Last Updated on: 13th March 2023, 01:32 pm

Introduction

As a nationwide law firm, Spodek Law Group and Attorney Todd Spodek understand the importance of having a deep understanding of federal law enforcement. When cases are prosecuted in federal court, the prosecution is conducted by the United States government. This means that the law enforcement agencies working with them are federal entities. In this article, we’ll explore some of the lesser-known but equally important federal investigation agencies and how they handle different criminal offenses.

Federal Bureau of Investigation

The FBI is one of the best-known federal investigation agencies, and for good reason. The special agents trained by the FBI are responsible for coordinating and handling every kind of criminal investigation. This includes terrorism, civil rights issues, drug distribution, bank robberies, public corruption, and white-collar offenses. With nearly four hundred resident agencies in the United States and over fifty field offices, the FBI has a significant presence. They also have over sixty liaison offices spread throughout other countries. FBI headquarters is located in Washington, D.C., and there are about 13,600 highly trained special agents working for the FBI.

Postal Inspection Service

The United States Postal Inspection Service is a lesser-known but vitally important investigation agency. As the United States postal service is a government entity, the inspection service is responsible for investigating any crimes that might have been committed through misusing or abusing the federal postal system.
Some of the crimes being investigated are obvious, such as stealing your neighbor’s mail or committing mail fraud. However, there are other circumstances where the agency might also get called in to investigate. For example, distribution of drugs through packages or envelopes sent through the mail, any conspiracy coordinated or executed through the mail, health care fraud through the sending of fraudulent documents via the Postal Service, tax evasion, including money laundering through the Postal Service or use of the Postal Service to move undeclared income, and any crime that involved the US Postal Service in any way, at any point.

This is one of the smaller federal investigation entities, with only about 1,500 postal inspectors throughout the entire country. The inspection service has two service centers and eighteen field divisions. It also has a National Headquarters and National Forensic Laboratory. Postal Inspectors don’t usually investigate cases completely by themselves. They’ll typically partner with another federal agency like the FBI, SEC, or IRS. The inspectors will investigate the pieces of the crime that were committed through the Postal Service and compile evidence.

Secret Service

The Secret Service has been operating as a federal law enforcement entity since 1865. The Secret Service is most famous for protecting the president. They’re also known for protecting the vice president, other government officials, presidential candidates, and select other national officials who require protection. Secret Service agents also provide protection to foreign dignitaries when need be.
What many people today don’t know is that the original purpose of the Secret Service was to lead investigations into counterfeit currency. In addition to providing protection to government officials and foreign diplomats, Secret Service agents are tasked with investigating all crimes regarding the financial and monetary systems of the US.

The United States economy is an incredibly complex machine, so there’s a lot that’s covered under this. The Secret Service investigates cases of counterfeit currency, identity theft, money laundering, credit card fraud, computer and technology fraud, and financial institution fraud. Over 1,300 Secret Service agents are employed in 136 total field offices across the United States.

Internal Revenue Service

The IRS is responsible for coordinating and tracking taxes, including the collection of people’s taxes, the payment of tax returns, and the use of tax dollars by government institutions. There are multiple branches of the IRS that take care of different aspects of the government’s finances. However, the Criminal Investigation Division of the IRS employs special agents that are trained to investigate federal tax offenses.

Some tax offenses are obvious, such as money laundering, tax evasion, and flagrant violations of the federal Bank Secrecy Act. However, the IRS is also responsible for investigating undeclared income from illegal drug distribution, bank fraud, healthcare fraud, welfare fraud, and other types of fraud.

The IRS has more rules than most other agencies regarding who is allowed to open investigations. Federal prosecutors and agents must first receive permission from headquarters before they can investigate a person’s tax offenses. About 2,600 IRS special agents are employed throughout the United States.

Department of Health and Human Services

The Department of Health and Human Services also has special agents who have been trained in the investigation of criminal issues regarding federal healthcare. This includes healthcare fraud, which has become more heavily investigated over the past few years. To combat healthcare fraud on a systemic scale, the special agents have developed task forces and prevention teams. About 1,600 of these special agents work in 62 offices around the US, focusing on fraud committed against governmental healthcare programs.

Should You Talk to Federal Law Enforcement?

If you are being investigated for a federal crime or have already been charged with a criminal offense, federal agents may show up at your door and ask you questions. They may also approach your family or other contacts or even ask to search your property. Sometimes, federal agents will send you a letter, called a target letter, which states that you are the subject of an investigation and asks you to come in and speak with the agents.
At this stage of your case, you might be wondering if you should talk to federal law enforcement and what you might say if you do. You may even feel as if you really need to speak with federal agents in order to clear your name. However, it is important to remember that, no matter what the details of your case may be, you should never speak to federal law enforcement without your federal criminal attorney present. If you don’t have a legal representative, secure one immediately.

Spodek Law Group and Attorney Todd Spodek are here to help you through your case. We offer a free initial case consultation to help you understand your legal options and learn more about what we can do to assist you. With our professional expertise, we can show that we have the experience to handle any legal situation, and we can do so with the utmost professionalism.

I’m Under Investigation – Should I Speak with Federal Agents?

If you are dealing with a federal criminal offense, you will be investigated by federal agents rather than the police. The federal agency handling your criminal case depends greatly on the specific details of your situation. While drug crimes are usually investigated by the DEA or U.S. Border Patrol, many federal offenses are investigated by the FBI. Some white-collar offenses are investigated by the IRS.
Our defense attorneys have experience dealing with a variety of federal agencies and know what it takes to protect clients accused of federal misdemeanors and felonies. We understand the gravity of your situation and will provide you with the best legal representation possible.

Speaking With Federal Agents after a Search Warrant

If federal agents come back with a warrant that allows them to stay on your property and search, you are legally obligated to let them search whatever the warrant specifies. However, it is important to get in touch with a qualified defense lawyer right away and make sure you don’t say anything to federal agents while they are performing the search. Our defense lawyers will advise you on how to challenge unlawful searches and what you can say and do to defend yourself throughout the investigative process.

I Received a Target Letter – What ShouldI Do?

If you receive a target letter stating that you are the subject of a federal investigation, it can be a very intimidating and stressful situation. The prosecution may try to pressure you into cooperating, but it is important to keep in mind that you have rights, and that the best course of action is to speak with a federal criminal attorney before taking any action.

At Spodek Law Group, we understand how difficult it can be to face a federal investigation, and we are here to help. We will work with you to understand the details of your case and develop a strategic defense that is tailored to your specific needs. Our team of experienced attorneys has the knowledge and expertise necessary to handle even the toughest cases, and we will fight tirelessly to protect your rights and ensure that you receive the best possible outcome.

Why Choose Spodek Law Group?

At Spodek Law Group, we pride ourselves on our deep understanding of the law and our commitment to professionalism. Our team of attorneys has the experience and expertise necessary to handle even the most complex federal cases, and we are dedicated to providing our clients with the highest level of legal representation.

When you work with us, you can rest assured that we will always put your best interests first. We understand the gravity of your situation and the impact it can have on your life, and we will work tirelessly to ensure that you receive the best possible outcome. With our help, you can feel confident that you are in good hands and that we will do everything in our power to protect your rights and secure a favorable outcome for your case.

Contact Spodek Law Group Today

If you are facing a federal investigation or have been charged with a federal crime, don’t wait to get in touch with us. We offer a free initial case consultation to help you understand your legal options and determine the best course of action for your case. With our help, you can rest assured that you will receive the best possible legal representation and that we will work tirelessly to protect your rights and secure a favorable outcome for your case. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and take the first step towards defending your future.

Table: Federal Investigation Agencies

It’s important to remember that if you are being investigated by any of these agencies or have been charged with a federal crime, you should never speak to federal law enforcement without a qualified attorney present. At Spodek Law Group, we have the experience and expertise necessary to help you navigate the complexities of federal law and protect your rights throughout the investigative process.

Whether you have received a target letter, are facing a federal investigation, or have been charged with a federal crime, our team of skilled attorneys is here to help. We understand the stress and anxiety that comes with being involved in a federal case, and we are committed to providing you with the best possible legal representation. Contact us today to schedule your free initial case consultation and take the first step towards defending your future.