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 North Carolina, as in all states, federal crimes are offenses that are prosecuted under the laws made by the United States Congress, as opposed to state statutes. These crimes are outlined in the United States Code (U.S.C.) and typically involve matters under federal jurisdiction, which is the authority granted to the federal government by the U.S. Constitution. Federal crimes often pertain to activities that cross state lines or affect federal interests, such as counterfeiting currency, bank robbery due to federal insurance of bank deposits by the FDIC, tax evasion, and mail fraud. Federal agencies like the FBI, DEA, and ATF, in conjunction with U.S. Attorneys, are typically involved in the investigation and prosecution of federal offenses. It's important to note that while most common crimes like murder and assault are handled by state courts, they can become federal cases if they involve federal law or occur on federal property.