{"id":352033,"date":"2023-12-05T13:43:24","date_gmt":"2023-12-05T18:43:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/criminal\/criminal-charges\/crimes-against-the-government.html"},"modified":"2023-12-05T13:43:24","modified_gmt":"2023-12-05T18:43:24","slug":"crimes-against-the-government","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-charges\/crimes-against-the-government.html","title":{"rendered":"Crimes Against the Government"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Crimes Against the Government<\/h1>\n
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\n By Samuel Strom, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Rhonda Earhart, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

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Most crimes target individuals or pieces of property. But certain types of crimes can target the federal government or the country as a whole. Unlike offenses that only violate state laws, these acts violate federal law. <\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n

Crimes against the government vary in nature, but they are all serious cases. Since these acts may affect the country’s safety and stability, the penalties for a conviction can be severe. <\/p>\n

That’s why legal advice can be instrumental in these scenarios. Find a criminal defense attorney<\/a> if you have a case involving an alleged crime against the government.<\/p>\n

Federal Criminal Jurisdiction<\/h2>\n

The federal court system<\/a> handles these crimes. Sometimes, the state may bring a similar state charge against the accused. Typically, acts against the United States will be prosecuted in federal court. Cases against local government authorities could be handled in either the local state court or federal court, depending on the parties and circumstances.<\/p>\n

The federal government (through Congress) may pass criminal laws, but only if they relate to a federal or national interest. The term "federal interest" is somewhat vague but includes the following:<\/p>\n