something i always wondered about?

Question

if i am inside the missouri state line and i shoot a person across the line in the state of iowa,which state tries me for the crime?

Answer 1

Either side has jurisdiction. As a general rule the state where the victim is has priority (by agreement between the two state's prosecuting authorities; as a general rule the District attorneys of adjoining counties - even across state lines -- cooperate with each other.) It is not a Federal crime & if it was the US attorney would probably decline prosecution & defer to the state.

Answer 2

Bottom line, not sure, but some thoughts...Iowa is going to charge, by extradition if necessary. Missouri may have its own qualifying charges. Usually there's a "trump" charge, something heavy-duty like murder, where misdemeanors related to the main charge are just dismissed for convenience; Missouri might do this if all they have is a weapons charge, for example.

It could be more of a philosophy question, eg, "Where did it happen?" Well, *I* think it happened in Iowa. We always look at effects before causes.

Answer 3

Actually, either state can try you...you've committed a crime in both states. Furthermore, most states only require that a "substantial act" has occurred in their jurisdiction in order for you to be charged and tried in that state. I work in DC and you see this question a lot with the criminal conspiracies and/or gangs out here since they work in Virginia, the District, and Maryland.

Good question, though.

Answer 4

The moment a crime crosses states lines if become federal jurisdiction.

Answer 5

Whichever state you are arrested in.

Answer 6

That's attempt murder....The first one that can get their hands on you to possibly extradite to the place of the shooting.

Answer 7

First off, you should never live THAT CLOSE to your in-laws

Answer 8

federal court in your jurisdiction.