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Most United States criminal law is set by the individual states.  The United States federal government has adopted its own criminal code (Title 18) which deals with activities that extend beyond state boundaries or that have impact on federal operations.

Title 18 Statutes are also the model for criminal procedures within the states.  American criminal procedure must balance the defendant's rights and the state's interests within certain constitutional guidelines.

The criminal code is quite detailed and among other offenses, deals with: arson, assault, biological or chemical weapons, bribery and graft, civil disorders, civil rights, counterfeiting and forgery, DUI, DWI, embezzlement and theft, fraud and false statements, gambling, mail fraud, murder (includes assassination and homicide), kidnapping, assault, perjury, robbery and burglary, searches and seizures, sexual abuse and exploitation, domestic violence and stalking.

Both federal and state legislatures are continually refining the criminal code to deal with the evolution of modern life and social mores in America as well as including the new technology that becomes available to Americans.  It is argued that our high percentage of felons in the United States is due to the proliferation of current felony laws.

The very complexity of criminal law now calls for competent legal representation at every step in the process in order to safeguard constitutional rights. 

A conviction of a felony crime can result in loss of freedom and privilege.  A criminal defendant has the right to a speedy and efficient trial with the desire for justice.  A criminal defendant has the right to be represented by competent defense counsel and the right to a jury of twelve of his/her peers as well as other rights enumerated in the Constitution of the United States and the constitution of the state of your residence.

A misdemeanor charge is not as serious as a felony and generally carries a lesser penalty. A misdemeanor may still require time in prison or a fine.  There may be options available such as deferred sentences or pre-trial diversions for those committing less serious offenses and for the first time offenders.

White Collar Crimes  such as fraud, embezzlement, tax evasion or filing false statements with other government agencies, most cyber crimes, extortion and others are felonies in many states.  These crimes may be a violation of state or federal laws. The violation will determine whether the trial will be in state or federal court. White-collar crimes are usually associated with business or lending institutions and do not generally involve bodily injury to another person, however, penalties may be as severe as for violent crimes.

Bank fraud cases, which may include false statements or documents involving loan applications, are generally investigated by the FBI. The FBI, on completion of its investigation, forwards its case to the local U.S. Attorney's office, where the local office determines whether to prosecute or not.

Forgery refers to deception for gain through altering documents or the making of false documents. Electronic media – with electronic signatures and e-commerce is now included in most states under their forgery laws. Counterfeiting (the crime of forging or creating money illegally) is also included under forgery laws.

Tax crime cases investigation is done by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division ("CID"). There are two or more stages of review by Internal Revenue Service attorneys prior to prosecution approval. The local US Attorney's office is then directed to indict and prosecute for the alleged offenses.

State Listings - Lawyers

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ABA Criminal Justice Section, Committee on Rules of Evidence and Criminal Procedure

ACLU: Criminal Justice - information about former abuses and reform in the criminal justice system, racial profiling, and archived ACLU congressional recommendations and criminal justice resources.

Antitrust Division

GotTrouble.com

Title 18 - US Code

Victims and Family Assistance - coping, financial support, housing assistance, etc. from the Office for Victims of Crime.

Violence Against Women Office