Are You Under Investigation for a White-Collar Crime?
Every criminal charge begins with an investigation. If you have been implicated in or are suspected of white-collar crime, however, you may not even be aware of the investigation that is taking place. It is not unusual for the FBI to be involved in white-collar crime investigations. Still, regardless of whether it is the feds or local law enforcement looking into the alleged crime in question, there are some reasonably reliable indicators that you are under investigation for a white-collar crime that you should know.
If You Have a Nagging Suspicion
If you have a nagging feeling that you might be under investigation for a white-collar crime, you probably are not far off in your assessment. Such investigations tend to be quite thorough. Even if your alleged involvement is considered remote, the investigators will probably get to you eventually. If you always feel like somebody's watching you, they probably are. If there is general unrest in your office or your social circles about an investigation that is in any way proximate to you, let that serve as your investigation heads-up and seek preemptive legal counsel.
The Tell-Tale Signs
Every criminal investigation is utterly unique to the alleged crime itself. Still, there are some tell-tale signs that you are under investigation for a white-collar crime that you should never ignore, including:
If a colleague, associate, or acquaintance contacts you with information about an interview with the authorities in which your name came up, you are likely either under investigation or are on the receiving end of serious scrutiny.
If a federal law enforcement agent contacts you with a request to ask you questions about a specific alleged illegal event, consider yourself under investigation.
If a federal agent catches you off guard – at your home, office, or anywhere else – and wants to ask you questions about an ongoing investigation, the writing is on the wall.
From here, things can become even more blatant, including all of the following scenarios:
A search warrant is used to instigate a search of your office, your home, or both.
You receive a grand jury subpoena notifying you that you must testify or produce specific documentation related to an alleged white-collar crime.
A target letter addressed to you and putting you on official notice of being under investigation arrives in your mailbox.
A White-collar crime charge can pack a serious legal punch and should never be ignored or downplayed.
An Experienced Killeen Criminal Lawyer Can Help
If you face white-collar crime charges – or suspect that you may face charges in the future – it is time to consult with a dedicated Killeen criminal lawyer with extensive experience in these complicated cases. Brett Pritchard at The Law Office of Brett H. Pritchard is just such a lawyer. Mr. Pritchard is committed to forging your most robust defense in support of your legal rights. We are here for you, so please do not hesitate to contact us online or call us at 254-501-4040 for more information today.