Depending on the case, you may recover compensatory damages (for actual loss), pain and suffering, and in some egregious cases, punitive damages designed to punish the wrongdoer.

Federal courts prosecute violations of U.S. statutes (like interstate fraud, drug trafficking, or immigration crimes). Judges are appointed for life, the procedural rules are stricter, and the sentencing guidelines are far more severe than in state court. You need an attorney specifically admitted to federal practice.