What to Do If You Are the Target of a Federal Investigation in VA

Few things are more alarming than finding out that you are the target of a federal investigation. Whether you have received a target letter, have been contacted by federal agents, or simply suspect that you are under scrutiny, the stakes are incredibly high. 

Federal investigations are backed by vast resources and prosecutors rarely bring charges unless they believe they have a strong case. It is important for you to understand the gravity of the situation and take the right steps to protect your freedom and future. Here is what you need to know if you find yourself in the crosshairs of a federal probe.

What Kind of Crimes Are Investigated by Federal Agencies? 

Federal agencies investigate a wide range of civil as well as criminal offenses – from financial crimes to national security threats. Given below is an overview of the types of civil and criminal offenses that can lead to federal scrutiny.

Criminal Offenses Investigated by Federal Agencies 

Federal agencies like the FBI, DEA, IRS, ATF, and Homeland Security investigate serious criminal offenses including:

• White collar crimes like wire fraud, mail fraud, securities fraud, insider trading, money laundering, embezzlement, identity theft, and public corruption
• Drug-related offenses like drug trafficking, manufacturing and distribution of controlled substances, and prescription drug fraud
• Violent crimes like organized crime and racketeering (RICO violations), human trafficking, kidnapping, terrorism, and firearm offenses 
• Cyber crimes like hacking and unauthorized access, internet fraud, and child exploitation and pornography offenses
• Immigration offenses like visa fraud, harboring undocumented individuals, and human smuggling
• National security-related offenses like espionage, export control violations, and treason

Civil Offenses Investigated by Federal Agencies

While civil offenses do not always lead to criminal charges, they can result in hefty fines, penalties, and reputational damage. Federal agencies such as the SEC, FTC, EPA, and DOJ investigate:

• Antitrust violations like price-fixing and monopolization
• Environmental violations like illegal dumping and pollution-related violations
• False Claims Act violations like Medicare and Medicaid fraud and defense contract fraud
• Tax evasion and fraud
• Securities law violations
• Consumer protection violations 
• Discrimination and civil rights violations 

Steps to Take If You Are the Target of a Federal Investigation in Virginia

If you are the target of a federal investigation, it is extremely important to act swiftly and strategically to protect yourself. Federal agencies like the FBI, DEA, IRS, and DOJ have extensive resources and often spend months or even years gathering evidence before making their move. 

Once you become aware that you are under investigation, every decision you make – what you say, who you talk to, and how you act – can have serious consequences. Here are the steps you need to take to safeguard your rights and your future.

Assume You Are Being Watched at All Times

From the moment you suspect or learn that you are under federal investigation, you should assume that everything you do and say is being monitored – because it likely is. Federal agents might employ various surveillance tactics to monitor your activities. These include: 

• Wiretaps and Phone Monitoring: Your calls and text messages might be recorded.
• Email and Digital Tracking: Investigators can obtain access to your emails, social media accounts, and online activity.
• Financial Surveillance: Transactions, deposits, and large cash withdrawals can raise red flags.
• Physical Surveillance: Federal agents might follow you or stake out locations you frequent.
• Informants and Cooperating Witnesses: Investigators might get your friends, coworkers, or business associates to provide information about you. 

To protect yourself, do not say anything incriminating over the phone, in texts, or in emails – even in conversations you assume are private. Avoid discussing sensitive matters in person as well, because the person you are talking to might be an informant. 

Hire a Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer Immediately 

If you are the target of a federal investigation, your topmost priority should be to get legal representation. Even if you have not been formally charged, you need a lawyer right away because federal prosecutors do not pursue weak cases – they typically wait until they have strong evidence before making a move. The earlier your attorney gets involved, the more options you might have to avoid charges or minimize the consequences. 

Moreover, in the early stages of an investigation, it is extremely important for you to avoid saying or doing anything that could worsen your situation. Your lawyer can advise you on what to say (or not say) to prevent self-incrimination. 

It is important to note that federal court procedures, sentencing guidelines, and investigative tactics differ significantly from state-level cases. So, make sure you choose an experienced Virginia federal criminal defense lawyer to represent you. 

Be Completely Honest with Your Lawyer

Once you hire a lawyer, tell them everything – even if you think certain details are unimportant, embarrassing, or incriminating. Remember – attorney-client privilege protects anything you say to your lawyer. Unlike your friends, family members, or coworkers, your lawyer cannot be forced to testify against you.

Moreover, withholding, exaggerating, or downplaying information can severely damage your defense. First of all, your lawyer cannot protect you from evidence they do not know exists. If they are blindsided by new facts later, they might not be able to counter them effectively. Secondly, if you lie to your lawyer and they unknowingly build a defense around false information, it could backfire and lead to additional legal trouble.

It is natural to feel nervous or ashamed about certain details, but your lawyer is on your side. They need the full truth to craft the best possible defense strategy.

Do Not Discuss the Case with Anyone

One of the biggest mistakes you can make is talking to family, friends, or colleagues about your case. Do not do this under any circumstances, because federal investigators can pressure people close to you – your family members, friends, colleagues, or business associates – into providing incriminating information against you. 

The same rule applies to social media as well. Do not post any details about your case, your interactions with law enforcement, or anything related to the investigation, as it could be used against you.  

Never Talk to Federal Agents without Your Lawyer Present

Federal agents are trained to get people to talk and they often use manipulative tactics to do so. Here’s what you need to know about interacting with federal agents. 

• They might act friendly and tell you that they just want to ‘clear things up.’ Remember – they are not there to help you. They are there to build a case against you.
• They might try to get you to speak without a lawyer. They might tell you that you do not need a lawyer if you have nothing to hide. Do not fall for this. Even innocent people can say things that get them into trouble.
• They might lie to you to get the information they want. Federal agents are legally allowed to mislead you, trick you, and make false claims to get a confession or damaging statement.
• Most importantly, lying to a federal agent is a felony offense. If you say anything inaccurate, even by mistake, you could be charged with making false statements to federal authorities (18 U.S.C. § 1001).

If you are approached by federal agents, remain calm and tell them that you will not answer any questions without your lawyer present. Once you invoke your right to counsel, stop talking immediately. Anything you say after that can still be used against you.

Do Not Attempt to Destroy Evidence

The worst thing you can do when you are the target of a federal investigation is to destroy incriminating evidence. If you do, you could be charged with obstruction of justice – which carries severe penalties, including prison time. Federal agents have forensic experts who can recover deleted files and prove that you attempted to destroy evidence. 

Any attempt on your part to destroy or tamper with evidence including deleting emails or text messages, throwing away documents, resetting or wiping a phone or computer can turn a manageable legal situation into a far worse one.

Even if you believe that certain documents or communications could incriminate you, do not try to get rid of them. Instead, tell your lawyer about it and let them handle it legally.

Are You Under Federal Investigation? Protect Your Future with the Pack Law Group!

A federal investigation is one of the most serious legal challenges you can face. Federal agencies have vast resources, and prosecutors aggressively pursue convictions with harsh penalties – including lengthy prison sentences, steep fines, and a permanent criminal record. If you are under investigation or facing federal charges, you need a legal team that knows how to fight back and protect your rights.

At the Pack Law Group, we have the experience, knowledge, and courtroom skills to defend clients against federal investigations and prosecutions. Our legal team is led by Matthew Pack, a highly accomplished criminal defense lawyer, and Caryn Pack, an expert jury and trial consultant. 

When your future is on the line, the legal team you choose matters the most! Call our firm today at 540-586-7225 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with one of our highly rated Virginia federal criminal defense lawyers.