Morristown, NJ criminal defense lawyer Blair R. Zwillman explains how the penalties for federal crimes compare to New Jersey state crimes. He shares that penalties for federal crimes are consistent across all 50 states, unlike state laws, which vary by jurisdiction. Federal statutes apply uniformly to anyone charged with a federal offense, and often the penalties are more severe due to Congress targeting specific offenses.

For example, gun offenses tied to drug crimes carry particularly harsh mandatory sentences, such as possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. In these cases, federal penalties can far exceed what a person might face under state law. He emphasizes that this uniformity and severity make facing a federal charge a significantly tougher reality for defendants.