Criminal Defense Lawyers

Federal Grand Jury Subpoena

What to Do If You Receive a Federal Grand Jury Subpoena

So you just received a federal grand jury subpoena in the mail. Your heart starts racing and your palms get sweaty. A million questions start running through your mind:

• What does this mean?
• Am I in trouble?
• What should I do next?

First of all, take a deep breath. While getting a subpoena can be scary and stressful, the most important thing is to stay calm and take the right steps to protect yourself. In this article, we’ll walk you through exactly what a federal grand jury subpoena means and what you need to do if you receive one. The Spodek Law Group is an elite federal defense law firm, who can help with grand jury subpoena’s nationwide. 

What is a Federal Grand Jury Subpoena?

A federal grand jury subpoena is an official court order requiring you to provide information for a federal criminal investigation. There are two main types of grand jury subpoenas:

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

The subpoena will specify exactly what information or testimony is being requested from you and the date by which you need to provide it. Grand jury proceedings are kept secret, so the subpoena will likely warn you not to disclose anything about the investigation to anyone else.1

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. 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.2However, it‘s also possible that you are a target of the investigation, meaning the prosecutor has evidence suggesting you committed a federal crime. If you are a target, the prosecutor will likely inform you of that fact.3

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! 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.12Look for an attorney who has specific experience with federal criminal cases and grand jury proceedings. Ideally, they should be a former federal prosecutor who knows the ins and outs of how these investigations work.4Your attorney can help you figure out if you are a target, subject, or witness in the investigation. They can also help you comply with the subpoena while protecting your rights and minimizing your exposure to any potential criminal charges.2

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. That includes your spouse, family, friends, and colleagues. Don‘t post anything about it on social media either.1Remember, federal grand jury proceedings are secret by law. Discussing the subpoena could be considered obstruction of justice, even if that’s not your intent.1 Play it safe and keep your mouth shut. Let your attorney do the talking for you.

Step 3: Gather Any Requested Documents

If the subpoena requires you to provide documents or other records (a subpoena duces tecum), start locating and gathering those materials right away. Your attorney can help you figure out exactly what needs to be turned over.Make copies of everything so you have a complete record of what you provided. Don’t destroy, hide, or alter any documents, even if you think they might be incriminating. That could be considered obstruction of justice and get you into even more trouble.4

Step 4: Prepare for Your Grand Jury Testimony

If you‘ve been subpoenaed to testify before the federal grand jury, take the time to thoroughly prepare with your attorney. Some key things to keep in mind:

• You will testify under oath, so always tell the truth. Lying to the grand jury is perjury, which is a federal crime.2
• You have the right to invoke the Fifth Amendment and refuse to answer any questions that could incriminate you.1 Your attorney can advise you on when to “plead the Fifth.”
• The prosecutor will ask you questions before the grand jury, but your attorney cannot come into the room with you. If you’re unsure about an answer, you can ask to step out and consult with your attorney.2
• Stick to short, direct answers and don’t volunteer extra information. The more you say, the more ammunition you could be giving the prosecutor.4
• If you don’t recall something or aren’t sure about an answer, just say “I don’t know” or “I don’t remember.” Don’t guess or speculate.4

Your attorney will go through practice questions with you so you feel more comfortable and prepared. The better prepared you are, the less likely you are to say something that could get you into trouble.

Step 5: Assert Your Rights If Needed

In some cases, prosecutors may try to pressure you into testifying even if your answers could incriminate you. Always remember: you have constitutional rights, even in the grand jury room. Those include:

• The right to invoke the Fifth Amendment as described above
• The right to have an attorney represent you (even if they can’t come into the grand jury room with you)
• The right to refuse to testify under certain privileges (like attorney-client or spousal privilege)1

If you feel like your rights are being violated, calmly but firmly assert them. You can say something like, “I’m invoking my Fifth Amendment right to remain silent” or “I need to step out and speak with my attorney.” If the prosecutor continues to pressure you, your attorney can raise objections with the judge.2

What If I Want to Cooperate?

In some situations, it may be in your best interest to cooperate with the federal investigation, especially if you have valuable information and are seeking immunity from prosecution. If you’re considering cooperating, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Always consult with your attorney first before agreeing to anything. They can help you weigh the pros and cons.
• You may be able to get a “proffer agreement” or “queen for a day” letter that allows you to share information with prosecutors without it being used against you.4
• If you have useful information, your attorney may be able to negotiate an immunity deal in exchange for your cooperation. There are two main types of immunity:
  • Transactional immunity: Complete protection from prosecution for any crimes related to your testimony
  • Use and derivative use immunity: Prosecutors can’t use your testimony against you, but they could still charge you with a crime if they have independent evidence1
• Immunity is not guaranteed. It’s up to the prosecutor to decide whether to grant it based on the value of your information.4
• If you enter into a cooperation agreement, you will likely have to plead guilty to at least some criminal charges. But your sentence may be reduced based on your cooperation.4

Cooperating is a big decision with serious consequences. Don’t try to navigate it on your own. Work closely with your attorney to figure out the best path forward.

Potential Consequences of Ignoring a Federal Target Letter

Getting a federal target letter is very serious. It can become even worse if you ignore it. Here’s what you need to know about the potential consequences of ignoring a federal target letter.

Federal target letters are notifications by the US DOJ, or a federal prosecutor. It means you’re the target of a federal criminal investigation. Being a “target” means the prosecutor has evidence linking you to a crime. The letter will outline the crime, under investigation. It will also explain your rights, and include your right to legal counsel, and the right against self-incrimination. The letter will likely request that you testify before a grand jury, or meet with a prosecutor. It’s crucial you not ignore this. Ignoring it can have severe repercussions.

1. By ignoring the letter you miss your chance to present your side of the story, or negotiate with prosecutors. This can increase your chances of being indicted. Prosecutors might assume your silence is an admission of guilt.
2. If you ignore the letter and start destroying evidence, or interfering in the investigation, this can lead to additional charges like obstruction of justice. That can carry hefty fines, and prison sentences.
3. If you ignore the letter, and are indicted, your failure to cooperate or engage with prosecutors can result in a very unfavorable plea bargain, or a harsh sentence if you’re convicted at trial. Prosecutors can look at your lack of cooperation as an aggravating factor.
4. If you ignore the target letter, it can lead to an arrest warrant being issued. If arrested, you could face pretrial detention.
5. If you ignore the target letter and are indicted, or convicted of a federal crime, this can have huge consequences for your reputation. Ignoring the target letter and allowing the case to escalate can result in negative impacts on you.