From time to time, we get asked what the difference is between Federal Court and the California State Court system, such as your local County Superior Court. There are actually several differences and we will now highlight some of those differences.
Federal Court:
1. Federal Court deals with Federal Crimes.
2. The Federal Court system is much more formal. For example, there is absolutely no talking when the Judge is on the bench and the courthouses are extremely nice.
3. Federal cases are investigated by Federal agencies such as the FBI, ATF, DEA, etc., and prosecuted by Federal Prosecutors.
4. Federal Court utilizes a sentencing guideline formula/chart for when imposing sentences.
California Sate Court System:
1. The California State Court system deals with State Laws, and local municipal and county codes.
2. The California State Courts are a lot less formal. For example, you may see several attorneys talking amongst themselves or the prosecutors while court is in session. Also, the California State Courthouses are not as aesthetically pleasing as the Federal Courthouses.
3. State cases are investigated by mostly local and county agencies such as local city police departments, local county sheriff departments, etc., and prosecuted by Deputy District Attorneys and Deputy City Prosecutors.
4. The California State Court system does not have a sentencing guideline structure to follow when imposing sentence.
We hope that this gives you some general information about the differences between Federal Court and the California State Court. If you or a loved one needs the help of a Southern California federal crimes attorney, call Wallin and Klarich today. Wallin and Klarich has a team of highly skilled, aggressive criminal defense attorneys ready to take your call 7 days week, 24 hours a day! Wallin and Klarich has been in the business of helping people with their criminal defense matters for over 30 years and we would like to help you with yours! A qualified, experienced criminal defense attorney from the firm will be able to evaluate your case when you call.
