A federal grand jury can issue an indictment to initiate criminal charges in United States federal prosecutions.
October 08, 2025
high
procedural
Federal criminal procedure for bringing charges.
Defendants in United States federal criminal cases can seek dismissal of charges by filing motions alleging selective or vindictive prosecution, unlawful appointment of prosecutors, outrageous government conduct, or problems with the grand jury process.
October 08, 2025
high
legal
Common legal defenses and procedural challenges available in federal criminal litigation.
United States federal judges have authority to unseal court filings when they determine the information at issue is not secret.
high
procedural
Judicial discretion over sealing and unsealing court records
Conviction of federal murder charges in the United States can carry a maximum sentence of life in federal prison.
high
legal
Federal statutory penalties permit life imprisonment for certain murder-related convictions prosecuted in federal court.