Protecting Your Rights And Your Privacy In Criminal Investigations

Criminal investigations and grand jury investigations begin either with a subpoena served by two federal agents, or contact by a state law enforcement officer. They will attempt to conduct a “voluntary interview” about the events that they are investigating. Although you must accept service of a subpoena, we recommend that you retain us to help you decide whether to talk to law enforcement and to be sure that there is a witness if you give a statement. You should not be alone when interviewed by state or federal agents. Otherwise, it’s their word against yours: two against one.

Many investigations become a “media circus” reported on television and in the local newspapers. Usually, this is something our clients wish to avoid. We will do everything we can to maintain a low profile for your case, unless as a matter of strategy the client decides that he or she wants the publicity. Most clients do not want their families, co-workers and friends to find out that they are involved in a criminal investigation or face criminal charges by reading the paper or watching the news. Our skills in keeping legal matters out of the public eye is a significant difference between us and other law firms.

The Grand Jury And Indictments

An indictment is a formal, written charge voted “true” by the grand jury that “investigated” by hearing evidence offered in prosecutions. An indictment states that one or more defendants have committed an offense. Federal indictments usually charge several offenses, each presented in a separate “count.” Most federal indictments start with a charge of conspiracy. From there, counts charging other general offenses such as money laundering may be added, and more specific crimes or regulatory violations are included in the following counts.

State grand jury indictments usually charge one defendant with a single offense – but that is not always true. When supported by a successful, immediate investigation, we recommend presenting innocent clients to the state grand jury.

Federal Agency Investigations

Although the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has general jurisdiction over federal crimes, the alphabet soup of federal agencies and cooperative federal-state projects is too numerous to list. Most federal agencies, such as the Internal Revenue Service and the Federal Aviation Agency, have an internal “police force” of Special Agents or Inspectors General (This includes the ATF, BLM, DOD, FAA, FDIC, GAO, DHS, ICE, SEC, IRS, OCEDEF, INS and so on). We’ve tried cases involving all of these organizations.

Often the best defense succeeds in avoiding charges ever being filed. If we are hired early in the process, that is usually our first objective. Often we can prove the client is innocent and avoid the expense and ordeal of ever going to court. Sometimes we can persuade the authorities to accept a civil penalty instead of moving forward with criminal charges.

Juvenile Investigations

Juvenile courts hear cases for defendants under the age of 17, but may certify a child to stand trial as an adult. There is a unique set of laws and procedures that apply to investigations and prosecutions against children: the range of consequences goes from dismissal and protecting the child from having any criminal record at all, to certification and a term of years in a penitentiary with violent adult offenders. In theory, the juvenile courts place special emphasis on the protection and well-being of the minor defendant. We fight to keep children from being transferred to adult courts, and to learn from the tragedies they face so they can become productive and responsible citizens without a criminal record.

Contact The Criminal Law Attorneys At Mallett Saper LLP

If you are facing criminal charges, schedule a consultation with the Houston attorneys at Mallett Saper LLP. Call 713-423-6769 or fill out our online contact form.