By Tom HaugheyAdvance News JournalNormally, when someone is convicted of a crime in state court, he or she appeals to a higher state court. That begins an appeals process which can go on for an extended period of time. The matter is not referred to the federal court system since generally, no federal laws have been broken. Federal courts may become involved, however, in special circumstances. If, for example, the laws of two states are in conflict with each other, the feds may be brought in. There is also a provision allowing the United States Supreme Court to take action ...