How Do You Know If You’ve Been Charged With a Federal Crime?
What Makes a Crime Federal
In order to be charged with a federal crime, the federal government needs to be involved. Local law enforcement will combine forces with the U.S. attorney’s office to provide a burden of proof against you. If they have sufficient evidence and support for the charge of a federal crime, you will be notified. How you are notified will depend on your situation. If federal agents or the FBI identify themselves, arrest you, and bring you before the judge, it is clear that you are being charged at the federal level.
You May Receive a Letter from a Federal Prosecutor
In some cases, the federal prosecutor will inform you that you are being charged with a crime. You or your attorney will be sent documentation, including a court date in a federal court and an explanation of the charges against you. This explanation can come in the form of a criminal complaint or an indictment.
