (Just like killing an endangered species or federal-regulated animal like duck, geese, alligator; or possessing a sawed-off shotgun, etc).

Michael Vick's case has nothing to do with race, celebrity, etc. He broke a federal law, so he is being prosecuted by the feds.

I have no opinion about his guilt.

Answer 5

Because it involves. transporting dogs to fight across state lines and interstate gambling.....once a crime spans more than one state it becomes a federal case.....the state of virginia may also indict him on state charges

Answer 6

Because there are federal laws against animal cruelty which means that the federal goverenment can bring charges.

Answer 7

It's federal because he is charged with interstate commerce with the intent to committ a crime. the feds have a 95% conviction rate, so his chances aren't too good.

Answer 8

it is a federal case because they went in to look for drugs and they found dog fighting stuff and dead dogs in the backyard

Answer 9

When you cross state lines with anything illegal, it becomes a federal crime.

Answer 10

I ask the same question.

Why is it that in 1998 when Mark McGuire was believed to have been involved with steriods it was great for baseball, But when Barry Bonds is believed to be involved in steriods the federal goverment get's involved.