Federal investigations are very different than state investigations. First, unlike its state counterpart, the federal government has virtually unlimited resources when conducting an investigation. Second, they are staffed with more experienced agents and investigators. Due to this, federal crimes usually have higher conviction rates and carry harsher sentences, including stiff mandatory minimum sentences. Oftentimes, these stiffer mandatory sentences involve drug conspiracy cases or the use of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense or violent crime.