Legal System

Home > Legal System > Federal Courts

Federal Courts

The federal courts handle all federal legal cases. A criminal case will be heard in federal court if the crime in question involves a violation of federal laws or statutes. Generally speaking, crimes which take place on federal land or in more than one state are handled through the federal courts. Drug smuggling, internet fraud, bank robbery, bank fraud, mail fraud, pornography, bribery of public officials, and narcotic conspiracy crimes are examples of criminal cases handled by the federal courts. In federal court, the US code and the federal sentencing guidelines govern the sentencing process upon a guilty verdict.

There are several branches of the federal court system. The following courts have original jurisdiction over federal cases:

  • District court
  • Tax Court
  • Court of International Trade
  • US Claims Court
  • Court of Veteran Appeals
  • Court of Military Review

While it is possible for a criminal case to begin in most all of these courts, we will deal with the District Courts, since they handle the large majority of criminal cases.

The following diagram will provide a partial glimpse into the federal court structure. The federal court system is arranged, inclusively, as a pyramid, with the US Supreme Court at its pinnacle. The highest court appears at the bottom of this figure. If you would like to learn more about the federal courts or have questions about your legal rights and options in a criminal case, please contact an experienced criminal attorney in your area.

FEDERAL DISTRICT COURT
There are 94 federal district courts. District courts have original jurisdiction over most federal criminal cases. In addition to having at least one federal district court in each state, there are also district courts in Washington D.C., the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the territories of Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands
US COURT OF APPEALS
This is the intermediate appellate court of the United States federal court system. There are 12 courts of appeals at the federal level which are often called circuit courts. These courts review cases from the district courts when there is a challenge to that court's actions or decisions. For example, a defendant who feels he/she has not received a fair trial may appeal to the federal circuit court, requesting a review of their case. Appeals court judges are appointed by the President with the consent of the Senate and preside for life.
UNITED STATES SUPREME COURT
The US Supreme Court is the highest court in the United States. It hears cases involving matters of great public interest. The Supreme Court receives at least 5,000 requests, by writ of certiorari, each year and accepts approximately 100 to 200 cases. These cases can come from both the federal and state levels. There are nine Supreme Court justices, including one Chief Justice, which are appointed by the President and serve for life.

See also:

Search Warrant | Accusation | Probation | Concurrent Sentencing | Civil Case | Evidence | Pro Bono |  Expungement | Criminal Trial

Contact an experienced criminal defense attorney today to assist you with your case. Free case reviews are offered.

All of your criminal, DUI, DWI, OUI lawyer needs in one place!

Let us help you locate an attorney. Use the form to find a criminal law attorney in your area.