How Do I Know If I’m Under Federal Investigation? Andrew Russek and Chris Combs, members of the top criminal defense firm Combs Waterkotte, discuss the signs of being under a federal investigation, and why it’s critical to bring in a lawyer as soon as possible.
Interview Transcript
Scott Michael Dunn: Well, speaking of that, how do I know if I’m under a federal investigation?
Andrew Russek: So, a target letter is a common way to see it. Federal agents reaching out to you. Sometimes we get clients who – their friend has been indicted, or their friend has received a target letter.
Again, the federal government they have a lot of access to information. So if you’re potentially associated with that, we get a lot of clients who will call us and say, “I think this is coming down the pike on me as well,” and often it is. And again, we’re able to mitigate or avoid some of those more serious consequences by being proactive.
So it’s best to play it safe and contact [a lawyer]. The federal government does not have a duty to let you know that they’re looking into you until it gets to that target letter degree. So again, they may be watching you, or they may have been watching you for the past six months, and you don’t even know, which is why you need to get an attorney on the phone if you think there’s any reason they may be circling you.
Scott Michael Dunn: What is the – you said not to say a word, so, how’s that process work? If you’re approached by a federal agency, can you just not say anything?
Chris Combs: Yes, of course.
Scott Michael Dunn: I mean, should you call the attorney immediately, or what’s the process of that?
Chris Combs: Yes, sorry to interrupt you. But of course, yeah. You need to contact an attorney immediately. Just be respectful and just say, “I’m not going to make any comments whatsoever until I have an attorney involved.” The biggest mistake you can make is to start talking.
If you’re facing federal charges and need an expert criminal defense lawyer, contact Combs Waterkotte today at (314) 900-HELP or reach out online for a free, confidential case review. We will fight for your rights and freedom.
