Atlanta Federal Grand Jury Investigation Lawyer
The knock on the door, the subpoena in your mailbox, the unsettling feeling that you’re under scrutiny – these are just some of the initial anxieties that can arise when you become entangled in a federal grand jury investigation in Atlanta, Georgia.
Understanding your rights and taking immediate action are crucial steps in protecting yourself during this complex and potentially life-altering process. At Griffin Durham Tanner & Clarkson LLC, an experienced Atlanta white-collar criminal defense lawyer will be dedicated to providing you with comprehensive legal guidance and zealous advocacy throughout the investigation.
Our federal grand jury investigation lawyers in Atlanta will ensure you’re familiar with the intricacies of federal grand juries, potential consequences, and our legal team’s critical role in safeguarding your interests.
Griffin Durham Tanner & Clarkson LLC uses our experience as former federal prosecutors to your advantage
At Griffin Durham Tanner & Clarkson LLC, we understand the serious implications of federal grand jury investigations and their potential impact on your life and livelihood.
Here’s how we can assist you if you are facing a federal grand jury investigation.
Early intervention
We believe in proactive representation and intervening early in the grand jury process to protect your rights and interests. Our attorneys thoroughly review the facts and circumstances surrounding the investigation, assess the potential risks and liabilities, and develop a strategic defense strategy to mitigate the investigation’s impact.
Legal guidance
Accomplished federal grand jury investigation law firms in Atlanta, like Griffin Durham Tanner & Clarkson LLC, will provide clients with comprehensive legal guidance and support throughout the federal grand jury process. Our knowledgeable criminal defense lawyers will explain your rights and obligations as a grand jury witness or target, advise you on responding to subpoenas and other requests for information, and advocate on your behalf to ensure your rights are protected.
Witness preparation
If you’ve been subpoenaed to testify before a federal grand jury, we’ll thoroughly prepare you for your testimony. Our attorneys will conduct mock interviews, review potential lines of questioning, and guide effective communication with the grand jury while protecting your interests.
Negotiation and advocacy
We’ll engage with federal prosecutors on your behalf to seek favorable outcomes, such as immunity agreements, plea bargains, or declinations of prosecution. Our Atlanta federal grand jury investigation lawyers are skilled negotiators who will work tirelessly to achieve the best possible result for you, whether through negotiation or litigation in federal court.
Litigation defense
We’ll vigorously defend your rights and interests in federal court if you’re indicted due to a federal grand jury investigation. Our attorneys have extensive experience representing clients in federal criminal cases. They will mount a zealous defense on your behalf, challenging the government’s evidence, presenting affirmative defenses, and advocating for the best possible outcome at trial.
We have decades of experience in all types of federal criminal offenses
Federal grand juries are convened to investigate various criminal offenses that fall under the federal government’s jurisdiction. These offenses typically involve violations of federal law, such as statutes enacted by the United States Congress, and may encompass a variety of criminal conduct. Common crimes that a federal grand jury may investigate include:
- Tax crimes: Failing to file tax returns, tax evasion, or filing false tax returns
- Bribery: Offering or accepting money or other valuable to influence a public official’s decision
- Extortion: Obtaining money or property from someone through threats or intimidation
- Public official misconduct: Abusing the authority of a public office for personal gain
- Drug trafficking: Manufacturing, distributing, or possessing illegal drugs with the intent to distribute
- Hacking: Gaining unauthorized access to a computer system or network
- Identity theft: Using someone else’s personal information without their permission to commit fraud or other crimes
- Immigration offenses: Entering the country illegally, visa fraud, and alien smuggling
- Environmental crimes: Violations of environmental laws, such as illegal dumping of hazardous waste
- Firearms offenses: Violations of federal gun laws, such as illegal possession of firearms or straw purchases
- Terrorism: Acts or threats of violence intended to intimidate or coerce a civilian population or government
- Crimes against the government: Offenses such as treason, espionage, and sedition
- Intellectual property theft: Stealing or misappropriating someone else’s patents, trademarks, or copyrights
- White-collar crimes: Non-violent offenses that involve financial deception, such as fraud, embezzlement, money laundering, insider trading, and securities fraud
Other types of fraud
Additional forms of fraud that may be part of a federal grand jury investigation include healthcare fraud involving deception to obtain money or services from healthcare providers and prescription drug fraud, whereby prescription drugs are illegally obtained through forgery, deception, or doctor shopping. In recent decades, there has been a rise in cyber fraud to steal money or personal information through online and electronic means.
While cyberfraud usually targets individuals, these cases can include elements of bank fraud, where the perpetrators seek money, credit, or assets from a financial institution through check forgery, credit card fraud, or fraudulent loan applications.
Our Atlanta federal grand jury investigation lawyers will help you throughout the process
A federal grand jury is a group of 16 to 23 citizens assembled to hear evidence presented by a federal prosecutor. The grand jury determines whether probable cause exists to believe a crime’s been committed and whether criminal charges should be brought against the target of the investigation. Grand juries have broad investigatory powers and can compel witnesses to testify and produce documents or other evidence relevant to the investigation.
The following are key aspects of federal grand jury investigations.
Initiation
Federal law enforcement agencies, such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), or Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (DEA) initiate investigations into potential federal crimes. If they gather enough evidence to suspect a crime, they can present it to a federal prosecutor.
Prosecutorial review
The federal prosecutor reviews the evidence and decides whether to seek a grand jury indictment.
Subpoenas and witness testimony
Federal grand juries have the authority to issue subpoenas requiring witnesses to testify and produce documents or other evidence relevant to the investigation. Failure to comply with a grand jury subpoena can result in contempt of court charges and other penalties.
Secrecy
Federal grand jury proceedings are conducted secretly and closed to the public, with only the prosecutor, witnesses, and court personnel present. Grand jury witnesses are sworn to secrecy and prohibited from discussing their testimony outside the grand jury room.
Immunity
Grand jury witnesses may be granted one of two types of immunity (transactional or use) from prosecution for their testimony or production of evidence. Transactional immunity protects against prosecution for any crimes related to the witness’s testimony. Use immunity prohibits the government from using the witness’s testimony or evidence against them in a subsequent prosecution.
Target status
Individuals or entities under investigation by a federal grand jury may be designated targets, subjects, or witnesses. A target is a person or entity for whom there’s substantial evidence of criminal wrongdoing and who’s likely to be indicted, and a subject is a person or entity whose conduct is under investigation but who hasn’t yet been designated as a target. A witness is a person who has information relevant to the investigation but isn’t considered a target or subject.
Indictment
Suppose a majority of the federal grand jury determines probable cause to believe that a crime has been committed. In that case, it’ll issue an indictment charging the target with one or more criminal offenses. Indictments are formal accusations that initiate criminal proceedings in federal court.
Dismissal
If the grand jury votes against the indictment, the investigation is typically dismissed, though the prosecutor may pursue further investigation or charges.
Griffin Durham Tanner & Clarkson LLC is the premier federal grand jury defense team in Atlanta
If you or your business is facing a federal grand jury investigation, Griffin Durham Tanner & Clarkson LLC is here to help. Contact us today at (404) 891-9150 to schedule a confidential consultation with one of our skilled federal grand jury investigation attorneys and learn how we can assist you in protecting your rights and achieving the best possible outcome in your case.
We answer common questions about federal grand jury investigations in Atlanta
What are my rights during a federal grand jury investigation?
Understanding your rights is paramount during a federal grand jury investigation. Our federal grand jury investigation attorneys will ensure your rights are protected, including:
- Right to remain silent: You have the Fifth Amendment right to remain silent and not answer questions that could be incriminating. You shouldn’t speak to law enforcement or the grand jury without consulting our legal team.
- Right to an attorney: You have the Sixth Amendment right to an attorney at all stages of the criminal justice process, including during a federal grand jury investigation. Our lawyers can advise you on your rights, represent you during questioning, and ensure your interests are protected.
- Right to know the charges: If you’re indicted, you have the right to know the specific charges against you.
What are the potential consequences of a federal grand jury investigation?
A federal grand jury investigation can have significant consequences even if you’re not ultimately indicted. Potential repercussions can include the following:
- Reputational damage: The mere suspicion of involvement in a federal crime can damage your personal and professional reputation.
- Loss of employment: Employers may terminate or suspend employees facing federal investigations.
- Financial strain: Legal fees for defending yourself during the investigation can be substantial.
- Emotional distress: The uncertainty and stress of an investigation can affect your mental and emotional well-being.
- Potential for indictment: Of course, the most serious consequence is the possibility of facing federal criminal charges, which can result in severe penalties, including imprisonment, hefty fines, and a criminal record.