Hire a Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer
Suspected federal criminal activity is investigated through several agencies at the United States Justice Department. These agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF), Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and more. To help maintain the public’s false perception of safety, they will stop at nothing to get their desired result. These agencies also have uncapped resources available.
That’s why if you have been made aware of an investigation, or if you believe that one will begin, you must take action immediately and hire a federal criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. By creating a defense early in the investigation process, your case has a better chance.
Tell Your Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer Everything
The relationship you have with your attorney is one that cannot be understated. Not only are attorneys paid to use the law to your advantage, but they also want you to win any case because that means they have a proven track record of success. Not to mention, everything you tell your attorney is private, confidential, and protected by the attorney-client privilege. Therefore, it’s essential that you spill the entire pot of beans so they can establish the next steps for your defense.
Don’t Tell Law Enforcement Anything
Remember that anything and everything you say can and will be used against you and those who have been falsely accused have been given lengthy sentences. Of course, it’s easier said than done to bite your tongue when under criminal investigation by federal agencies, especially when you’ve done nothing wrong.
But, if you want to stay out of prison, your bet is to zip it when talking with federal agents. Agents are allowed to lie and twist the truth to get information out of you. If you find agents knocking at your door for a chat, exercise your right to remain silent by doing just that and request a meeting with your attorney instead.
Leave Evidence As-Is
One of the worst things you can do when under federal investigation is to destroy documents, files, or evidence that may be used in your case. This could be used as evidence of your guilt at a later date. A good criminal defense attorney will use strategies with hopes evidence can be dismissed or will know the background of the information to work to your advantage. If you have received a subpoena for documents, be sure to hand them over as-is and leave potential evidence untouched.
Why You Need a Federal Criminal Defense
When it comes to federal crimes, you can’t risk hiring the wrong lawyer. Federal crimes carry hefty fines, penalties, and sentences and you could face life in prison if convicted.
If you’re being targeted by federal investigators, keep in mind that they don’t necessarily care if you’re innocent or not. Their one and only job is to prove to a grand jury that you’re guilty and that’s what they work hard at doing. Their tactics for pursuing criminal charges and convictions are aggressive and they have the financial backing to make it happen.
A criminal defense attorney at the state level knows a lot about state law. But, federal crimes carry more severe penalties and lengthier sentences. That’s why a state-level attorney won’t do the trick to build a decent defense. Take time to research federal criminal defense attorneys who know the ins and outs of federal legislation and legal terminology. Doing so will not only help your case, but it could make the difference between freedom and losing everything and everyone you love.
If you are the subject of a federal criminal investigation, you need to know what to do next. Don’t do the time without doing the crime. Learn how to protect your rights from our team of criminal defense attorneys. Get in touch today for a consultation so we can build the defense for your case.