It is a well-known fact that federal crimes are generally very serious matters. If you are charged with an offense of this nature, you could be faced with a lengthy and in-depth investigation, along with the possibility of serious penalties if convicted. However, as many of these crimes can be extremely complicated, it is often difficult for officers to unravel the situation and find the true perpetrator. This means that you could find yourself falsely accused in the meantime.
There are many ways in which this could happen and whether you are charged on the federal level is dependent on a wide variety of factors. Sometimes it comes down to the perceived severity of the offense, prior convictions, or whether someone was hurt during the execution of the crime.
In some cases, a slight variation in the nature of the offense can make all the difference. For example, while extortion is always a felony, it is often prosecuted on the state level. However, as this article on criminal charges explains, if interstate commerce in any form is used in the extortion process, it can count as a federal crime.
If you have been accused of federal extortion or any other such offense, a strong defense is critical. This can be difficult to put together on your own, but fortunately there is support available. An attorney can explain your options and help you choose the best course of action to take given your circumstances. He or she may even be able to support you during your trial and help you work toward escaping conviction.