Federal investigations of white collar crimes can quickly become overwhelming. One day, all is as it should be; the next, federal agents are sticking a subpoena on your door, or demanding documents and asking invasive questions. The worst part? White collar cases do not move quickly. They are slow-moving, extensively detailed, and can drag on for months or, in some cases, years. If you find yourself in this position, understanding what’s happening, knowing what comes next, and having a trusted federal white-collar crimes lawyer in your corner can make a big difference.
What Are Federal White Collar Crimes?
White collar crimes center around fraud and money, but are non-violent in nature. These types of offenses primarily occur in financial settings and office environments. Individuals who are charged with white collar crimes are usually accused of stealing, cheating, or lying through online accounts, financial statements, or business dealings. Common examples of white-collar crimes include:
- Healthcare fraud
- Securities fraud
- Insider trading
- Wire fraud
- Embezzlement
Federal agencies, like the Internal Revenue Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Department of Justice, or the Securities and Exchange Commission, usually handle these cases. The United States government has both the time and the resources to carefully construct its case, and they do not move forward unless it believes it can win.
Stages and Timeline of a Federal White-Collar Investigation
Federal investigations don’t take place all at once; they follow a clearly ordered process that begins quietly, with little to no warning.
Initial Inquiry
Several months to a year
This first step in a white-collar investigation is usually a suspicious audit, a whistleblower complaint, or a tip. At this stage, agents are simply collecting information. They can review tax filings, public records, communications, and business transactions before taking any official steps. During this stage, most people have no idea they are under review.
Document Requests and Subpoenas
3 to 6 months
If the government finds something to sink its teeth into, you will receive a subpoena. A subpoena is an official, non-optional request for documentation such as emails, bank records, internal files, and contracts. If you choose not to comply with a subpoena, you could face legal penalties. Subpoenas can also be issued by the government to third parties, like clients, colleagues, and accountants. At this stage, you need to contact a qualified white-collar crimes defense lawyer, and fast.
Depositions and Interviews
Several weeks to a year
Next, investigators will open lines of inquiry with employees, business partners, and eyewitnesses. At first, they may just have a casual chat, or they may invite people to their offices for a sworn deposition or an official interview. These interviews are not only recorded but will also be admissible in court. In some cases, investigators are merely fishing for information. In others, they are trying to trap someone in a lie.
Monitoring and Surveillance
Several months to several years
In some investigations, agents may begin tracking physical movements, watching financial transactions, or monitoring communications. Depending on the specifics of your situation, they may do so with or without your knowledge.
Searches and Seizures
6 months to a year for analysis
If the government finds solid evidence that a crime was committed, it will apply for a search warrant. This will allow them to rifle through your office, home, storage lockups, and electronic devices, such as cell phones. They can seize your files, phones, computers, and anything else they think might relate to their investigation. For most targets, this is one of the most frightening moments in the investigation.
Indictment and Charges
1 to 3 years after initial inquiry
Once federal prosecutors feel that they have gathered enough evidence, they will take your case before a grand jury, which will decide whether an indictment (formal charges) will be brought. After this, your case progresses to the prosecution phase. You could be summoned to court, offered a plea deal, or possibly arrested. It is worth mentioning that from here on out, everything will be part of the public record.
Talk to a White-Collar Crimes Defense Attorney Today
Being the subject of a federal white collar investigation is terrifying, but you don’t have to go it alone. As serious as these cases are, your initial response to the situation can have a huge impact on what the future holds. Rather than ignoring the situation and hoping it goes away or trying to guess what you should do next, stay quiet, and enlist the help of someone who can safeguard your future.
If you have heard from investigators, received a subpoena, or have any reason to think you are being federally investigated for white collar crime, now is the time to ask for help. Call (254) 566-3860 or fill out our online contact form to speak with a white collar crimes defense lawyer from Aaron L. Wiley, P.C. We know exactly what to do in cases like yours. The sooner you take action, the better your results are likely to be.