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 South Carolina, as in all states, the distinction between federal and state crimes is based on the jurisdiction granted by the U.S. Constitution. Federal crimes are those that fall under the legislative authority of the United States Congress and are codified in the United States Code (U.S.C.). These crimes typically involve federal interests, cross state lines, or occur on federal property. Examples include bank robbery, due to the federal insurance of bank deposits by the FDIC, tax evasion, wire fraud, and immigration offenses. State crimes, on the other hand, are prosecuted under South Carolina's state statutes and generally include offenses such as murder, rape, assault, and burglary. It's important for individuals in South Carolina to understand that while state law enforcement agencies typically handle state crimes, federal agencies such as the FBI, DEA, or ICE may investigate federal offenses. An attorney with expertise in federal law would be necessary to navigate the complexities of federal criminal proceedings.