Federal agents often approach people without warning – and they could ambush you anywhere, including at work or in your home. Whether they identify themselves as DEA, IRS, Homeland Security, or FBI agents or agents from some other federal law enforcement agency, what you say is key.
Knowing what to do if you’re contacted by federal agents can protect your rights. Talk to a Dallas federal crime defense lawyer at Broden & Mickelsen, LLP today if you’re dealing with a federal investigation. In the meantime, here’s what to do.
Invoke Your Rights: Immediately State Your Intention to Remain Silent
You have a Constitutional right to remain silent under the Fifth Amendment. Exercising this right is not an admission of guilt – it’s a way to protect yourself from making statements that could later be used against you. Federal agents are trained to get information from you, and even casual conversation can be misconstrued or taken out of context.
If you’re contacted by a federal agent, stay calm and polite. Ask them for identification, and clearly state, “I want to remain silent and would like to speak to my attorney.” Then, stop talking. Do not attempt to explain, justify, or clarify anything.
Federal agents may tell you they just want to “clear things up” or “get your side of the story,” but it’s rarely that easy. Every word you say can be used in an official report.
Plus, it’s a federal crime to make a false statement to a federal agent, even if you didn’t mean to. If you misspeak or provide incomplete information, you could face federal charges. Invoking your right to remain silent is always the best course of action.
Request Counsel: Do Not Speak Until Your Federal Crime Defense Lawyer is Present
The moment you are contacted by federal agents, you should request legal counsel. Don’t answer questions, even if the government agents claim you’re not a suspect.
Tell agents that you will not answer questions without your federal defense attorney present. Once you make this request, agents must stop questioning you until your attorney is there. Do not allow yourself to be intimidated or persuaded to “just talk for a minute.” It’s better to wait a few hours for legal counsel than to spend years dealing with the fallout of an unguarded statement. Even if they keep questioning you, don’t talk. Your lawyer can use that in your defense later.
If federal agents have a search or arrest warrant, ask to see it, but don’t interfere. Your lawyer will review whether the warrant was valid and whether the agents followed proper procedure. If they don’t have a search warrant, don’t consent to a search.
Secure Your Defense: Rely on a Board-Certified Federal Crime Defense Lawyer
Federal cases involve different procedures, sentencing guidelines, and investigative methods compared to state cases. If you’re under federal criminal investigation, you need a board-certified federal crime defense lawyer who understands how federal prosecutors and agents operate.
Board certification by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization means a lawyer has proven experience and aptitude in a particular area of the law. A board-certified lawyer has undergone rigorous evaluation and demonstrated exceptional skill in federal criminal law.
We can communicate directly with federal agents on your behalf and help prevent you from making any statements that could harm your case. We can also determine whether you are the target, subject, or witness in an investigation – something agents are not required to disclose to you. In many cases, early legal intervention can influence whether charges are filed at all.
Contact Broden & Mickelsen, LLP Now to Protect Your Rights
When federal agents contact you, talk to lawyers who understand how to protect your rights during an investigation and in court. Broden & Mickelsen, LLP offers comprehensive legal representation in federal criminal cases. We represent clients from pre-charge investigations through trial, appeal, and post-conviction proceedings. Contact us today to learn how we can help.
