Federal investigations and grand jury proceedings in Tulsa, Oklahoma often start without the target of the investigation being made aware of the fact that they are being investigated. Federal crimes are usually investigated by federal agencies such as the FBI, DEA, ATF, ICE, or the IRS. These investigations can take months, even years, to complete.
Federal agents and agencies are responsible for gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses. These agents work closely with federal prosecutors to build strong prosecutorial cases. This allows federal agents to be able to get warrants when needed and to target their investigation toward prosecution. It is the federal prosecutor who decides if and when to bring a case to a grand jury. Then, the grand jury decides whether to issue a federal indictment in Tulsa.
The Target Letter
Often times, the first time a suspect realizes that they are under investigation is when they receive what is known as a target letter. A target letter is sent to a person whom the prosecutor or grand jury believes has substantial evidence linking him or her to the commission of a crime and who may be regarded as a potential defendant.
This letter usually precedes a grand jury hearing. Prosecutors do not send these letters out unless they believe that there is a good chance that the target will be indicted for the crimes under investigation.
What a Target Letter May Contain
A target puts the targeted individual on notice that they are the subject of a federal investigation. It informs the target of the nature of the investigation and the types of criminal matters that the person is suspected of.
Also, it informs the target that they may be required to both produce evidence and testify at the grand jury hearing. Finally, it warns the recipient that they may not destroy any evidence within their possession, custody, or control.
A target letter may also contain information regarding a target’s Fifth Amendment rights. This is the time to obtain a Tulsa felony attorney.
Grand Jury Proceedings
Grand juries are used most of the time to obtain a federal indictment. An indictment is like a warrant for arrest. It begins the actual legal proceedings although federal investigations often continue into the trial phase.
Federal prosecutors usually wait until they have a strong case before seeking an indictment from a grand jury. It is important to know that even though an attorney is not allowed into the grand jury hearing with their client, an attorney can be invaluable in helping a client prepare for the grand jury hearing.
Other Investigative Tools Used in Federal Investigations
The target letter may come first. But just as likely, a federal investigator will appear at a target’s door to ask questions or to execute a search warrant. Nothing is more disconcerting than having a DEA agent at your door early in the morning with a search warrant for drugs.
In addition, federal investigators can and do obtain subpoenas to allow wiretapping of phones. Also, they work with IRS agents to obtain a target’s tax returns and other financial data. It is common for agents in one agency to work with agents in another agency in some investigations.
Never Try to Handle This Alone
Because federal prison sentences are severe and the federal government has a lot of power, once the target determines that they are the subject of a federal investigation, it is imperative that they seek counsel as soon as possible. Your attorney will inform you of the best course of action given your circumstances. He or she will likely tell you never to speak to anyone or write anything down about the matters for which you are being investigated. Any time you speak to someone or write anything down, it can come back to haunt you.
Your attorney will help you understand what you might be facing and can intervene with prosecutors to plea bargain if that would be beneficial to you. An attorney can also help you understand the federal process. Finally, your attorney can help you explore possible defenses and actions to best preserve your freedom and your rights.
Free Consultation: Tulsa Federal Criminal Lawyers
Get the help you need. It’s time to retain a Tulsa criminal defense lawyer who is knowledgeable regarding federal law and procedure and who will look out for your legal interests. Contact a Tulsa criminal attorney at Tulsa Criminal Defense Law Firm today for a free, confidential consultation.
A Tulsa defense attorney can advise you on how the process works and offer answers to your specific questions. To begin your free consultation, call 918-256-3400 now.