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 Nevada, 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 law crimes, which are prosecuted under Nevada's state statutes. Federal crimes typically involve matters that are within the exclusive domain of the federal government, such as counterfeiting currency, bank robbery due to the federal insurance of bank deposits by the FDIC, and offenses that cross state lines like wire fraud and mail fraud. Other federal offenses include tax evasion, immigration violations, and espionage. These crimes are investigated by federal agencies such as the FBI, DEA, and ICE, and are prosecuted by United States Attorneys in federal courts. It's important for individuals in Nevada to understand that while most criminal offenses are handled at the state level, certain activities may trigger federal jurisdiction and result in federal charges.