Two Agents Are at Your Door. What Now?
They are polite. They say it will only take a few minutes. They say you are not in trouble. Every one of those sentences can be true, and the conversation can still change your life.
Federal agents often begin an investigation with an unannounced visit. Their goal is to get you talking before you have spoken to a lawyer. What you say is written down, and it can be used later, often in ways you cannot predict standing in your doorway.
Three things to know:
You can decline to answer questions. You can say, politely, "I'd like to speak with my lawyer before I answer any questions." Then stop talking.
Never lie to a federal agent. Making a materially false statement to a federal agent is a separate federal crime under 18 U.S.C. § 1001, punishable in most cases by up to five years in prison. People who did nothing else wrong have been convicted of this alone.
Do not delete, shred or "clean up" anything. Destroying records to obstruct a federal investigation is its own crime under 18 U.S.C. § 1519, with a maximum of 20 years.
If agents have a warrant, do not physically resist. Ask for a copy, stay calm, and call a lawyer.
The most important moment in many federal cases happens before anyone is charged. Get counsel before you speak.
If federal agents have contacted you, call (912) 275-8014 or book a consultation at mcilvainelaw.net/book-online.
This post is general information, not legal advice. Every case is different; talk to a lawyer about yours. McIlvaine Law Group, 5 Saint Andrews Court, Brunswick, Georgia 31520 · (912) 275-8014. Attorney responsible: James Wrixam McIlvaine.
