Hablamos EspaƱol
Book a Free Consultation:
(702) 807-6231
Criminal Defense / 01/23/2024

What Happens if I Commit a Crime on Federal Land?

Whether in a national park or federal courthouse, committing a crime while on federal land can lead to federal criminal charges. This means you stand to receive harsher penalties than you would have if convicted on the state level. This article provides an overview of the federal criminal process and the types of crimes that commonly lead to federal charges.

Are you accused of committing a crime on federal land or other federal offense? Contact Rasmussen Law. Our Las Vegas federal crimes attorneys have extensive experience handling federal cases and know how to effectively handle the unique challenges that can arise. Learn more about how we can help by scheduling a free, confidential case review.

What is Considered Federal Land?

Federal land refers to areas owned, managed, or administered by the federal government. Examples of federal land and/or property include government buildings, national parks, forests, conservation areas, wildlife refuges, BLM land, and national monuments. These spaces are protected for public use and enjoyment but are subject to federal laws and regulations.

Jurisdiction on Federal Land

One critical aspect of committing a crime on federal land is that it falls under federal authority. While state laws may still apply to certain offenses, federal laws take precedence. This means that federal law enforcement agencies may be involved in the investigation and prosecution of crimes committed on federal land. Examples include the following agencies:

  • Bureau of Land Management
  • Drug Enforcement Administration 
  • Homeland Security Investigations
  • Federal Bureau of Investigation 
  • Fish and Wildlife Service
  • Forest Service
  • National Park Service
  • U.S. Marshals Service

Crimes Committed on Federal Land

Federal land is subject to a range of laws aimed at preserving its natural beauty and ensuring the safety of visitors. Common crimes committed on federal land include:

Vandalism

Damaging or defacing natural features, historical sites, or structures on federal land is considered vandalism and can lead to federal criminal charges.

Trespassing

Knowingly entering federal property or land without permission is considered a federal crime. 

Arson

It is considered a federal crime to deliberately set fire to federal property or land.

Drug Offenses

Possessing, distributing, or cultivating illegal drugs on federal land is strictly prohibited and may result in federal drug charges.

Theft Crimes

A person can be charged at the federal level if they steal or break into property located on federal land, including post offices, visitor centers, or ranger stations.

Illegal Camping or Fires

Violating camping regulations or starting fires in an unauthorized area puts the environment and public safety at risk and is considered a federal offense.

Driving Under the Influence (DUI)

A motorist can be charged with a federal crime if they operate a vehicle on federal land while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

The Legal Consequences

Committing a crime on federal land can lead to serious legal consequences. The federal legal system operates differently than the state system, and penalties for federal crimes can be significantly harsher. An individual who commits a crime on federal land may face the following:

Federal Charges

Crimes committed on federal land typically result in federal charges, which are prosecuted in federal court. This means a defendant will face federal prosecutors and potentially harsher penalties.

Fines 

Penalties for criminal offenses committed on federal land often include substantial fines. The amount of fines will depend on the nature and severity of the offense.

Imprisonment

Jail time is a possible consequence for committing a crime on federal land. Again, the duration of the jail or prison depends on the nature of the criminal act.

Probation

A person convicted at the federal level may be placed on probation, which requires them to adhere to specific conditions set by the court, such as regular check-ins with a probation officer.

Restitution

Courts may also order the defendant to pay restitution to compensate for the losses caused by the crime, such as the cost of repairing vandalized property.

Speak with an Experienced Federal Crimes Lawyer in Las Vegas

Over 90% of people who are prosecuted in federal court are convicted. In addition, federal crimes typically carry harsher sentences. So, if you are facing federal charges, it is critical to entrust your case to a skilled federal criminal defense attorney to increase your chances of a charge reduction or dismissal.
If you have been accused of committing a crime on federal land, you must seek immediate legal guidance from an attorney specializing in federal cases. At Rasmussen Law, our attorneys know what to expect in a federal case and can help you understand the process and the potential outcomes. Contact our office today to speak with an attorney for free.

Whether in a national park or federal courthouse, committing a crime while on federal land can lead to federal criminal charges. This means you stand to receive harsher penalties than you would have if convicted on the state level. This article provides an overview of the federal criminal process and the types of crimes that commonly lead to federal charges.

Are you accused of committing a crime on federal land or other federal offense? Contact Rasmussen Law. Our Las Vegas federal crimes attorneys have extensive experience handling federal cases and know how to effectively handle the unique challenges that can arise. Learn more about how we can help by scheduling a free, confidential case review.

What is Considered Federal Land?

Federal land refers to areas owned, managed, or administered by the federal government. Examples of federal land and/or property include government buildings, national parks, forests, conservation areas, wildlife refuges, BLM land, and national monuments. These spaces are protected for public use and enjoyment but are subject to federal laws and regulations.

Jurisdiction on Federal Land

One critical aspect of committing a crime on federal land is that it falls under federal authority. While state laws may still apply to certain offenses, federal laws take precedence. This means that federal law enforcement agencies may be involved in the investigation and prosecution of crimes committed on federal land. Examples include the following agencies:

  • Bureau of Land Management
  • Drug Enforcement Administration 
  • Homeland Security Investigations
  • Federal Bureau of Investigation 
  • Fish and Wildlife Service
  • Forest Service
  • National Park Service
  • U.S. Marshals Service

Crimes Committed on Federal Land

Federal land is subject to a range of laws aimed at preserving its natural beauty and ensuring the safety of visitors. Common crimes committed on federal land include:

Vandalism

Damaging or defacing natural features, historical sites, or structures on federal land is considered vandalism and can lead to federal criminal charges.

Trespassing

Knowingly entering federal property or land without permission is considered a federal crime. 

Arson

It is considered a federal crime to deliberately set fire to federal property or land.

Drug Offenses

Possessing, distributing, or cultivating illegal drugs on federal land is strictly prohibited and may result in federal drug charges.

Theft Crimes

A person can be charged at the federal level if they steal or break into property located on federal land, including post offices, visitor centers, or ranger stations.

Illegal Camping or Fires

Violating camping regulations or starting fires in an unauthorized area puts the environment and public safety at risk and is considered a federal offense.

Driving Under the Influence (DUI)

A motorist can be charged with a federal crime if they operate a vehicle on federal land while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

The Legal Consequences

Committing a crime on federal land can lead to serious legal consequences. The federal legal system operates differently than the state system, and penalties for federal crimes can be significantly harsher. An individual who commits a crime on federal land may face the following:

Federal Charges

Crimes committed on federal land typically result in federal charges, which are prosecuted in federal court. This means a defendant will face federal prosecutors and potentially harsher penalties.

Fines 

Penalties for criminal offenses committed on federal land often include substantial fines. The amount of fines will depend on the nature and severity of the offense.

Imprisonment

Jail time is a possible consequence for committing a crime on federal land. Again, the duration of the jail or prison depends on the nature of the criminal act.

Probation

A person convicted at the federal level may be placed on probation, which requires them to adhere to specific conditions set by the court, such as regular check-ins with a probation officer.

Restitution

Courts may also order the defendant to pay restitution to compensate for the losses caused by the crime, such as the cost of repairing vandalized property.

Speak with an Experienced Federal Crimes Lawyer in Las Vegas

Over 90% of people who are prosecuted in federal court are convicted. In addition, federal crimes typically carry harsher sentences. So, if you are facing federal charges, it is critical to entrust your case to a skilled federal criminal defense attorney to increase your chances of a charge reduction or dismissal.
If you have been accused of committing a crime on federal land, you must seek immediate legal guidance from an attorney specializing in federal cases. At Rasmussen Law, our attorneys know what to expect in a federal case and can help you understand the process and the potential outcomes. Contact our office today to speak with an attorney for free.

Share This Post

Interested in this topic? Consider sharing this post to your social media channels by clicking one of the logos below

Contact

Text Attorney Chris Rasmussen for an immediate response at (702) 807-6231. If you have been arrested, or injured, connect with us and schedule a free consultation.

Rasmussen Law
24 hour Response
Fax: (702) 550-7031
The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute a client relationship.
uploadcrossmenu