State vs. Federal Charges: Why It Matters Who’s Prosecuting You
Not every criminal case in Arizona is prosecuted the same way. Depending on the nature of the offense, you could end up facing charges in Maricopa County Superior Court or in federal district court, and the difference is far more than a matter of paperwork. Who prosecutes your case affects the investigators involved, the sentencing rules that apply, how much room there is to negotiate, and even how long the process takes from arrest to resolution.
Understanding the Difference Between State and Federal Prosecution
In Arizona, most criminal cases are prosecuted by the county attorney's office and heard in state court, whether the charge is a misdemeanor or a felony. State prosecutors handle everything from DUIs and drug possession to assault and armed robbery, and these cases move through ...
