After a federal arrest, government agents will often continue to investigate, even while the case is in court. The scope of the post-arrest investigation depends on the type of case and the amount of evidence already collected. However, even after charges are made, a federal task force may still pursue search warrants for anything that may be relevant to the case.
As such, it is particularly important after an arrest to work with a rigorous defense attorney who could help keep tabs on the government’s proceedings and challenge their continuing investigations. For further legal counsel on what to do after a federal arrest in Charleston, call the offices of Adams & Bischoff today.
What to Do in Federal Post-Arrest Investigations
Even after arrest, the federal government could come with search warrants to get phones, computers, or any other source of evidence that may be relevant to their case. For example, investigative agents might look at a Charleston resident’s interactions to make a drug conspiracy case. They may use text messages, videos, Facebook chats, or instant messaging to support their claims of involvement in a drug transaction.
Additionally, federal agents may attempt to speak with various contacts of an arrested individual, such as:
- Their spouse
- Business partners
- Customers
- Suppliers
- Their bank
Federal agencies have the capacity to throw a wide net at post-arrest investigations, so anyone is fair game. Unfortunately, many innocent people have had their businesses ruined because agents have spoken to everybody as if they had committed a criminal act. Following a federal arrest, a Charleston resident should immediately contact an assertive attorney to protect their financial pursuits and reputation.
Protecting Family from Federal Agents while in Jail
If somebody is in jail and wants to know what to do to protect their loved ones against harassment from federal authorities, a well-connected attorney could give referrals for their spouse, parents, children, and any other connections that might be affected by their arrest. Without strong legal defense, it is difficult to protect against the government pursuing search warrants and hounding one’s family members for information in a post-arrest investigation.
Difference Between Federal and State Arrests in Charleston
One major difference between federal and state courts in South Carolina is that those arrested federally could have new indictments over the course of their case. For example, there could be a seventh arraignment for the seventh version of the indictment, and charges could change multiple times as the federal agents learn new information. Often, they will add new charges against arrested Charleston residents, particularly in conspiracy cases.
In state cases, the arrest often signals the end of an investigation. Conversely, arrests often happen at the beginning stages of federal cases, and investigations can continue long after indictment. As such, the most important thing to do after a federal arrest is to retain consistent legal support in the area.
A Charleston Attorney Could Advise on What to Do After a Federal Arrest
The role of a persistent attorney in assisting an individual under federal arrest is to help figure out what is being investigated and how the government perceives the case. Legal counsel could help put actions the government thinks were incriminating into context to show that they are not.
If you are facing federal criminal charges, your first call should be to a dedicated legal professional to begin building an aggressive defense strategy. Let a seasoned attorney advise you on what to do after a federal arrest in Charleston.
