If you are under investigation, it is important to speak to an attorney right away. Our attorneys have experience handling complex federal investigations and are prepared to protect your rights throughout the process.
In addition to investigating alleged violations of federal criminal law, the FBI is responsible for collecting and disseminating intelligence related to the United States and its interests abroad. This includes countering international terrorism, combating cyber crime (hacking and fraud), and investigating crimes of a serious nature such as murder, bank robbery, racketeering, and kidnapping. The bureau also investigates corruption within the government including bribery and extortion, as well as civil rights violations such as discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, sex, or disability.
As part of a federal investigation, investigators will interview you as well as those who work or live with you. This may be in a written or oral format. Investigators will also look for evidence such as financial records, emails and texts, chat histories, phone records, social media activity, and other digital data. If the evidence gathered supports criminal charges, a grand jury will be convened to consider whether the conduct warrants a formal complaint called an indictment.
Despite the serious nature of a federal investigation, it is common for those being investigated to be confused and uncertain about how to respond. It is not advisable to speak to any third parties about an ongoing investigation, especially without first consulting a lawyer. If you speak to others about an investigation, they are likely to be interviewed by agents, and that could jeopardize your own defense case.