How are the trial and punishment phases different for a federal crime versus a state crime?
There are many differences between trials for federal and state crimes, beginning with the personnel and location. A federal trial is held in a federal courthouse in the district in which the crime occurred; a state trial is held in a county courthouse in the county where the crime occurred. A federal prosecutor brings federal charges, while a district attorney or other state prosecutor brings state criminal charges. Sentencing is also a different procedure depending on which court system a trial is held; different guidelines are used for minimum sentences, and the provisions may vary greatly. Moreover, a federal trial is governed by a particular set of procedural and evidentiary rules. For all of these reasons, if you are charged with a federal crime, it is a good idea to seek out a criminal defense attorney with federal court experience.
