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. | TYPES OF INSTITUTIONS WHERE INCARCERATION TIME IS SERVED | TYPES OF COMMUNITY SUPERVISION | |
FEDERAL SYSTEM |
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STATE SYSTEM | The vast majority of crimes are defined and enforced by the state criminal justice system. |
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