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Last Modified on Jun 11, 2026
While most people charged with a crime in NYC will ultimately end up in a state court, certain cases are heard at the federal level. Both systems of justice can impose harsh penalties during sentencing. If you are being investigated or were recently indicted, you may be wondering about federal and state criminal cases in NYC.
Both court processes require a focused defense to prevent someone from facing life-altering penalties. The Law Office of Jonathan Savella can provide that defense.
How the Federal Courts Work
The federal courts reported 66,662 new cases in 2025, making them a busy venue for federal misdemeanor and felony cases. In New York City, federal criminal cases are generally heard in either the Daniel Patrick Moynihan United States Courthouse, at 500 Pearl Street, or the Southern District of New York, at the Theodore Roosevelt United States Courthouse.
Federal prosecutions often involve lengthy investigations conducted by agencies such as the FBI, DEA, IRS Criminal Investigation, and Homeland Security Investigations before charges are filed. Felony cases typically result from grand jury indictments that formally charge someone with a federal crime. Federal magistrates hear initial matters, but they do not usually decide cases. The Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure guide these and other steps.
Understanding New York State Criminal Courts
State-level cases are handled through a system of criminal courts located throughout New York. Cases in Manhattan are typically begin at the New York County Criminal Court, located at 100 Centre Street here in New York City. Serious cases proceed in the Criminal Term of the New York County Supreme Court, which operates from 100 Centre Street and 111 Centre Street
New York State criminal cases can involve allegations that someone committed assault, robbery, burglary, DWI, drug offenses, and other serious crimes, which are classified as either misdemeanor or felony offenses. Unlike federal prosecutions, which often involve lengthy investigations by federal agencies and grand jury indictments, state cases are generally investigated by local police departments and prosecuted by district attorneys.
What Are the Main Differences Between State and Federal Courts?
Both state and federal criminal courts follow similar general steps, but there are notable differences between the two systems of justice. An attorney can explain these and other factors that are unique to federal courts, including:
- The common use of grand jury indictments
- Lengthy investigations before charges are brought
- Federal sentencing laws and guidelines
- Investigations conducted by agencies such as the FBI, SEC, and DEA
- Extensive discovery and pretrial motion processes
- A heavy reliance on jury trials over bench trials
These differences can shape the types of strategies that are ideally suited for federal cases over state criminal cases.
Why You Should Hire a Federal Crime Lawyer
Being arrested for an offense in Greenwich Village, East Village, Chelsea, or elsewhere in New York City can leave your freedom and reputation in jeopardy. If you are facing federal criminal charges, you can hire a federal crime lawyer to represent you in federal court. An NYC federal crime attorney has years of experience in shielding defendants from serious federal crime penalties. They can take decisive steps to cast doubt on the prosecution’s case.
Your attorney can rely on their understanding of federal criminal laws to find possible instances where your rights were violated, witness statements were inconsistent, or timelines don’t add up. Their unwavering support can lead to favorable outcomes, like reduced or dropped penalties. Whether you are facing a misdemeanor or a felony, the right defense strategy can meaningfully improve how your case resolves.
FAQs
Is It Better to Be Charged by a State or Federal Court?
Both criminal court systems can lead to serious penalties if you are found guilty, so there is no “better” one to be charged in. The federal courts have a reputation for levying harsh consequences during sentencing, and many crimes can lead to mandatory minimum sentences. Since both systems of justice can jeopardize your freedom, it is important to work with a defense attorney who understands both court systems and how to defend clients in each.
What Determines If a Criminal Case Is a Federal or State One?
Multiple factors could determine whether a criminal case is brought in state or federal court. Where the crime allegedly occurred is one factor. If someone is accused of committing assault on federal property, that would lead to federal charges. An offense that violates a state law and does not involve actions outside that state would likely be handled within that state.
What Types of Courts Primarily Handle Crimes in New York?
The annual crime rate in New York is 22.48 per 1,000 residents, and the vast majority of those cases are handled at the state level. The federal courts only become involved under certain circumstances, such as when:
- An arrest results from federal agencies investigating the matter.
- A crime involves unlawful actions taken in multiple states.
Are Federal Cases More Serious?
Federal cases are not necessarily more serious than state-level offenses, although federal prosecutors generally have more resources and put considerable time into building cases before an indictment. Many federal laws carry minimum sentences that can jeopardize a defendant’s freedom, which is why defendants should hire an attorney who understands the criminal justice system and how to cast doubt on the prosecution’s case.
Work With the Law Office of Jonathan Savella
If you are facing federal criminal charges, the experience of your defense attorney matters. When you work with the Law Office of Jonathan Savella, you gain the support of an advocate who can protect you from becoming one of the more than 150,000 inmates in federal prisons. After graduating with his Juris Doctor, cum laude, from Brooklyn Law School, our founding attorney clerked with a federal judge before opening his practice in 2015.
Now, he represents defendants facing high-stakes cases throughout New York, both at the state and federal levels. With more than 15 years of criminal defense experience, he can rely on his time in federal court to pursue the right defense strategy for protecting your rights and interests. Trust our dedicated criminal defense team to provide you with the unwavering legal support your case deserves. Contact our office today to schedule your initial case evaluation.
