Federal Statutes impose greater punishments for certain offenses than those of states’.  Certain Federal Statutes also impose mandatory minimum sentences for egregious offenses.  Most federal offenses involve using interstate commerce (ie: internet, mail, etc.).  Examples of such are mail fraud, wire fraud, credit card fraud, identity theft, and cyber crimes. The importation of drugs into the United States, or transportation of drugs across state lines are likewise federal offenses. Other offenses include, but are not limited to kidnapping, bank robbery, transporting or sharing child pornography across state lines.