What To Do If You Are Involved in a Federal Criminal Investigation in New York?

Facing a federal investigation can have lasting legal and personal consequences. It’s possible to be investigated by federal agencies like the FBI, DEA, or Department of Justice for any number of crimes. No matter the details of the situation, it’s important to know what to do if you are involved in a federal criminal investigation in New York.

New York Federal Investigation Cases

Federal investigations are typically launched for crimes involving drugs, fraud, or public corruption. State and federal law enforcement work together to keep communities across the country safe from these types of threats.

That said, the justice system isn’t perfect. For example, the New York City Police Department failed to report its 2022 crime data to the FBI through the National Incident-Based Reporting System. This department has the largest jurisdiction in the state, representing approximately eight million people. This is about 43 percent of all New York State residents.

In 2024, the NYC police department alone reported 70,841 crime complaints. Being charged at the state level is complicated and daunting enough; a federal criminal charge can bring with it harsher penalties and higher fines. Some of the most common crimes investigated at the federal level include:

• Drug crimes
• Embezzlement
• Fraud
• Public corruption

After mostly decreasing over the last two decades, federal arrests increased by 24 percent between fiscal year 2021 and 2022. Drug crimes can be charged at the state level, but they can be elevated to the federal level. Typically, federal law enforcement gets involved with crimes involving drugs over a certain amount or crimes that cross state lines.

White collar crimes are another hot spot for federal investigations. If you notice unusual activity on your accounts, inquiries from your bank, or audits from the IRS, it may be wise to start preparing yourself.

Steps to Take if You Are Involved in a Federal Criminal Investigation in New York

If you’re being investigated by the federal government, it’s important to act quickly to protect yourself. First things first, be sure you do not speak to any agents without first speaking with your defense attorney.

Here are four steps to take if you’re involved in a federal criminal investigation in New York:

1. Don’t speak to any agents without your lawyer: Even if you don’t think you’re in any trouble, you can quickly make things worse by speaking to federal agents without legal representation.
2. Keep all records and documentation of communications about the matter: You may be tempted to destroy documents that may implicate you or even seem to implicate you. It’s important to hold on to everything, so you can present the most cohesive defense.
3. Avoid contacting other parties involved in the matter: While you may be in this situation together, there is no guarantee you can get out of it together. It’s critical to focus on yourself in these moments.
4. Don’t lie to your attorney: No matter how bad a situation gets, it’s crucial that you tell your federal investigation attorney the whole truth, so they can be prepared for anything that comes up during the legal proceedings.

FAQs About Federal Investigations

Q: How Do I Know if I Am Under Federal Investigation in New York?

A: It’s possible to figure out you’re under federal investigation before you’re presented with any charges. Some subtle signs may include administrative processes, approvals, or background screenings. These may seem routine at first, but they can hint at a bigger issue.

Other, more obvious signs include being approached by federal agents, noticing unusual activity with your transactions, or receiving a federal subpoena or target letter. Be sure to keep an eye out for IRS audits and inquiries from your bank.

Q: What Happens When You Are Under Federal Investigation in New York?

A: If you’re under federal investigation, you’re at risk of being charged with a crime. This can result in hefty fines, prison time, and other penalties. By the time you learn you’re under investigation, the prosecution is going to have an advantage over you. It’s wise to hire a federal investigation attorney to represent you, so you don’t have to go up against the FBI on your own.

Q: When Is the Right Time to Reach Out to a Federal Investigations Lawyer in New York?

A: While you’re not legally obligated to hire a federal investigation attorney, it can be highly beneficial to work with someone who understands New York federal investigation laws. As soon as you even suspect you’re under federal investigation, it’s wise to consult with a legal representative. When you hire a federal investigations lawyer in New York, you can have peace of mind knowing you have someone on your side who can advocate for you.

Q: What Types of Crimes Are Grounds for Federal Investigation in New York?

A: The most common types of crimes that typically go under federal investigation include drug crimes and white collar crimes like embezzlement, fraud, and public corruption. Some crimes may be escalated to federal cases because they are a part of a larger case under federal jurisdiction. Others may cross into federal jurisdiction based on crossing state lines or other specific facts of the case.

Hire a Federal Investigations Lawyer in New York You Can Trust to Help With Your Case

Even if you’re not facing charges yet, it’s a serious matter to be under federal investigation. If you even suspect you’re being investigated, it’s wise to consult a federal investigation attorney as soon as possible. Greco Neyland, PC, has extensive experience navigating federal investigation laws throughout New York.

All our attorneys are former prosecutors who are licensed to practice in New York state and federal courts. Since we have knowledge on both sides of the courtroom, we can be better prepared for common tactics used by the prosecution and can build you a stronger defense. Meet our team:

• Attorney Jeff Greco
• Attorney Dustin O. Neyland
• Attorney Eli Crozier

If you’re ready to discuss your case in more detail, contact the office to set up a consultation with our team, and we can get started.