Attempted murder of a Union Citizen

When Benjamin attacked Eric on Twilight, he was found guilty of "Attempted Murder of a Union Citizen" (a Class I - Class III Union Felony). He was sentenced to 10 standard years for his attempted murder. The Union Judge told him that he was lucky to get just the 10 years, as the incident occurred on Federal ground and could have been charged as a Class I felony and meant the death penalty.