Los Angeles Federal Investigations Lawyer

Are you under investigation by a federal agency in Los Angeles, California? Contact Perlman Defense Federal Criminal Lawyers for a free consultation at (747) 373-0477. Our Los Angeles federal investigations attorneys can represent you throughout the entire legal process and fight to achieve the best possible outcome under the circumstances. 

Our federal criminal defense law firm is one of the most well-regarded in the country, with over 25 years of experience helping clients navigate complex federal investigations. We won’t cut any corners with our legal services and will put the full force of our resources behind your defense from the start. 

Why Choose Perlman Defense Federal Criminal Lawyers for Help With a Federal Investigation in Los Angeles, CA?

Federal investigations are nothing like state criminal cases; the stakes are significantly higher. By the time you find out you are being investigated, the government may already have a mountain of evidence against you after a detailed, months-long process. These circumstances almost demand that you hire a trusted Los Angeles federal criminal defense lawyer to represent you. 

Perlman Defense Federal Criminal Lawyers focuses exclusively on federal criminal defense, a specialization that gives our clients a real advantage as their cases move forward. 

Here is why people under federal investigation in Los Angeles, CA, turn to our legal team:

• We have decades of experience handling federal criminal cases in California
• Our founding attorney, Daniel R. Perlman, is a former prosecutor, giving us insight into how the other side operates
• We get involved early in investigations to engage with prosecutors before indictment decisions are made
• We protect our clients' constitutional rights at every stage of the process, from investigation through trial if necessary
• We’ve received honors from The National Trial Lawyers, Avvo, and other prominent legal organizations for our work

If you think you may be the focus of a federal inquiry, do not wait for charges to come down. Contact us today for a free consultation with a Los Angeles federal investigations attorney.

How Federal Investigations Work

Federal cases tend to move slowly and quietly. Agencies like the FBI, IRS Criminal Investigation, the DEA, ATF, and the SEC each bring specialized expertise and frequently work alongside Assistant United States Attorneys from the very beginning.

An investigation can start for any number of reasons, such as a tip from a whistleblower or a cooperating witness. From there, investigators may spend months collecting evidence and building their case before you have any idea you are on their radar.

The government classifies the people involved in an investigation into three categories:

• Witness: Someone who may have useful information but is not suspected of a crime
• Subject: Someone whose conduct is being looked at, but who has not yet been identified as a likely defendant
• Target: Someone the government believes it has compelling evidence against

These categories are not permanent. A subject can become a target if new evidence comes to light or a cooperating witness points the finger in your direction. Knowing where you stand early is critical, and an experienced defense attorney with our law firm can find out by reaching out directly to the prosecutor on your case.

What Is a Federal Target Letter?

A target letter is a written notice from the U.S. Attorney's Office or the Department of Justice telling you that you are a target in a federal grand jury investigation. In plain terms, the government believes it has substantial evidence tying you to a federal crime.

These letters generally include:

• The crime or crimes the government suspects you committed
• Confirmation that you are classified as a "target"
• A reminder of your Fifth Amendment right to remain silent
• An invitation to testify before the grand jury or contact the prosecutor through your lawyer

A target letter is not an indictment, meaning you have not yet been charged. However, it means the government is actively working toward that possibility, and the window to influence the outcome is open right now.

What Should I Do After Receiving a Target Letter in Los Angeles, CA?

This is the most important phase of a federal case. Once an indictment comes down, federal conviction rates are high. That makes the time between receiving a target letter and a potential indictment your best chance to change the trajectory of the case.

Our federal investigations lawyers can use this window to:

• Contact the prosecutor and assess the strength of the government's evidence
• Present information on your behalf that may weaken the case against you
• Negotiate cooperation terms if that route serves your interests
• Argue that charges are not warranted, potentially leading to a declination

Just as important is knowing what not to do:

• Do not talk to federal agents without your lawyer present
• Do not delete emails, shred documents, or destroy any records
• Do not discuss the investigation with anyone other than your attorney

Waiting around to see what happens is not a strategy; the government is not going to lose interest on its own. Getting a qualified federal defense lawyer involved immediately gives you the best shot at keeping this from turning into a criminal prosecution.

Federal Search Warrants and Your Rights

A search warrant is a much more aggressive move than a target letter. It means a federal magistrate judge has already reviewed evidence from investigators and agreed that probable cause exists to search a specific location.

If this happens to you:

• Do not interfere with the agents physically
• Ask to see the warrant and note what it covers
• Do not answer questions or offer explanations without your lawyer present
• Call a federal defense attorney right away, even while the search is still happening
• Review the inventory receipt agents are required to leave behind

In some cases, search warrants can be challenged. If the affidavit behind the warrant contained false information, if the warrant was too broad, or if agents went beyond what it authorized, your attorney may be able to get the evidence thrown out. That alone can unravel the government's case.

How Federal Grand Juries Work

Grand jury proceedings play a central role in most federal investigations. A federal grand jury is a group of 16 to 23 citizens who review evidence presented by the prosecutor and decide whether there is probable cause to return an indictment. If at least 12 members agree, formal charges are filed, and the case moves toward trial.

There are a few things about the federal grand jury process that are important to understand:

• Grand jury proceedings are conducted in secret, meaning there is no public record or media access.
• Grand jury proceedings are one-sided, meaning only the prosecution presents evidence, and your defense attorney cannot argue your case, cross-examine witnesses, or present evidence on your behalf.
• If you are called to testify, your lawyer cannot be in the grand jury room, although you may step outside to consult with your attorney before answering a question.
• You have the right to invoke your Fifth Amendment privilege against self-incrimination to avoid answering questions that could incriminate you.

Because the grand jury process overwhelmingly favors the prosecution, grand juries return indictments in the vast majority of cases presented to them. This is why our federal criminal defense attorneys in Los Angeles focus so heavily on the pre-indictment stage.

Types of Federal Investigations We Handle in Los Angeles

Our defense attorneys can help clients with a wide range of federal investigations, including:

• White-collar crimes: Fraud schemes, embezzlement, money laundering, and related financial offenses
• Healthcare fraud: False billing practices and kickback violations investigated by HHS-OIG
• Drug offenses: Large-scale trafficking and distribution conspiracies built by the DEA or FBI
• Public corruption: Bribery and extortion charges involving government officials 
• Securities fraud: Insider trading cases and SEC referrals to the DOJ
• Cybercrime: Computer intrusion and cryptocurrency-related offenses
• RICO: Racketeering and enterprise-level conspiracy investigations
• Weapons offenses: Illegal firearms possession and trafficking cases brought by the ATF

No matter the type of investigation, our approach stays the same: get involved early and fight to protect our clients' rights to the very best of our ability. Learn more about what you should do next by getting in touch with us today for help. 

Contact Our Los Angeles Federal Investigations Attorneys for a Free Consultation

A federal investigation in Los Angeles, CA, can disrupt your life long before any charges are actually filed, not to mention the immense uncertainty. However, know that you do not have to sit and wait for the government to make its next move.

Perlman Defense Federal Criminal Lawyers has spent more than 25 years defending people facing federal scrutiny in Los Angeles and is ready to get to work on your behalf. Call our law offices or contact us online to set up a free consultation with our Los Angeles federal investigations lawyers.