Before indicting or arresting someone in a federal case, it is common for the government to conduct an extensive investigation. In cases initiated by federal task forces, there is often a tremendous amount of information collected on an individual before they are even contacted. For example, their banking information and cell phone information could have already been looked at, and wiretaps could have been running for months.
Any individual who suspects that they are under federal pre-arrest investigation in Charleston should reach out to legal counsel as soon as they can. A well-practiced attorney with experience in pre-charge representation could help challenge the government and work to prevent the person under investigation from being charged.
Who Conducts Federal Pretrial Investigations in Charleston?
Any federal government agency or combination of agencies could conduct a pre-arrest investigation, depending on the alleged criminal activity in Charleston. Potential investigating entities include:
- The Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI)
- The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA)
- The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF)
- The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) with the Security Exchange Commission
Many federal organizations also operate under the umbrella of ICE. Additionally, the federal government has substantial funding for task forces that work with local police departments. As such, many federal and local task forces could be involved in a Charleston pre-arrest investigation, depending on the circumstances of the case. A knowledgeable local attorney could advise the target of a federal review on the inner workings of whichever task force is heading their investigation.
How Long Do the Feds Investigate before an Arrest?
The federal government could investigate for weeks, months, or years before they ever make contact with or arrest the targeted individual. If a Charleston resident learns of an ongoing investigation against them, either through notification from the government or their bank, they should retain a skilled lawyer right away to find out the scope of the investigation and how long it has been taking place.
Once a targeted individual knows that an investigation has already been launched, their legal counsel is going to have to work overtime to catch up to the government agency. Because federal inquiries can begin long before an arrest, it is a good idea to obtain nearby legal support as soon as possible to counteract any future charges and put the conduct under investigation into the right lens.
Accessible Information in a Federal Pre-Charge Investigation
The kind of information the government may be able to access during a federal investigation depends on the nature of the case. Some common examples of investigative tactics the feds may use include:
- Wiretaps to obtain data about phone calls
- Search warrants to financial institutions or to businesses
- Voluntary disclosures of information from cell phone providers
- Location monitoring
Federal agencies may obtain information with or without formal request, and individuals will not always be notified that their records were requested or under review. However, if a Charleston resident receives notice from their bank or cell provider that their information was turned over to a federal agency, they should seek rigorous legal support right away.
How Can I Limit the Government’s Access to Information?
There are several potential ways to limit the government’s access to information in a pre-arrest investigation. One could go to court to fight any subpoenas or search warrants. Another possible strategy is to request notification from one’s bank in the event that they are contacted by a federal investigating agency. The government may encourage a bank not to notify their customer of an investigation, but a savvy attorney in the area could request a heads-up on behalf of the targeted individual.
Government Tools for Investigating Online Activity
It is not known how law enforcement agencies investigate what someone is doing online or what tools they have for monitoring Internet use. However, we know from several recent Freedom of Information Act suits that certain federal agents may conceal their investigation techniques from prosecutors so that they do not come up in discovery.
It is important to be aware that federal agents could be monitoring web activity in various locations on the Internet, including chatrooms or even the dark web. They may even attempt to encourage people to perform incriminating behavior online. Additionally, many online companies and search engines such as Google track information for developing profiles on individuals and selling ads. The federal government could also potentially access this information in an investigation.
Contact a Charleston Attorney with Experience in Pre-Arrest Investigations
Due to rapid technological advances, the laws regarding government investigation tactics are constantly evolving, as are Fourth Amendment protections. Accordingly, it is crucial for anyone who suspects they are under federal pre-arrest investigation in Charleston to contact a well-researched attorney.
A proactive legal defense team could work tirelessly to find out exactly what information is out there and strategize ways to challenge the task force or their methods of inquiry. If you have received notice of any government investigation against you, call a lawyer experienced in federal cases to fight on your behalf.
