What Constitutes a Federal Crime in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park?

 Posted on January 05, 2022 in Criminal Defense

National parks across the United States offer expansive stretches of land full of wildlife and beauty galore. As inviting as national parks are, you are not welcome to enter a park without understanding and adhering to the rules and regulations of the park

For instance, in the Tennessee-based parts of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, there are certain laws that you must abide by in order to explore all that the park has to offer. If you fail to uphold the legal expectations while in the park, you can run the risk of being charged with a federal crime

But what is a federal crime? And what are the laws you must respect when enjoying your time at Great Smoky Mountains National Park? 

Federal Crimes vs. State-Level Crimes 

There is a difference between a federal crime and a state crime. It is important to understand what sets them apart, especially in terms of national parks. In certain cases, a crime is classified as either a federal crime or a state crime depending on where the crime was committed

For example, since a national park is federal property, crimes committed on land belonging to national parks will be processed on a federal level. Additionally, federal crimes often result in much more severe penalties and consequences for a conviction than state-level crimes do

Four Federal Crimes at Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee

If you are visiting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee, it is wise to familiarize yourself with the rules that visitors are required to uphold when at the park

Here are four illegal acts that could result in federal charges if they occur at Great Smoky Mountains National Park: 

1. Entering the park with alcoholic beverages that have been opened
2. Operating motor vehicles while under the influence of drugs or alcohol 
3. Approaching wildlife within 50 yards of your person 
4. Carrying a weapon with a felony or without a valid permit

If you commit one of the aforementioned federal crimes at Great Smoky Mountains National Park, you might be wondering what to do next. Thankfully, you do not have to face a federal crime all alone. Criminal lawyers in Tennessee can help you navigate the legal system and fight your criminal charge

Many criminal defense lawyers will advise you on what to expect. They will analyze the law, look closely at the specifics of your case, and speak to the prosecutor on your behalf with your best interest in mind. The legal process can be confusing to those who are not familiar with the law, but with a criminal defense attorney on your side, you can look forward to seeking out the best possible outcome

Contact a Knox County Criminal Defense Attorney Today

Are you concerned that you may have committed a federal crime in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee? Maybe you have already been charged with a federal crime in Blount County. Either way, if you are in need of legal advice or counsel, call an Anderson County criminal defense lawyer at 865-281-1000 to speak with Jeffrey Coller, Knoxville Criminal Defense Lawyer

Source: 

https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/management/lawsandpolicies.htm