Under Federal Investigation? What to Do Now

Many Federal Cases Start Before an Arrest

If agents have contacted you, you received a target letter or grand jury subpoena, or a search warrant was executed, the decisions you make in the next few days can affect what happens next.

Amanda Powers Sellers has defended state and federal criminal cases since 2005. Call or text her directly: (727) 531-2926.

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Signs You May Be Under Investigation

  • FBI, DEA, HSI, IRS, or other federal agents call or show up at your home or work
  • You receive a target letter or a grand jury subpoena
  • A search warrant is executed at your home, business, or phone
  • Your bank accounts are frozen or seized
  • Coworkers, family members, or business partners tell you agents contacted them

What a Target Letter Means

Federal prosecutors use three terms. A witness has information. A subject is someone whose conduct is within the scope of the investigation. A target is someone the prosecutor has substantial evidence linking to a crime and considers a likely defendant.

A target letter is serious, but it is not a charge. It often means there is still time to have a lawyer involved before a charging decision is made.

What to Do in the First 48 Hours

  1. Do not talk to agents without a lawyer. You can politely decline to answer questions. Making a false statement to a federal agent is a separate federal crime (18 U.S.C. § 1001), even if you are not charged with anything else.
  2. Do not delete, destroy, or change documents, messages, or files. That can lead to obstruction charges.
  3. Do not discuss the investigation by text, email, social media, or with anyone involved.
  4. Gather every document you received: the target letter, subpoena, warrant, inventory receipt, or an agent’s business card.
  5. Call a federal criminal defense lawyer before responding to anyone.

Why Getting a Lawyer Early Matters

Before charges are filed, your lawyer may be able to communicate with the prosecutor, respond to subpoenas properly, protect your rights during a search, and evaluate whether and how to present information on your behalf. These options may disappear once an indictment is returned. Every case is different, and no lawyer can promise a particular result.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Should I talk to the FBI if I didn’t do anything wrong?
Talk to a lawyer first. Innocent people can make statements that are misunderstood or incomplete, and those statements can be used later.

Does a target letter mean I’ll be indicted?
Not necessarily, but it means prosecutors are seriously considering charges. It is the time to get legal advice.

Should I testify in front of the grand jury?
That decision should only be made with a lawyer after reviewing your situation. You have a Fifth Amendment right not to incriminate yourself.

Talk to Amanda Today

Call or text Amanda at (727) 531-2926, or use the contact form. Available 24/7. Already charged? See Federal Criminal Defense.

This page provides general information, not legal advice. Contacting the firm does not create an attorney-client relationship.