What Are Federal Criminal Charges?

Jan 30, 2026

What Are Federal Criminal Charges? And what makes them federal versus state? Attorney Chris Combs from Combs Waterkotte provides answers to these questions.

Interview Transcript

Scott Michael Dunn: Chris, what is a federal crime?

Chris Combs: So, a federal crime is when you’re being charged by the United States government.

So the way the indictment is gonna read is the United States of America versus you, which is a whole lot different than the state of Missouri or the state of Illinois versus you. So that’s kind of your short answer on that.

Scott Michael Dunn: Can you explain, what are federal criminal charges?

Chris Combs: You know a wide, wide array of charges. I mean, you see– a lot of similar charges that you see in state court can also be federal charges. You know, there’s federal homicides and things like that.

But a lot of what you see are things across state lines. So drug conspiracies, a lot of kidnapping, computer crimes, a lot of computer crimes, a lot of financial crimes, Medicare/Medicaid fraud. So, typically, anything that crosses state lines is going to be considered a federal offense.

If you’re facing federal charges and need an expert criminal defense lawyer, contact Combs Waterkotte today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a free, confidential case review. We will fight for your rights and freedom.

Christopher Combs
Image

Christopher Combs

Partner

Open Video
Image

Featured Results:

Client Review, DUI Case

Play video
Image

Get In Touch:

St. Louis

Main Office

(314) 900-HELP

Get Directions

Clayton

By Appointment Only

(314) 900-HELP

Get Directions

Kansas City

By Appointment Only

(913) 77-CRIME

Get Directions