When you become a suspect or person of interest in a federal criminal investigation, agents from federal law enforcement agencies may show up at your home or business in Forney. Having federal agents show up at your door should raise red flags that you may become a defendant in a federal criminal prosecution. As a result, knowing what to do when agents come to your home or business can help you protect your rights and reputation and put you in the best position to resolve a criminal investigation or prosecution.
Identify the Agents and the Purpose of Their Visit
When agents come to your home or business, you should identify which agency they work for and confirm the purpose of their visit. You can politely request that the agents show their badges or identification, which will tell you whether they work for the FBI, DEA, U.S. Secret Service, or another federal law enforcement agency. You can also politely ask the agents to state the purpose of their visit, including whether they intend to ask you questions or whether they have come to execute a search or arrest warrant. You may also ask whether the agents consider you a source of information or a witness in an investigation, or whether they consider you a person of interest, target, or suspect in the investigation.
Determine If the Agents Have a Warrant
When the agents have a warrant, you should confirm whether they have a search or arrest warrant. A search warrant authorizes agents to search a property or specific parts of it and to seize specifically identified items, such as drugs, firearms, or electronic devices. An arrest warrant may authorize agents to enter private property to arrest an individual based on probable cause to believe they committed a federal crime.
A valid search warrant should include your home’s or business’s address, state a specific scope of the search, include a time period in which the search should occur, and have a judge’s signature. You have the right to review a copy of the arrest warrant, although you should not interfere with the agents’ search, even if the agents search parts of your property or seize items not listed in the warrant.
Exercise Your Right to Remain Silent
When federal agents come to your home or business, you have the right to remain silent, even if the agents do not consider you a suspect or person of interest in their investigation. The Fifth Amendment provides individuals with the right to refuse to give statements that may incriminate them. However, people also have the right to decline to speak with law enforcement at any time, other than to identify themselves while detained or under arrest.
Even if you believe you did nothing wrong, talking to federal agents may put you in legal jeopardy, as you may say things that cause the agents to suspect you of criminal activity.
Do Not Consent to Searches Beyond the Scope of a Search Warrant
Finally, when agents come to talk to you or to execute a search warrant, you should never consent to a search beyond that authorized by a warrant. When agents ask to search your home or restricted areas of your place of business, you can politely but firmly decline to permit a search. However, when agents have a search warrant and enter areas of your home or business not authorized by the warrant, you should not interfere. Instead, you should note the agents’ actions, which may provide a basis to suppress evidence seized outside the scope of the warrant.
Contact a Federal Defense Attorney
After you become a target or suspect in a federal criminal investigation, hiring experienced legal counsel can help you pursue a favorable resolution to your situation. Contact Guest & Gray today for a free, confidential consultation with a federal criminal defense lawyer to learn more about the steps you need to take to protect your rights and interests when federal agents come to your home or business in Forney, TX.
