What are federal crimes? Federal crimes are crimes that happen on federal property (like military bases and national parks), or crimes that have a federal jurisdictional element (like crimes against a bank that is federally insured, or crimes that cross state lines, or crimes that involve actions in or affecting interstate or foreign commerce).

Federal criminal cases follow a process governed by the United States Constitution, federal statutes, and federal rules. The graphics on this page map out the usual process of a federal criminal case. Scroll down to see and download all 3 available versions of the map.

Click any image to download the corresponding PDF version.

24"x36" Poster

Click the image above to download a PDF version. Spanish version here.

11x17 (one page, front and back -- can be laminated or folded in half so it becomes like two pieces of 8.5x11 paper, but without the need to staple anything). Spanish version here.

8.5x11 (four pages -- to be viewed on a computer or printed out). Spanish version here.

The Federal criminal process map and its variants are used courtesy of the Federal Public Defender for the District of Kansas.