This post explains how Federal, State, and Local laws differ.
- Federal laws: interstate crimes (guns, drugs, mail, terrorism).
- State laws: homicide, assault, DWI, theft.
- Local laws: ordinances, code violations, parking, unlicensed pets.
Each level has its own courts and penalties. Sometimes, an act violates both federal and state law, leading to separate prosecutions.
Federal sentencing uses a point system, while New York uses statutory ranges. In all cases, consult an attorney familiar with the jurisdiction.