Available To Serve You Nationwide On All Federal Cases
This page was written, edited, reviewed & approved by Karren Kenney following our comprehensive editorial guidelines Karren Kenney, the Founding Partner, has 30+ years of legal experience as a criminal defense attorney.
(Updated with Official U.S. Court & DOJ Source Links)
Receiving a Federal Violation Notice (FVN) can be intimidating — especially if you’ve never been accused of a crime before. These citations are issued by federal law enforcement officers for alleged offenses on federal property, and they are handled in U.S. District Court, not local court.
Even a “minor” ticket can lead to a federal criminal record if not handled properly. Understanding what an FVN means and taking the right steps early can protect your record and future.
A Federal Violation Notice (or U.S. District Court Violation Notice) is an official citation issued under federal law or regulations, not state law. These are usually given on property managed by the federal government, including:
Each notice lists:
More information about how these notices are processed is available on the U.S. Courts – Central Violations Bureau (CVB) website, which manages all federal tickets and payments nationwide.
Ignoring an FVN is a serious mistake. Under the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, Rule 58, these cases fall under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Magistrate Judges in the federal court system.
If you fail to pay or appear:
The Central Violations Bureau will send you a notice by mail indicating your court date or payment instructions. You can also check your case online using the CVB’s database.
⚠️ Paying the fine may be legally treated as a guilty plea under federal law — resulting in a criminal conviction on your federal record, depending on the federal district where the case is filed.
Determine whether your offense is marked as:
If the violation code or statute is unclear, consult the Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR) or speak with an attorney before responding.
A federal defense lawyer is essential because FVNs are prosecuted under federal jurisdiction. Your attorney can:
These cases are recorded in the U.S. District Court docket system (PACER), so a conviction will remain publicly visible unless successfully dismissed or expunged.
If a court appearance is required, your hearing will occur before a U.S. Magistrate Judge. These proceedings follow Rule 58 procedures, allowing defendants to enter a plea, negotiate resolutions, or set trial dates.
Possible outcomes include:
FVNs are most often issued for alleged offenses on federal property, including:
Because federal property is governed by national law, these cases are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, not local district attorneys.
The penalties for a federal offense vary depending on its classification:
| Type of Offense | Maximum Penalty | Common Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Petty Offense | Up to 6 months jail and/or $5,000 fine | Speeding, disorderly conduct, simple possession |
| Class B Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months jail, probation, fines | DUI, trespassing, simple assault |
| Class A Misdemeanor | Up to 1 year jail and larger fines | Theft, firearm possession, domestic violence |
| Civil Violation | Fine only, no jail | Littering, off-leash pets, camping violations |
For reference, see 18 U.S.C. § 3559, which defines federal offense classifications.
Additional penalties may include:
With the right legal representation, it’s often possible to avoid a permanent record. Common resolutions include:
Even a petty federal conviction can have long-term effects.
Paying your fine or pleading guilty is treated as a criminal conviction under Rule 58, Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure.
The Central Violations Bureau (CVB) reports that information to the U.S. District Court, which forwards it to the FBI’s National Crime Information Center (NCIC) — the federal database that powers law enforcement and employment background checks.
The NCIC is part of the FBI’s Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Division. These records, also governed by 28 C.F.R. Part 20, are maintained indefinitely unless expunged.
In other words, paying a fine for a federal ticket is the same as pleading guilty — and it will likely appear on future background checks.
Employers who perform nationwide or federal-level background checks will see your conviction. Positions requiring security clearance, government contracts, or defense work may be denied based on even minor federal misdemeanors.
Professional boards (medical, legal, real estate, financial, etc.) frequently review federal conviction data via FBI CJIS systems. Failing to report such convictions can result in disciplinary actions or suspension.
Under the Immigration and Nationality Act, federal convictions — particularly for drugs, theft, or violence — can lead to inadmissibility, visa denials, or deportation.
The Department of Homeland Security and TSA use data from NCIC and CJIS when reviewing applications for TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, or other security programs. A federal conviction can delay or disqualify eligibility.
Even if your Federal Violation Notice seems minor, it’s a criminal matter in federal court — not just a ticket. The consequences can be lasting. Acting quickly with the guidance of an experienced federal criminal defense attorney can prevent a lifetime of issues.
Attorney Karren Kenney has over 25 years of experience defending clients in federal criminal court. Our team handles cases across Southern California, including offenses on military bases, national parks, and other federal property.
📞 Call (855) 505-5588 or visit KenneyLegalDefense.us to schedule a confidential consultation today.
