Federal crimes are criminal offenses based on legislation (laws or statutes) enacted by the United States Congress and published in the United States Code (U.S.C.). Most crimes (murder, rape, assault, burglary, etc.) are prosecuted under state law (statutes) and are known as state law crimes. In contrast, crimes prosecuted under federal law are known as federal crimes.

Federal crimes generally involve a subject over which the United States Constitution gives the federal government—and more specifically, the U.S. Congress—the power or authority to legislate or make laws. This power or authority is also known as jurisdiction.

For example, the federal government (and not the states ) has the exclusive authority to print money and regulate its value. And because bank deposits are guaranteed (insured) by the federal government (FDIC) up to $250,000 per depositor, per FDIC-insured bank, and per ownership category, bank robbery is a federal crime (18 U.S.C. §2113). Examples of other federal crimes include tax evasion, wire fraud, mail fraud, immigration offenses, voting or electoral fraud, counterfeiting money, espionage (spying), and damaging or destroying mailboxes.

In Hawaii, as in all states, federal crimes are offenses that fall under the jurisdiction of the federal government, as established by the United States Constitution and legislated by the United States Congress. These crimes are codified in the United States Code (U.S.C.) and are distinct from state crimes, which are prosecuted under Hawaii's state laws. Federal crimes typically involve matters that require uniform enforcement across all states or relate to federal interests, such as the regulation of currency, federal taxes, and the postal system. For instance, bank robbery is a federal crime because banks are federally insured by the FDIC. Other federal offenses include tax evasion, wire and mail fraud, immigration violations, and espionage. These crimes are investigated by federal agencies like the FBI and prosecuted by United States Attorneys in federal courts. It's important for residents of Hawaii to understand that while they are subject to state laws, they are also subject to federal laws that have nationwide applicability.