Years of Experience With Both
While a Pennsylvania state case is prosecuted by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (a county District Attorney's Office or the Pennsylvania Attorney General) against the individual for alleged violation of a state law(s), a federal case is prosecuted by the United States Attorney's Office for violation of federal laws.
A federal case generally arises from an investigation conducted by a federal law enforcement agency, like the FBI, DEA, Secret Service, etc. Sometimes a federal case arises from a collaborative effort including state law enforcement agencies as well. Still other times a federal case is nothing more than a state case that has been "adopted" for federal prosecution.
Perhaps the most salient difference between a state and a federal prosecution is that often (particularly in drug offenses and offenses involving firearms) the penalties are by far greater in federal court. Sentences of 15, 20, or 30 years (or more) are not uncommon. Federal cases are different from state cases both substantively and procedurally, with their own set of rules and caselaw. The laws and rules surrounding sentencing in federal court present its own complexities, familiar only to those who actively and frequently defend federal criminal cases. Not only are the stakes higher in federal court, but for many reasons the risk of conviction in a federal case is generally much greater than in state court.
Therefore, a federal defense attorney should be very familiar with the laws, rules and sentencing provisions of federal cases in order to properly advise the client and to provide the best defense. Well grounded experience with the federal criminal system is essential to effective representation.
I have handled federal cases for over the last twelve (12) years, ranging from violent robberies to narcotics conspiracies, gun possession cases, "white collar" and a variety of fraud / theft offenses, etc. I have zealously represented individuals in a great number of cases and have tried many, even achieving acquittal and other positive results that are so rare in federal court. This resulted not only from skillful advocacy and knowledge, but a tireless commitment to achieving the best possible results for my client.
A state criminal case is prosecuted by a county District Attorney or a Pennsylvania state Attorney General, for alleged crimes against the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. State law is the same in all counties of the state, although local procedural rules may differ.
Offenses against the state are numerous: Murder, Homicide by Vehicle, Aggravated Assault, Robbery, Burglary, Possession with Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance (PWID), Conspiracies, Violation of the Uniform Firearms Act (VUFA), theft and fraud offenses, and Driving Under the Influence DUI), to name just a few.
All offenses are comprised of individual elements and have different defenses. A criminal defense attorney should be knowledgeable about the type of offense(s) that you or your loved one is charged with, and should have ample experience handling with them.
For approximately seventeen (17) years, I have defended numerous cases in state court ranging from summary offenses and DUI to 1st Degree Homicide. I always strive for the best possible results for my client, and have achieved much more than my share of "Not Guilty" verdicts.
Contact Giovanni O. Campbell, Attorney at Law, at
215-427-1400 to schedule a free initial consultation.
