Federal Investigation Defense Attorney
Federal law enforcement agencies have considerable human, financial, and technical resources to devote to criminal investigations. When a federal law enforcement agency is conducting a criminal investigation, it is then typically a well-planned and carefully implemented investigation, with potentially very serious consequences for the individuals and/or organizations being investigated.
If you are the target of one of these investigations, it is crucial to understand that the weight and reach of the U.S. government are backing that investigation. Whether you have been formally notified or simply have reason to believe that you are the target of a federal criminal investigation, consulting with an experienced federal investigation defense attorney immediately is imperative to protect your rights.
Attorney Jonathan Rose is a former prosecuting attorney with the experience and knowledge necessary to protect you and your rights in a federal criminal investigation. He will put his experience, resources and expertise in federal defense law to work immediately, protecting and defending you and your future.
Call Jonathan Rose at 407-894-4555 or fill out the “Tell Us What Happened” form on our website to get the protection you need.
How Is a Federal Investigation Different from Local or State Investigation?
Fundamentally, a criminal investigation is the same whether conducted by local, state, or federal law enforcement officers. There are, however, some important differences between federal investigations and those undertaken by local or state law enforcement agencies.
To begin with, the U.S. federal government has over 60 law enforcement agencies capable of investigating suspected criminal activity. Known colloquially as the “alphabet soup agencies,” many of these are familiar to most people, such as the:
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
- Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
- Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA)
- Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF)
- Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
- Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
- Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
Another important difference between federal and local/state criminal investigations involves jurisdiction over criminal conduct. When it comes to criminal conduct, federal jurisdiction is limited to:
- Crimes that occur on federal land or that involve federal officers
- Crimes involving the defendant crossing state lines during the commission of the crime
- Crimes involving conduct that crosses state lines or U.S. territorial lines
- Crimes involving fraud, deception, or misrepresentation on the federal government
- Crimes involving immigration or customs violations
Whether you are aware or not of a federal offense having been committed, you could receive a target letter notifying you that you are a suspect or witness in a federal criminal investigation. When that occurs, you should seek help from an experienced federal defense attorney to make sure you are complying with the government but not jeopardizing your rights.
What Is a Target Letter?
Another way in which some federal investigations are different from other investigations is that suspects may be officially notified of their status as a “target.” The Department of Justice may send a “target letter” that will include the following information:
- Notification that you are the target or witness in a federal criminal investigation
- The alleged criminal conduct being investigated
- Your rights as a suspect or witness
- Any requests the government may have, such as a request to produce documents related to the investigation
It is important to know that a target letter is not sent in all federal investigations nor to all potential targets. Typically, they are used in “white collar” criminal investigations, such as money laundering, fraud against the federal government, or other financial crimes. Therefore, the absence of a target letter does not mean you are in the clear. Conversely, the fact that you received a target letter does not always mean you are a suspect in a federal investigation. Target letters are also sometimes sent to potential witnesses or individuals who may have evidence in a federal investigation.
What Should I Do If I Receive a Target Letter?
Receiving a letter from the Department of Justice notifying you that you are the target of a criminal investigation can be extremely intimidating, if not downright terrifying. Your first instinct may be to get rid of any incriminating evidence or to simply ignore the letter. It is extremely important that you resist both of those reactions. Destroying evidence could result in additional criminal charges being filed against you and may result in the destruction of evidence that your defense attorney needs to use in your defense. Likewise, ignoring the letter will not make the investigation go away. Instead, it usually causes law enforcement officers to focus their investigation more intensely on you.
If you receive a target letter, there are some things you should do immediately to protect yourself, including:
- Read through the letter several times to be sure you understand what it says
- Make note of the criminal offenses mentioned
- Note any requests made in the letter, such as a request to contact officials or to produce documents
- Do not discuss the letter with anyone except an experienced federal defense attorney
- Do not comply with any requests until you have consulted with an attorney
- Contact an experienced Florida federal investigation defense attorney immediately
A federal defense attorney with experience handling investigations will advise you on your best course of action, intervene and communicate with federal investigators on your behalf, and make sure your rights are protected every step of the way. An attorney with experience handling federal cases will also be well prepared to prevent the investigation from escalating to prosecution when possible and mounting a compelling defense and negotiating a satisfactory resolution if the evidence against you is overwhelming.
How Can an Orlando Federal Investigation Defense Attorney Help Me?
If you are under investigation by a federal law enforcement agency, your reputation, freedom, and future may all be at stake. The worst thing you can do is do nothing. It is in your best interest to consult with an experienced Florida federal investigation defense attorney right away. Having a federal investigation defense attorney on your side early dramatically increases the likelihood of a positive outcome.
A federal investigation defense attorney can help in many ways, including:
- Ensuring that your rights are protected throughout an investigation
- Conducting a thorough parallel, independent investigation that may provide evidence helpful in obtaining a positive outcome
- Carefully evaluating the government’s evidence
- Reviewing requests for documents and responding to those requests with your best interests in mind
- Deciding if you should agree to an interview and accompanying you if you do agree
- Preventing an investigation from escalating to prosecution when possible
- Negotiating an acceptable resolution if the evidence against you is overwhelming
Attorney Jonathan Rose will be by your side every step of the way, providing the expert advice and powerful defense you need when being investigated for or charged with a federal offense.
Get the Protection You Need from an Experienced Florida Federal Investigation Defense Attorney
If you have received a target letter from the federal government or you have reason to believe you are being investigated for a federal crime, it is vital that you consult with an experienced federal investigation defense attorney as soon as possible. The sooner you contact a federal defense attorney, the sooner he can intervene on your behalf, protect your rights, and work to prevent prosecution.
Attorney Jonathan Rose has been practicing law for more than twenty years, including many years as a prosecuting attorney. He understands the federal investigation process and knows how to navigate the federal system. He is committed to putting his extensive experience, knowledge and skill to work protecting you and fighting for your rights.
When the resources of the federal government are targeting you for a criminal offense, you need an experienced and skilled advocate on your side. You need Jonathon Rose. Contact Attorney Jonathan Rose today by calling 407-894-4555 or filling out the “Tell Us What Happened” form on our website.