Years of Experience With Both
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.
While all these offenses are criminal in nature, they each are comprised of different 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 fifteen (15) years, I have defended numerous cases in state court ranging from summary offenses and DUI to 1st Degree Murder. I always strive for the best possible results for my client, and have achieved much more than my share of “Not Guilty” verdicts.
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 and 30 years are not uncommon. Federal cases are different from state cases both substantively and procedurally, with its 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. Knowledge of the federal criminal justice system is essential to effective representation.
I have handled federal cases for over ten (10) years, ranging from violent robberies to drug distribution conspiracies, gun possession cases, “white collar” and a variety of fraud / theft offenses, etc. I have zealously represented individuals in numerous cases and have tried many, even achieving the positive results that are so uncommon in federal court. I achieved these results by skillful advocacy, knowledge, and a tireless commitment to seek the best possible results for my client.
Contact Giovanni O. Campbell, Attorney at Law, at
215-427-1400 to schedule a free initial consultation.
