How Long Do Federal Investigations Usually Last? Andrew Russek and Chris Combs, lawyers at leading criminal defense firm Combs Waterkotte, talk about the lengths that federal investigations can go on for.
Interview Transcript
Scott Michael Dunn: How long do federal investigations generally last?
Andrew Russek: They generally – I don’t know if there’s a general to it, but they can go on for years. I mean, Chris and I have both seen conspiracy cases where again, they catch you with maybe some drugs or receiving something in the mail, and then all of a sudden, the materials we get from them show that they have you picking up packages for the past two years.
The statute of limitations in federal government are inherently longer than they are in state court. The investigations can span from when you used to live in Arizona two years ago to Missouri, because they don’t have jurisdictional lines like different state agencies do. So they will watch you until they’re content that they have a case.
Scott Michael Dunn: Mm-hmm.
Andrew Russek: Sufficient to bring – it’s not like state court, where it’s a lot more retroactive, right? When police arrive, and they start investigating. [The federal investigators] are investigating you before contact’s made 90% of the time, and that can be years in advance.
Chris Combs: And see that, you know. I mean, we get discovery on some of these drug conspiracies, and their banker’s box is worth of discovery.
Scott Michael Dunn: Wow.
Chris Combs: I mean, they’re recorded phone conversations dating back two years with anyone you’ve been communicating with that could be involved in this crime. We get videos of them watching you. It goes back to the unlimited time, money, and resources of the US government as opposed to the state investigating you.
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.
