What Makes A Sex Crime Federal Rather Than State? Andrew Russek and Chris Combs of Combs Waterkotte discuss factors that play into a sex crime being classified as federal, rather than state.
Interview Transcript
Scott Michael Dunn: So what makes it federal? I mean, what makes this– a sex crime– federal rather than state?
Chris Combs: Crossing state lines, the internet being involved.
Andrew Russek: That’s what gives them the jurisdiction. A big thing with any federal crime, I would say is, is the federal government interested in you?
Scott Michael Dunn: Mm-hmm.
Andrew Russek: There’s a lot of overlap here where the state could charge you, or federal. It’s not uncommon that we’ll see state charges at first, and then the federal government picks up, and they actually run simultaneously.
So a big part of it is, is the federal government interested? They will find their jurisdictional basis if they want it, because again, the resources and the law, they have it all.
It’s why are they interested in you? So is it a large cache of child porn? Is it repeated enticement of minors?
Chris Combs: Are you manufacturing or producing this child porn?
Scott Michael Dunn: Oh, wow.
Andrew Russek: Yes. So that’s when the federal government will say, “This is now worth our attention.”
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.
