Criminal Defense Lawyers

What to Do If You Are Questioned By Federal Authorities

The FBI Questioned Me – What Does It Mean?

If the FBI has already questioned you, you may be in hot water. The answer to this question lay in whether the FBI has reason to suspect you in the commission of a crime.There could be a few reasons the FBI wanted to ask you some questions. These include:

General Information

If you happened to be near to where a crime was committed, you may have some general, linking information which will help in their investigation. You may have nothing to do with the crime and are not even considered a suspect. But investigators often question everyone who may know anything.

Specific Information

Investigators may have uncovered your name in connection with a crime. They may not suspect you of anything, but may believe you have information useful to their investigation. You may be aware of this knowledge or not.

You Are a Suspect

Legally, investigators have an obligation to inform you that you are a suspect. However, this does not always happen, as attested by the numerous Supreme Court challenges along these lines.Of course, aside from the reasons a person may be questioned by the FBI, there are situations in which a person may find themselves getting questioned.

Some Situations/Examples Where You May Find Yourself Questioned by the FBI

The United States is a society ordered by law. Thus, on a societal level, we encourage each citizen to cooperate with law enforcement for the apprehension of violators, especially of serious crimes. At the same time, we understand that the Miranda warning was developed for a reason: to prevent overzealous law enforcement from violating your fundamental civil rights.In order to better help you understand why and when to speak to FBI agents, consider the following examples. These are common situations in which one is likely to be questioned by Federal investigators.

Hostage in a Bank Heist

The FBI will be involved in the situation and as a hostage, you are not likely to be a suspect. If questioned, cooperation will aid in the capture of the suspects.

Work in an Office Where Someone Has Embezzled Government Property

You may not even know the person investigators seek, but if you are certain you were in no way involved, you likely have nothing to be concerned about. However, if there is any doubt, you can always refuse to answer questions. More about this choice shortly.It could be that you simply did not see the bus. It’s possible the bus was obstructed from your view by trees, buildings, or other vehicles. Or maybe you were distracted and didn’t notice it at the time.

Christine Twomey

2024-03-21

Just had my Divorce case settled 2 months ago after having a horrible experience with another firm. I couldn’t be happier with Claire Banks and Elizabeth Garvey with their outstanding professionalism in doing so with Spodek Law Group. Any time I needed questions answered they were always prompt in doing so with all my uncertainties after 30 yrs of marriage.I feel from the bottom of my heart you will NOT be disappointed with either one. Thanks a million.

Brendan huisman

2024-03-18

Alex Zhik contacted me almost immediately when I reached out to Spodek for a consultation and was able to effectively communicate the path forward/consequences of my legal issue. I immediately agreed to hire Alex for his services and did not regret my choice. He was able to cover my case in court (with 1 day notice) and not only was he able to push my case down, he carefully negotiated a dismissal of the charge altogether. I highly recommend Spodek, and more specifically, Alex Zhik for all of your legal issues. Thanks guys!

Guerline Menard

2024-03-18

Thanks again Spodek law firm, particularly Esq Claire Banks who stood right there with us up to the finish line. Attached photos taken right outside of the court building and the smile on our faces represented victory, a breath of fresh air and satisfaction. We are very happy that this is over and we can move on with our lives. Thanks Spodek law 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙌🏼❤️

Keisha Parris

2024-03-15

Believe every single review here about Alex Z!! From our initial consultation, it was evident that Alex possessed a profound understanding of criminal law and a fierce dedication to his clients rights. Throughout the entirety of my case, Alex exhibited unparalleled professionalism and unwavering commitment. What sets Alex apart is not only his legal expertise but also his genuine compassion for his clients. He took the time to thoroughly explain my case, alleviating any concerns I had along the way. His exact words were “I’m not worried about it”. His unwavering support and guidance were invaluable throughout the entire process. I am immensely grateful for Alex's exceptional legal representation and wholeheartedly recommend his services to anyone in need of a skilled criminal defense attorney. Alex Z is not just a lawyer; he is a beacon of hope for those navigating the complexities of the legal system. If you find yourself in need of a dedicated and competent legal advocate, look no further than Alex Z.

Taïko Beauty

2024-03-15

I don’t know where to start, I can write a novel about this firm, but one thing I will say is that having my best interest was their main priority since the beginning of my case which was back in Winter 2019. Miss Claire Banks, one of the best Attorneys in the firm represented me very well and was very professional, respectful, and truthful. Not once did she leave me in the dark, in fact she presented all options and routes that could possibly be considered for my case and she reinsured me that no matter what I decided to do, her and the team will have my back and that’s exactly what happened. Not only will I be liberated from this case, also, I will enjoy my freedom and continue to be a mother to my first born son and will have no restrictions with accomplishing my goals in life. Now that’s what I call victory!! I thank the Lord, My mother, Claire, and the Spodek team for standing by me and fighting with me. Words can’t describe how grateful I am to have the opportunity to work with this team. I’m very satisfied, very pleased with their performance, their hard work, and their diligence. Thank you team!

Anthony Williams

2024-03-12

Hey, how you guys doing? Good afternoon my name is Anthony Williams I just want to give a great shout out to the team of. Spodek law group. It is such a honor to use them and to use their assistance through this whole case from start to finish. They did everything that they said they was gonna do and if it ever comes down to it, if I ever have to use them again, hands-down they will be the first law office at the top of my list, thank you guys so much. It was a pleasure having you guys by my side so if you guys ever need them, do not hesitate to pick up the phone and give them a call.

Loveth Okpedo

2024-03-12

Very professional, very transparent, over all a great experience

Bee L

2024-02-28

Amazing experience with Spodek! Very professional lawyers who take your case seriously. They treated me with respect, were always available, and answered any and all questions. They were able to help me very successfully and removed a huge stress. Highly recommend.

divesh patel

2024-02-24

I can't recommend Alex Zhik and Spodek Law Firm highly enough for their exceptional legal representation and personal mentorship. From the moment I engaged their services in October 2022, Alex took the time to understand my case thoroughly and provided guidance every step of the way. Alex's dedication to my case went above and beyond my expectations. His expertise, attention to detail, and commitment to achieving the best possible outcome were evident throughout the entire process. He took the time to mentor me, ensuring I understood the legal complexities involved to make informed decisions. Alex is the kind of guy you would want to have a beer with and has made a meaningful impact on me. I also want to acknowledge Todd Spodek, the leader of the firm, who played a crucial role in my case. His leadership and support bolstered the efforts of Alex, and his involvement highlighted the firm's commitment to excellence. Thanks to Alex Zhik and Todd Spodek, I achieved the outcome I desired, and I am incredibly grateful for their professionalism, expertise, and genuine care. If you're in need of legal representation, look no further than this outstanding team.

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Google rating score: 4.9 of 5, based on 736 reviews

Witness a Terrorist Attack

As a witness to such a serious crime, you will likely be questioned extensively by the FBI and other federal agencies. Cooperation is important, but you still have rights that allow you to avoid self-incrimination.

Accused of a White Collar Financial Crime

If you are suspected of a white collar crime like fraud, money laundering, or insider trading, the FBI and federal prosecutors will aggressively pursue charges and question you. Do not answer questions without an attorney present. No matter what situation you find yourself in where the FBI or federal authorities want to question you, the advice is the same: exercise extreme caution. Anything you say can and will be used against you. Even if you are 100% innocent, inadvertently making misleading statements can create legal problems. Sometimes prosecutors will only be fair if you respond with force to them. Without an attorney advising you, you might accidentally plead guilty when you could’ve won the case. The only way to truly know is to hire a private criminal defense attorney. At Spodek Law Group – we pride ourselves on taking a hands-on approach. It means researching the exact situation surrounding your case, and putting in the leg work to be familiar with every single intimate detail. Our firm has excellent work ethics, and we constantly hold firm meetings in order to discuss and address all of our cases. In the event of an emergency – we have a full team of lawyers available to help you.

You Have the Right to Remain Silent

This is the most important thing to remember if federal agents want to question you: you have the absolute right to remain silent. You never have to answer their questions. The Supreme Court case Miranda v. Arizona established that constitutional rights prohibit law enforcement from interrogating suspects who are in custody until they have been made aware of their rights. These include:

• The right to remain silent
• The right to consult with an attorney and have an attorney present during questioning
• The right to have an attorney appointed if you cannot afford one

Law enforcement must advise you of these rights before any custodial interrogation. If they fail to do so, any statements you make may be inadmissible as evidence in court. But even if you are not in custody, you still have the right to remain silent and refuse to answer questions from federal agents. It’s almost always advisable to invoke this right. Regardless of how tough your situation is – we are here to help you. Our criminal defense lawyers work hard to have a solution for you, irrespective of the situation you find yourself in. Many clients are often embarrassed by their situation, and don’t speak openly about their alleged issue. We encourage open dialogue, and recommend full transparency – so we can give you the best possible legal advice.

Don’t Lie or Mislead Federal Investigators

While you have the right to remain silent, you do not have the right to lie or mislead federal investigators. Doing so could lead to additional criminal charges of obstruction of justice or making false statements. If you choose to answer questions, no matter how minor they may seem, you must tell the complete truth. Do not guess, estimate, or omit any details, even if you think they are unimportant. Federal agents are looking for any inconsistencies in your statements that they can use to claim you lied. The best policy is to avoid making any statements at all without first consulting a lawyer. An experienced federal criminal defense attorney can advise you on what information, if any, you should provide to investigators based on the specific circumstances of your case.

You May Need to Testify Before a Grand Jury

In some federal investigations, authorities will subpoena witnesses to testify before a grand jury. A grand jury is a panel of citizens who hear evidence presented by prosecutors behind closed doors. Their role is to determine if there is probable cause that a federal crime was committed and to issue indictments. If you receive a subpoena requiring you to testify before a grand jury, you must comply. Failure to do so can result in charges of contempt of court. However, the Fifth Amendment still protects you from being compelled to make self-incriminating statements. Your lawyer can prepare you for your grand jury testimony and instruct you on which questions you may refuse to answer by invoking your Fifth Amendment rights. They can also work to limit the scope of the questioning to prevent prosecutorial overreach. The key is to tell the complete truth to the grand jury about any matters you do testify about. Lying under oath constitutes perjury, a serious federal crime.

Understand If You Are the Target of an Investigation

In some cases, federal investigators will clearly inform you if you are the target of a criminal investigation and potential charges. This is often done by issuing a “target letter. “If you receive a target letter, it means prosecutors have evidence that you may have committed a federal crime. They are required to notify you that you are the target so you can exercise your constitutional rights, including the right to legal counsel. But investigators do not always directly notify targets. Sometimes their status only becomes apparent through the nature of the questioning or by prosecutors’ statements and actions. No matter how the situation unfolds, if you get a sense that you are the target of a federal criminal investigation, it’s absolutely critical that you have legal representation before answering any questions or assisting the investigation in any way. The Spodek Law Group handles cases nationwide. We have offices in NYC and Los Angeles. Regardless of how tough your situation is – we are here to help you. Our criminal defense lawyers work hard to have a solution for you, irrespective of the situation you find yourself in.

Don’t Speak to Federal Agents Without a Lawyer

The overarching advice if you are questioned or investigated by federal authorities is to avoid making any statements until you have legal counsel. As soon as you realize you are under scrutiny, you should immediately hire an experienced federal criminal defense attorney. An attorney can get involved at any stage, whether it’s after you receive a target letter, a subpoena to testify before a grand jury, or if agents just show up and start asking questions. They will be able to assess the situation and ensure your rights are protected. Your lawyer can initiate contact with federal investigators and potentially negotiate for you to avoid an arrest or indictment. If charges cannot be avoided, they can begin preparing your defense.B ut if you make statements to federal agents without a lawyer present, you risk making admissions or inconsistent statements that could be used against you. You could unwittingly give prosecutors the evidence they need to bring charges or undermine your defense. The bottom line is that you should never try to handle a federal investigation on your own, no matter how convinced you are of your innocence. The stakes are too high, and the federal justice system is too complicated and aggressive. By hiring an experienced federal criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible, you give yourself the best chance of avoiding criminal charges and protecting your rights, freedom and future.

What If I Can’t Afford a Lawyer?

You may be thinking – this is all well and good, but I can’t afford to hire a private federal criminal defense attorney. What options do I have then? The first thing to understand is that if you are charged with a federal crime and prosecuted, you do have a constitutional right to legal counsel. If you cannot afford a private lawyer, the court will appoint a public defender to represent you at no cost. However, public defenders are overworked and underfunded. They often have extremely high caseloads, limiting the time and resources they can devote to any individual client’s case. Hiring a private federal criminal defense lawyer is always the best option if you can afford one. Private attorneys have more availability and resources to devote to your case. They can conduct a more thorough investigation, file more motions, and take your case to trial if needed. At the Spodek Law Group, we believe every client deserves the highest level of service and legal representation, regardless of their financial situation. We offer flexible payment plans to make our services affordable for as many people as possible. If you’ve been questioned by federal authorities or are under investigation, we urge you to contact us immediately to discuss your options for quality legal representation. The earlier we get involved in your case, the better we can protect your rights and work towards the best possible resolution.

Get the Best Federal Criminal Defense Lawyers on Your Side

If you’re facing a federal criminal defense issue, you need a lawyer whose available 24/7 to give you the help, and results, you need. Every single client, is like a member of our family. If you’re on this website, it’s because you’re looking for an elite defense law firm. You want the best possible federal criminal defense lawyer you can find. At Spodek Law Group, our federal criminal defense attorneys are DEDICATED to providing the highest level possible, of customer service. We service an exceptional clientele, that expects only high class service – and excellent understanding of the law. We have experience handling the toughest legal situations possible, and getting amazing outcomes for our clients. We have over 50 years of combined experience handling misdemeanors, and felonies, nationwide.

Federal Crimes and Punishments Are Extremely Serious

If you’re a suspect, or person of interest, in a federal crime, we can help.If you’re under investigation, or have already been charged with a crime, then your future and freedom could be at risk. Authorities such as the FBI, DEA, Secret Service, and Homeland Security, could be involved in the investigation against you. The agencies have extremely vast resources, compared to local law enforcement. The federal government has the ability to intercept phone calls, involve in spying and collecting video evidence, and use other tools. Punishments for federal offenses and crimes can be harsh. There are mandatory minimum sentences which prevent judges from exercising leniency based on mitigating circumstances. Federal prison sentences are also served without the possibility of parole in most cases.Some common federal crimes that our firm defends against include:

• Drug trafficking and distribution
• Weapons charges
• White collar crimes like fraud, embezzlement, money laundering
• Cybercrimes like hacking
• Racketeering and organized crime cases
• Public corruption
• Tax evasion
• Bribery
• Counterfeiting
• Terrorism

No matter what federal criminal charges you are facing, the Spodek Law Group has the skills, resources and experience to defend your rights and protect your future. Our federal criminal lawyers in New York and Los Angeles have successfully handled many of the toughest cases.We start every case by gathering all evidence and information from investigators. We look for constitutional violations, prosecutorial misconduct, and flaws in the government’s case. We fight to get charges reduced or dismissed through pre-trial motions and negotiations. If the case proceeds to trial, you can count on our firm to mount an aggressive defense aimed at creating reasonable doubt and securing an acquittal. We have a proven track record of winning at trial against federal prosecutors. And if a conviction is unavoidable, we work to obtain the most lenient sentencing possible through persuasive arguments and by highlighting mitigating factors. The bottom line is that if you are under investigation or charged with a federal crime, from the moment you hire our firm, we dedicate all our efforts towards securing the best outcome for you. Your future is our top priority.