An aggressive criminal defense attorney will not only guide you through an investigation, but will create and execute a tailored strategy to prevent you from unwittingly helping investigators build a case. Just as crucial, experienced defense attorneys at this stage will begin a counter-investigation by interviewing witnesses, issuing subpoenas, and locating exculpatory evidence. These steps can set the foundation for defending against future charges, mitigate penalties, or may even serve to fend off a criminal prosecution entirely.
The initial days of an investigation will wind up being the most crucial – an arrest can be prevented, or a case can be won at trial, depending on what steps your defense attorney takes early on. The moment our firm is hired, a counter-investigation begins. Many individuals who suspect that they are under criminal investigation, and even many inexperienced attorneys, take a “wait-and-see” approach, simply hoping that charges will never be filed. That is a serious mistake.
A seasoned criminal defense laywer employs a different approach by taking full advantage of this early opportunity to interview witnesses, issue subpoenas for documentary evidence, hire the appropriate investigators or forensic experts, and release specific information to the media consistent with our calculated defense strategy. These steps, and others, are taken with the express aim to turn the tables and fend off criminal charges. This focused, rigorous attention to detail continues seamlessly through the subsequent phases of an arrest, prosecution, and eventual resolution or dismissal of a case.
As a former prosecutor, I know how these agencies work, from the NYPD to the FBI. I know how prosecutors build their cases. Our law firm will provide a buffer between you and these investigations, and ensure that your rights are protected. Without an experienced criminal attorney at this stage, you may attempt to speak directly with investigators or produce documents – almost always, these efforts do more harm than good.
While you will undoubtedly hire a skilled defense attorney after you have been charged, a criminal investigation may take many months. That means, by the time charges have been filed, evidence may be lost and investigators may have spent a significant amount of time developing relationships with key witnesses. Hiring a criminal defense attorney at the outset, therefore, will allow your attorney to conduct a beneficial counter-investigation.
If you even suspect that you are in the cross hairs of an investigating agency, do not hesitate to reach out to a former prosecutor and seasoned criminal defense attorney. Many investigations have been thwarted, stemmed off, and ultimately ceased after our firm has been retained.
In the early stages of a federal or state criminal investigation, the outcome may still be wide open. The sooner your matter is put in the hands of an experienced criminal defense lawyer, the more opportunity you will have to work toward a favorable outcome.