Have You Been Arrested and Under Investigation

Understanding Federal Crimes and Their Consequences

The spectrum of federal crimes is expansive. It includes everything from conspiracy to overthrow the government and airplane hijacking to armed bank robbery, arson of a federal building, a slew of white-collar crimes and more. Regardless of the potential charges that you may be facing, the punishments for the conviction of a federal crime can be severe. Specific punishments vary, but many charges are associated with a decades-long prison sentence. Some also have huge monetary fines and other substantial ramifications. Are you wondering what you can expect in the weeks and months to come?

The Investigative Phase

In the case of robbery, murder and other violent or aggravated crimes, an arrest may take place without a lengthy investigation. For many federal charges, however, the authorities could spend months or longer developing a case against you. The investigative phase often includes a series of interviews. Questioning may be in conjunction with search warrants and subpoenas.

Once the investigating agency has enough evidence to support a strong case against you, you may be arrested and formally charged with one or more crimes. Because your statements and actions during the investigative phase may be self-incriminating or may have other ramifications, it is crucial to hire a defense attorney as early in the process as possible.

DEFENSE TEAM SPOTLIGHT

Todd Spodek

Lead Attorney & Founder

Featured on Netflix's "Inventing Anna," Todd Spodek brings decades of high-stakes criminal defense experience. His aggressive approach has secured dismissals and acquittals in cases others deemed unwinnable.

NY Bar Admitted Multi-State Licensed Federal Courts

Meet the Full Team

Legal Scenario: What Would You Do?

Scenario

You were pulled over for a routine traffic stop, and the officer discovered items in your vehicle that led to your arrest on suspicion of transporting stolen goods across state lines. Within hours, you learned that a federal task force had already been investigating you for months in connection with an interstate theft ring you had no knowledge of.

I was just arrested and now I'm hearing that federal agents have been building a case against me — what should I do right now to protect myself?

Attorney's Answer

The single most important thing you can do right now is exercise your Fifth Amendment right to remain silent and request an attorney immediately — do not answer any questions from federal agents, even if you believe you can explain everything. Under 18 U.S.C. § 3161, the Speedy Trial Act, the government must bring you to trial within 70 days of indictment, but they may have been gathering evidence through wiretaps, surveillance, and grand jury subpoenas long before your arrest. An experienced federal defense attorney can file motions to review the scope of the investigation, challenge the legality of any warrants under the Fourth Amendment, and negotiate with the U.S. Attorney's Office before formal charges are filed. Early intervention by counsel is critical because federal conviction rates exceed 90%, and the sentencing guidelines under the U.S. Sentencing Commission can carry severe mandatory minimums depending on the charges.

This is general information only. Contact us for advice specific to your situation.

After Your Arrest