Federal crimes can have serious consequences, including hefty fines and jail time. Unfortunately, being investigated for a potential federal crime is often just as daunting. If you’re concerned that you may be under investigation by the federal government, it’s essential to recognize possible signs so you can take action immediately and protect your rights.
In this blog post, we will review some common indicators that could signal that a person is under investigation by the feds and discuss what steps they should take next.
1. Receiving a Target Letter
The U.S. Attorney’s Office typically sends a target letter to inform someone that they are being investigated and may face future criminal charges. It will include information on potential penalties and other legal matters related to the investigation.
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These agents will generally come prepared with a search warrant and attempt to collect evidence related to their investigation. It’s important to remain calm and avoid impeding their investigation in any way.
3. Having Your Phone Calls Monitored
This may include law enforcement intercepting and recording your conversations, as well as monitoring text messages or emails sent from or to a particular device.
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4. Unusual Activity from Financial Institutions
For example, if you experience freezes on your accounts or unexplained charges, this could be a sign that law enforcement is looking into your finances.
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5. Unexplained Grand Jury Subpoenas for Documents, Emails, or Other Records
If you receive this type of subpoena, it’s important to comply with the request and seek legal advice from an experienced criminal defense attorney.
6. Criminal Indictments Issued by the U.S Attorney
This is a surefire sign that you may be under federal investigation and could face criminal charges in the future. This document will outline what criminal offenses have been charged and explain potential penalties associated with those crimes.
If you believe you are under federal investigation, our team at Suzuki Law Offices is here to help. Get in touch with our team today at (602) 842-6762 to schedule a consultation.
FAQs
The U.S. Attorney's Office typically sends a target letter to inform someone that they are being investigated and may face future criminal charges. It will include information on potential penalties and other legal matters related to the investigation.
How do you know if you're under federal investigation? ›
The U.S. Attorney's Office typically sends a target letter to inform someone that they are being investigated and may face future criminal charges. It will include information on potential penalties and other legal matters related to the investigation.
How do I know if I'm being investigated? ›
Law enforcement has the right to conduct surveillance when investigating criminal offenses. If you notice unmarked cars or police vehicles near your place of business, your work, in your neighborhood, or by your home, there is a good chance that you are under investigation and perhaps police surveillance.
How do you know if you are the subject of an investigation? ›
A “subject” sits between a witness and a target. To a federal prosecutor, a subject is a person whose conduct is within the scope of a grand jury's investigation.
How do you know if the feds are after you? ›
You received a target letter – One of the most obvious signs is receiving a target letter from a federal prosecutor or a grand jury. These letters usually inform you that you are the target of an investigation and may also include your rights and advice to seek legal counsel.
Can you check if the FBI has a file on you? ›
Your right to inspect your own FBI file is guaranteed under the Freedom of Information Act and the Privacy Act. Information about organizations, historical events, investigations, and government policies can be obtained under the Freedom of Information Act, 5 U.S.C.
What triggers a federal investigation? ›
If a crime is brought to the attention of federal authorities, whether by a victim of the crime or a witness to it (e.g., a bank robbery), a federal law enforcement agency will undertake an investigation to determine whether a federal offense was committed and, if so, who committed it.
How long do the feds watch you? ›
How do you know if you are under federal investigation? A federal investigation can take a long time. In some cases, agents may investigate a case for years before bringing any federal criminal charges.
What is a federal target letter? ›
It is a letter from the federal prosecutor informing the recipient that they believe he or she has committed a crime or has information on a crime committed. Generally, the target letter will inform the recipient of many things, including, but not limited to: The crime they believe the recipient to have committed.
How do investigators track you? ›
Private investigators are able to track vehicles by placing a real time GPS tracker on the car they want to follow, and then they can remotely track that vehicle 24/7 from a computer or cell phone. By using a realtime GPS tracking device, private investigators can easily learn if a person is cheating.
- Most federal criminal cases begin with investigations, and those investigations can be lengthy. ...
- You Receive a Target Letter. ...
- Federal Investigator Shows Up at Your Residence. ...
- Investigators Arrive at Your House with a Search Warrant. ...
- You Are Subpoenaed. ...
- Contact a Dallas Federal Criminal Defense Attorney As Soon As Possible.
What Not To Do If You Are Under Federal Investigation
- 1.1 Avoid Talking to Anyone Except Your Attorney.
- 1.2 Do Not Destroy Documents.
- 1.3 Do Not Destroy Electronic Devices.
- 1.4 Conclusion.
The Three Principles of Crime Scene Investigation
- Principle 1: Locard's Exchange Principle (1928)
- Principle 2: Sequential Examination.
- Principle 3: Continuity and Disclosure Material.
Unmarked vans or trucks parked for extended periods could be a sign of surveillance, especially if they're positioned to have a clear view of your activities. Federal teams are known to use nondescript vehicles to conceal their monitoring equipment, making it harder for a target to detect their presence.
Do feds ever drop charges? ›
The most common reason that the prosecution drops charges is due to insufficient evidence. Federal charges can be dropped or reduced before a case ever goes to trial. They may be dismissed once the trial begins.
What happens when you cooperate with the feds? ›
You will get a sentence reduction when you help the government arrest someone else with your information. You may be kept out of jail if the case goes well. It's important to note that cooperation may not make sense for every person.
How long can the feds investigate you? ›
So if you have still not been charged after the time set by the statute of limitations, the investigation is effectively over. For most federal crimes, the statute of limitations is five years. Bank fraud has a statute of limitations of ten years. Immigration violations and arson are also subject to a ten year limit.
How long do most federal investigations take? ›
Federal investigations can last anywhere from a few months to several years, depending on the complexity and severity of the alleged crime. You have the right to a speedy trial under the Sixth Amendment, but this right typically applies after formal charges have been filed, not during the investigation stage.
What does a federal investigation consist of? ›
Overview of Federal Criminal Investigations
Their task is to determine whether a federal crime was committed, who was responsible, and gathering relevant evidence about the crime. Typically, a federal criminal investigation is initiated after someone files a credible report.
