Federal criminal charges typically involve lengthy, detailed investigations by the FBI and other federal agencies. In many cases, a suspect is unaware they are under investigation until the latter stages. However, there are often signs a person is under investigation. If you suspect you are under investigation and recognize any of these signs, you should contact an experienced federal criminal defense lawyer as quickly as possible. A criminal defense lawyer can offer legal advice and guidance, protect your rights, and minimize the impact of a criminal investigation and the severity of the penalties you could face.
Hope Lefeber has been defending people accused of crimes in federal court for over 30 years. She began her career as an enforcement attorney with the Security and Exchange Commission, where she learned first-hand how the government investigates, prepares, and prosecutes federal white-collar crimes. Today, she uses that experience to defend people who are under investigation or have been charged with federal crimes. To put her expertise to work for you, contact the Law Offices of Hope Lefeber today.
White-collar crimes are nonviolent offenses committed in commercial settings for financial gain. Some of the most common federal white-collar crimes include fraud, money laundering, embezzlement, tax evasion, and securities violations.
Being investigated for a federal crime is serious, and the consequences of a conviction can be severe. Federal criminal investigations are often complex affairs that can last for years. They frequently occur “under the radar” until the final phase of the investigation.
Numerous agencies are tasked with investigating alleged federal crimes. The most common federal investigative agencies are the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF), the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Criminal Investigations Division.
Unfortunately, many people do not realize they are being investigated by a federal agency until they are formally indicted. This leaves them unprepared, without legal representation, and scrambling to build a defense.
By being aware of the signs of a federal criminal investigation, you can protect yourself and your rights by hiring a federal criminal defense attorney who will provide advice and guidance and prepare a robust legal defense.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office may send a target letter informing you that you are the subject of an investigation. Typically, the letter includes information about potential charges and penalties and other information related to the investigation.
Federal agencies often begin investigations of suspected white-collar criminal activity at banks and other financial institutions. Enhanced scrutiny over routine financial transactions may be a sign you are the subject of a federal investigation.
Receiving a subpoena or another request for documents from a federal investigative agency is a telltale sign you are under investigation. These requests usually mean the investigation has reached an advanced stage. You should speak with an experienced white-collar criminal defense attorney immediately, and before you respond to the government’s request. A criminal defense attorney can review the subpoena and document request, negotiate with the investigating agency, protect your rights, and help you avoid saying or doing anything that could lead to additional criminal charges.
Sudden changes in the behavior of your colleagues, business partners, or employees may be a sign they were contacted by federal investigators. They may avoid speaking to you, hesitate to engage in regular conversations, or even tell you a federal agency contacted them.
Federal investigative agents may have interviewed your friends, business associates, or even your family members.
Seeing unfamiliar people parked in vehicles for extended periods of time near your home or office may be a sign you are under surveillance. While this does not always indicate you are being investigated, you should not discount a persistent, unexplained presence, especially if there are other signs you may be under investigation.
Being contacted by federal agencies is an almost sure sign you are under investigation. If federal agents visit your home or office and inform you of your rights, you should take the interaction seriously. Respectfully explain that you are asserting your right to remain silent and contact a lawyer immediately.
If you believe you are under federal investigation, you should contact an experienced federal criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. The Law Offices of Hope Lefeber can take immediate and decisive action to strengthen your position, give you additional time to prepare, and work to minimize the likelihood of being charged and the potential penalties you could face.
Meet with an experienced federal criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible, and before speaking to federal law enforcement agents. This is perhaps the most valuable piece of advice you can receive. An experienced federal criminal defense attorney can guide you through the investigative process and protect you from saying or doing something that could worsen the potential consequences.
Keep all potentially relevant documents and electronic data that might pertain to the case. This includes information that might be incriminating. You have a legal obligation to preserve evidence, and destroying evidence constitutes a separate crime. Your lawyer will also need to review the evidence to prepare an effective defense.
If you suspect you are under investigation, do not discuss the investigation or any potentially illegal activity with anyone other than your lawyer.
Continue complying with your legal obligations and maintain normal business operations as much as possible. Follow company policies. If you do not have company policies, consider establishing and enforcing them. Even if you are charged with a crime, the steps you take to come into compliance can demonstrate good faith and help minimize the penalties you could face.
If you believe you are under investigation or have been charged with a federal crime, securing experienced legal representation is crucial. Hope Lefeber is a federal criminal defense attorney serving people in Philadelphia and New York City. She is regularly called upon to represent high-profile defendants in high-stakes federal criminal cases. To put her expertise to work for you, contact the Law Offices of Hope Lefeber today.
To learn more about Ms. Lefeber and how she can help, contact us today to schedule a confidential consultation to discuss your situation.
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