Signs You Might Be Under Federal Criminal Investigation

 Posted on April 04, 2024 in Criminal Defense

If you have been charged with a federal crime, you may be facing prison time and steep fines. Although you may not be formally notified, federal agencies routinely investigate suspects of federal crimes.

If you have reason to believe that you are under investigation, do not wait to reach out to Law Offices of James F. DiQuattro. In this article, our Chicago federal crimes attorney discusses the telltale signs that you are under federal criminal investigation.

Receiving a Target Letter

Receiving a target letter from the U.S. Department of Justice or U.S. Attorney’s Office is a sure sign that you are under federal investigation. The letter informs criminal defendants that they are the focus of a Grand Jury’s investigation and of the charges against them.

Being Presented with a Search Warrant

A police officer must obtain a search warrant to search your property. Signed by a judge or magistrate, a search warrant authorizes a police officer to search the location and property specified in the document. If a federal agent shows up at your home or workplace with a warrant, that is another sign that you are being investigated for a crime. 

It is important that you comply with the investigation by allowing the federal agents to collect evidence. It is crucial that you contact a Cook County federal crimes attorney immediately.

Phone Calls Are Being Monitored

If you hear any unusual sounds from your phone line, including echoes, distant voices, clicking, or static, your phone may have been tapped. It is more common to have landlines tapped than cellular phones, but with today’s technology, anything is possible.

Strange Activity on Bank Accounts

A federal agency may freeze funds on one or more of your bank accounts as part of its investigation. You may also see unexplained charges on your accounts. 

Grand Jury Subpoenas

A subpoena is a written order that requires a person to appear in court and to produce documents in connection with your case. It is important that you comply with a grand jury subpoena. Under Rule 17 (g) of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, a person who fails to comply with a subpoena will be found to be in contempt of court. 

U.S. Attorney General Issuing a Criminal Indictment

If you receive an indictment from the U.S. Attorney General’s office, this is a legal document formally accusing you of committing a crime. The document will detail the charges against you and the penalties associated with each charge.

What Should I Do If I Suspect I Am Under Federal Investigation?

If you believe that you are the focus of a criminal investigation, it is important that you contact a federal criminal attorney. A federal criminal attorney can walk you through the legal process and explain your rights to you. Federal investigations move quickly, so it is important that you retain representation as soon as possible.

Under Investigation? Speak with Our Chicago, IL, Federal Crimes Attorney Today

A charge for a federal crime can place your entire future in limbo. If you believe that you are under investigation, contact our Cook County, IL, federal crimes attorney. Contact the Law Offices of James F. DiQuattro online or by calling 312-627-9482 to schedule your free consultation.