Criminal Defense Lawyers

Subpoenaed in Augusta? Elite Legal Counsel to Protect You

You’ve Been Subpoenaed by a Federal Grand Jury, Now What?

So, you just received a federal grand jury subpoena in the mail, and your heart starts racing – what does this mean? Am I in trouble? What should I do next? Take a deep breath, we’re here to walk you through this step-by-step. 124A federal grand jury subpoena is an official court order, requiring you to provide information for a federal criminal investigation, it’s not something to be taken lightly. 4 But, don’t panic just yet, receiving one doesn’t necessarily mean you’re the target of an investigation or that you’ve done anything wrong. 4There are two main types of grand jury subpoenas:

1. A subpoena that requires you to testify before the grand jury (subpoena ad testificandum)
2. A subpoena that requires you to provide documents or other physical evidence (subpoena duces tecum) 4

The subpoena will specify exactly what information or testimony is being requested from you, and the date by which you need to provide it. 4 Grand jury proceedings are kept secret, so the subpoena will likely warn you not to disclose anything about the investigation to anyone else. 4

Why Did I Get a Federal Grand Jury Subpoena?

If you’ve been subpoenaed by a federal grand jury, it means the prosecutor believes you have information that could be relevant to a federal criminal investigation. 4 This doesn’t necessarily mean you are suspected of committing a crime, you could simply be a witness who saw or heard something that could help the investigation. 4However, it’s also possible that you are a target of the investigation, meaning the prosecutor has evidence suggesting you committed a federal crime. 4 If you are a target, the prosecutor will likely inform you of that fact. 24

Step 1: Hire an Experienced Federal Criminal Defense Attorney

The very first thing you should do if you receive any type of federal grand jury subpoena is hire an experienced federal criminal defense attorney. Do not try to handle this on your own! 14 Federal investigations and the grand jury process are extremely complex, you need an attorney who understands the system and can advise you of your rights. 14Look for an attorney who has specific experience with federal criminal cases and grand jury proceedings. 14 Ideally, they should be a former federal prosecutor who knows the ins and outs of how these investigations work. 13Your attorney can help you figure out if you are a target, subject, or witness in the investigation. 14 They can also help you comply with the subpoena while protecting your rights and minimizing your exposure to any potential criminal charges. 14

Step 2: Don’t Talk to Anyone Else About the Subpoena

It bears repeating: do NOT discuss the subpoena or the federal investigation with anyone besides your attorney. 14 That includes your spouse, family, friends, and colleagues. Don’t post anything about it on social media either. 4Remember, federal grand jury proceedings are secret by law. 4 Discussing the subpoena could be considered obstruction of justice, even if that’s not your intent. 4 Play it safe and keep your mouth shut, let your attorney do the talking for you. 14

Step 3: Gather Any Requested Documents

If the subpoena requires you to provide documents or other records (a subpoena duces tecum), start locating and organizing those materials immediately. 4 Your attorney can review them and advise you on which ones are covered by attorney-client privilege or other legal protections. 2Do not alter, destroy, or withhold any requested documents, as that could lead to criminal charges for obstruction of justice or contempt of court. 24 If certain documents are privileged or you otherwise object to producing them, your attorney can file a motion to quash or modify the subpoena. 2

Step 4: Prepare for Your Grand Jury Testimony

If you’ve been subpoenaed to testify before the grand jury (subpoena ad testificandum), your attorney will want to prepare you thoroughly. 14 This may involve:

Christine Twomey

2024-03-21

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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

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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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• Reviewing the questions you’re likely to be asked
• Practicing your testimony
• Advising you on what to say and what not to say
• Explaining the importance of being fully truthful

Your attorney’s goal is to ensure you understand your rights, avoid making inadvertent admissions that could incriminate you, and give testimony that is clear, concise and accurate. 14

Step 5: Assert Your Rights If Needed

While you generally must comply with a lawfully issued grand jury subpoena, you do have certain rights that your attorney can help you assert, such as:

• The right against self-incrimination under the Fifth Amendment
• Attorney-client privilege
• Other legally recognized privileges

If the prosecutor asks questions that violate your rights, your attorney can object and advise you not to answer. 124 They can also challenge the subpoena itself if it is overly broad or issued improperly. 2

What If I Want to Cooperate?

In some cases, it may be in your best interest to cooperate with the federal investigation, especially if you are not the target. 14 Your attorney can negotiate with the prosecutor for some form of cooperation agreement or immunity deal. 1However, you should never attempt to cooperate without experienced legal counsel. 14 The prosecutors are not on your side, and anything you say can potentially be used against you. 14 Let your lawyer handle all communications and negotiations.

The Spodek Law Group: Elite Criminal Defense Nationwide

There’s one reason you’re on this website: you’re looking for an elite criminal defense law firm that leaves no stone unturned in fighting for you. 1 The Spodek Law Group is that firm – we’re focused on providing the highest level of service and case results for our clients. 1Our New York criminal defense lawyers are focused on servicing a curated clientele that expects high-class service and exceptional legal expertise. 1 We have over 50 years of combined experience handling the toughest legal situations nationwide and even internationally. 1When you’re looking for a criminal defense lawyer, Spodek Law Group is a firm that will be on your radar. 1 Our reputation is well-received by other attorneys and members of the media alike. 1 In 2022, Netflix released a series about one of our clients: Anna Delvey/Anna Sorokin. 1Most law firms implement a cookie-cutter strategy to fight your case and save their own time, they don’t look carefully at your situation. 1 At Spodek Law Group, we leave no stone unturned, we do everything possible to win, everything we do is focused on getting you results. 1We understand the difficulties of going through a case, if you’re accused of a crime, schedule a consultation with our criminal attorneys today. 1 Sometimes prosecutors will only be fair if you respond with force, without an attorney advising you, you might accidentally plead guilty when you could’ve won the case. 1The only way to truly know is to hire a private criminal defense attorney. 1 At Spodek Law Group, we pride ourselves on taking a hands-on approach, researching the exact situation surrounding your case, and putting in the legwork to be familiar with every single detail. 1 Our firm has excellent work ethics, and we constantly hold meetings to discuss and address all of our cases. 1 In an emergency, we have a full team of lawyers available to help you. 1Regardless of how tough your situation is, we are here to help you. 1 Our criminal defense lawyers work hard to find a solution, irrespective of the situation you find yourself in. 1 Many clients are 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. 1The Spodek Law Group handles cases nationwide, we have offices in NYC and Los Angeles. 1 If you or a loved one has been subpoenaed by a federal grand jury, don’t wait, contact us immediately for a confidential consultation. 1