There are certain types of investigations where people need a criminal defense lawyer long before anyone is arrested or indicted. In white-collar and fraud cases, investigations start at the FBI, Secret Service, U.S. Postal Inspectors or other law enforcement agencies. Most investigations are assigned to a Federal prosecutor to supervise. As the Federal agents begin to build their case, they identify the role played by the people who are, in a typical case, employed in a business that they believe is being used to conduct criminal activity. As people are contacted and interviewed, the Federal agents and prosecutors will begin the process of deciding who the targets of their investigation will be.

It is important to note that Federal agents do not have any authority to make promises to witnesses. If a Federal agent is questioning you about something, and you feel the least bit concerned, end the conversation and contact an attorney. Even if you feel you did nothing wrong, talking to a Federal agent is risky if he or she is asking about the operations of a business. It is always advisable to delay the interview until you can secure counsel.

When the Federal agents and prosecutors are ready, they will convene a Federal Grand Jury. A Federal Grand Jury is made up of from 18-23 U.S. citizens who live in the community. They convene once a week for 18 months. During that time, they will hear evidence presented by the Government only. Neither the targets nor the witnesses subpoenaed to the Grand Jury are entitled to present evidence or argument or be represented by an attorney in the Grand Jury Room. If represented by an attorney, the attorney cannot accompany his client into the Grand Jury Room. The client must be allowed to leave the Grand Jury Room to confer with his attorney any time he wants. In a particularly contentious Grand Jury session, the client may want to confer with his or her attorney after every question. As uncomfortable as that may make the witness feel, he or she has that right.

Anyone who works for a company that is under Federal investigation should consider hiring an attorney experienced in the representation of witnesses contacted by Federal agents or subpoenaed to Federal Grand Juries. Even the innocent can have worries over liability for conspiracy. Association with a business and performing work which aids in the fraudulent scheme, even if unknowingly, can be used to seek an Indictment and force a defendant to undergo an expensive trial to clear his or her name. The rules and the law concerning immunity are complex. A person who has been contacted by Federal agents or subpoenaed before a Grand Jury needs an attorney with the knowledge and experience to provide effective representation. After the Indictment is returned, the damage might already have been done, and the person’s options may now be limited.

Charles G. White has the knowledge and experience representing people at the investigation, Grand Jury, and pre-indictment stages of a Federal investigation. He is familiar with the laws concerning immunity and privilege. He knows how to protect his clients to avoid being charged at all.

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If you or someone you know is accused of a Federal crime, it is imperative that you work with an attorney who has experience in these cases. Charles G. White has represented hundreds of clients in Federal Courts throughout the United States. He has the experience and knowledge essential to obtain the best possible result. Charles G. White. He has over 34 years of experience with these types of cases and will defend you and your rights.