If you have been accused or arrested for a federal crime, received a target letter or grand jury subpoena from any of the U.S. Attorney’s Offices in Colorado, or told you are under federal investigation or that a warrant has been issued for your arrest, you need to act quickly. Do not dismiss the urgency in protecting your freedom and reputation.
Federal charges often include prison time if convicted, and prosecutors and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) are tenacious if you are on their radar. They may be talking to your co-workers, employees, and family members while investigating your personal and professional life. You will need an aggressive Colorado federal criminal defense lawyer to build a strong defense.
Types of Federal Charges
The government, through acts of Congress, decides what actions break the federal legal code, and new charges are determined over time. Examples of common federal charges include:
- Tax evasion
- Mail and wire fraud
- Narcotics distribution
- Insider trading and Ponzi schemes
- Medicare and Medicaid fraud
- Kidnapping across state lines
- Certain sex crimes
- White-collar crimes
- Gum charges
The list is not exhaustive. After any communication from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, contact a Colorado attorney who is familiar with federal criminal charges. These charges are handled differently than state charges and should be taken very seriously.
Target Letter
Assistant U.S. Attorneys who work for the U.S. Attorney’s Offices in Denver, Durango, or Grand Junction sometimes issue target letters advising individuals that they are the ‘target’ of a Federal Grand Jury investigation. U.S. Attorneys prosecute cases for the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). However, receiving a target letter is not a requirement, and in some cases, the government may choose not to send one to avoid the risk of a suspect fleeing.
Grand Jury Subpoena
A federal grand jury has broad authority to request testimony and documents that may serve as evidence in an investigation. The grand jury questions individuals subpoenaed and reviews witness statements and documents before determining whether to recommend an indictment. Indictments require a vote of at least 12 out of 16 members, with a quorum necessary for proceedings.
Providing information or documents can be stressful, and anyone in Colorado who receives a grand jury subpoena should contact a federal criminal defense attorney before responding. While attorneys cannot be present in the grand jury room, they are permitted to consult with their clients outside the room as needed.
Indictments
The U.S. Attorney’s Office issues an indictment to formally charge a person for a federal criminal act. Indictments result from the grand jury proceedings in which the grand jurors found probable cause to charge the target with a crime. This is not a finding of guilt, which is decided in the future at a federal trial by a 12-person jury of the indicted person’s peers. It is imperative to have a Colorado federal criminal defense lawyer who could explain the next steps to take.
How Can a Defense Attorney Help?
Knowledgeable federal criminal defense lawyers in Colorado can build a strategy from many angles in a client’s case. They could negotiate with prosecutors by presenting evidence that a client was not a party to a crime and should not be indicted or showing why an indictment should be dropped. They could also try to obtain release on bond if a client is arrested.
Additionally, the prosecutor must prove a person committed the crime charged against them beyond a reasonable doubt. A credible attorney could explore every defense possible to find weak spots in evidence, testimony, or other case details.
It Is Never Too Early to Call a Colorado Federal Criminal Attorney
Do not underestimate the federal government if you receive a target letter, grand jury subpoena, or indictment charging you with a federal crime. You need an advocate who understands the federal court system and will work for the best outcome in your case.
Call today to make an appointment with a Colorado federal criminal lawyer from Price Benowitz who can advocate on your behalf.
