What is the difference between the state and federal systems?

Federal and state correctional systems operate separately from each other. The system that convicted you — either federal or state — determines where you will serve time and also what type of supervision you will be on after your release.

Below is a chart that summarizes some key differences between the state and federal systems.

OVERVIEW: FEDERAL vs. STATE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEMS

TYPES OF OFFENSES(These are for example only.
It is NOT a complete list.)

TYPES OF INSTITUTIONS WHERE INCARCERATION TIME IS SERVED

TYPES OF COMMUNITY SUPERVISION
(Supervision could follow or replace incarceration time.)

FEDERAL SYSTEM

    Drug trafficking
    Human trafficking
    Immigration crimes
    National security crimes
    Computer fraud
    Corporate “white-collar” crimes
    Certain drug crimes
    Typically held in county jail while waiting for trial or sentencing
    Sentenced to federal prison
    Federal probation
    Supervised release
    Federal parole

STATE SYSTEM

The vast majority of crimes are defined and enforced by the state criminal justice system.

    Typically held in county jail while waiting for trial or sentencing.
    Sentenced to county jail OR
    Sentenced to a California state prison OR sentenced directly to supervision (see column to right).
    State parole
    Probation (run by counties)
    Mandatory supervision
    PRCS