| Criminal Law Basics |
| A criminal case arises when either the federal or state government seeks to punish an individual for an act that is a crime. Whereas a civil case typically deals with a dispute over rights and duties that individuals and entities owe to one another. More... |
| UNLAWFUL SALE OR TRANSFER OF WEAPONS |
| In some states, a person commits an offense if he or she sells, rents, leases, or lends a handgun to another person with the knowledge that the person intends to use the handgun unlawfully or intends to use the handgun in the commission of an unlawful act. A "handgun" for purposes of this offense is any firearm that is designed, made, or adapted to be fired with one hand, such as a pistol or a revolver. More... |
| Violations of the Federal Controlled Substance Act |
| The Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act gives the government the authority to supervise the manufacture and distribution of controlled substances. The Federal Controlled Substance Act (Substance Act) is a subdivision of the Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act. More... |
| FEDERAL STRIKE FORCES |
| United States Attorneys' offices have federal strike forces. Such strike forces are called Organized Crime Strike Force Units (OCSFUS). The OCSFUS are responsible for supervising and prosecuting cases against criminal enterprises that operate in or that affect the United States. The Attorney General's Organized Crime Council identifies those criminal enterprises. The terms "organized crime" refer to criminal groups that engage in repeated illegal activities over an extended period of time within the United States. More... |
| Ex Post Facto Laws |
| An ex post facto law is a law that provides for punishment for an act that was committed when the act was not illegal. Additionally, an ex post facto law includes: More... |

