Federal Criminal Investigation Lawyer in Wisconsin
Under Investigation by the FBI or Another Federal Agency? Talk to a Lawyer Before You Talk to Investigators.
If you have learned that you are the target or subject of a federal investigation, received a grand jury subpoena, been contacted by federal agents, or had your home or business searched, what you do next can have enormous consequences.
You do not need to wait until you are charged with a federal crime to hire a criminal defense lawyer. In fact, some of the most important work a federal defense attorney can do happens before charges are ever filed.
Madison attorney Rick Coad has more than 20 years of experience representing people in federal criminal cases and investigations in Wisconsin and throughout the Midwest. He has represented more than 100 clients in federal court and has handled matters involving fraud, financial crimes, drug offenses, the Lacey Act, the Endangered Species Act and CITES, firearms, false statements, computer offenses and other serious federal allegations.
If federal investigators want to talk to you—or you have reason to believe you are under investigation—get legal advice before deciding what to say or do.
When Should You Contact a Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer?
Many people first realize they may be involved in a federal investigation when:
- FBI, IRS, DEA, USFWS or other federal agents ask to interview them;
- agents appear at their home or workplace;
- federal agents execute a search warrant;
- they receive a grand jury subpoena;
- an employer or business receives a subpoena for their records;
- friends, employees or business associates are interviewed by federal investigators;
- they receive a target letter or other communication from a federal prosecutor;
- assets or electronic devices are seized; or
- they learn indirectly that a federal investigation is underway.
You do not have to wait for an indictment.
The earlier an experienced federal defense attorney becomes involved, the more opportunity there may be to understand the investigation, protect your rights, communicate with prosecutors or agents when appropriate, preserve favorable evidence, and begin developing a defense strategy.
Federal Agents Want to Interview Me. Should I Talk to Them?
Not before you speak with a lawyer.
Federal agents are trained investigators. If they are asking you questions, there is a reason. Even when agents say they simply want to “clear something up,” you may not know what evidence they already have, what other witnesses have told them, or how your answers may fit into a larger investigation. And in reality, they are likely trying to get you to incriminate yourself or someone else.
You also face potential criminal exposure for knowingly making a materially false statement to federal investigators. We call it the Martha Stewart problem: the underlying fraud was hard to prove, but her false statement to investigators was an easy mark.
Politely declining to answer questions until you have spoken with an attorney is not an admission of guilt. It is a sensible way to protect yourself when you do not yet know the nature or scope of the investigation.
What If I Receive a Federal Grand Jury Subpoena?
A grand jury subpoena should never be ignored.
A subpoena may require you to testify, produce documents, electronic records or other evidence. It may also provide an important clue about the nature and scope of the government’s investigation.
Before responding, an experienced federal criminal defense lawyer can help determine why the government is seeking the information, whether you may have criminal exposure yourself, and how the subpoena should be handled.
The distinction between being a witness, a subject of an investigation and a target can be critically important. You should understand where you may stand before communicating with prosecutors or investigators.
What If the FBI Searches My Home or Business?
If federal agents execute a search warrant, do not interfere with the search. You should also avoid trying to explain the situation or answer substantive questions without legal advice.
A search warrant means a federal judge has found probable cause to believe evidence of a crime may be found in the place or items being searched. It does not mean you have been convicted—or even that you will necessarily be charged.
After a search, a defense lawyer can begin evaluating the warrant, what was seized, the suspected offenses and the larger investigation. That work can be important long before prosecutors make a charging decision.
Federal Investigations Often Begin Long Before Charges Are Filed
Federal investigations can last months or even years. They frequently involve extensive financial records, emails, text messages, electronic devices, cooperating witnesses and information obtained through subpoenas and search warrants.
Rick Coad has experience handling complex federal matters involving:
- wire and mail fraud;
- bank and loan fraud;
- embezzlement and financial crimes;
- tax-related investigations;
- health care and government-program fraud;
- drug conspiracies;
- federal firearms offenses;
- false statements and perjury;
- computer-related offenses; and
- other federal felony investigations.
In financial and fraud investigations, understanding the government’s theory often requires carefully analyzing a large volume of records and reconstructing what actually happened.
Experience Matters in Federal Court
Federal criminal practice is different from state criminal practice.
Rick Coad has represented more than 100 clients in federal district court during his career. He regularly practices in the Western District of Wisconsin in Madison and the Eastern District of Wisconsin in Milwaukee and Green Bay and has represented clients in federal courts throughout the Midwest.
His federal experience extends beyond the district court. Rick has practiced before the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals and is one of the few Wisconsin criminal defense lawyers to have argued a case before the United States Supreme Court.
He has also taught other lawyers and professionals about federal investigations, including presenting on what to do when the FBI comes knocking and on conducting internal investigations.
That depth of experience matters when you are trying to make good decisions before the government decides whether to charge you.
Can a Lawyer Help Before Federal Charges Are Filed?
Sometimes, yes.
No lawyer can promise that an investigation will end without charges. But pre-charge representation can create opportunities that may disappear after an indictment.
Depending on the circumstances, a defense lawyer may be able to:
- determine the nature and scope of the investigation;
- communicate with federal agents or prosecutors on your behalf;
- advise you about whether and how to respond to an interview request;
- respond appropriately to subpoenas;
- identify and preserve evidence helpful to your defense;
- present information or legal arguments to prosecutors before a charging decision;
- coordinate with accountants, investigators or other experts when necessary; and
- prepare a defense before charges are filed.
Every federal investigation is different. The important thing is to understand your position before making decisions that cannot be undone.
Federal Criminal Defense Throughout Wisconsin and the Midwest
Coad Law Office is located in Madison, Wisconsin. Rick Coad represents clients in federal investigations and criminal cases in both Wisconsin federal districts, including matters prosecuted in Madison, Milwaukee and Green Bay. He has also defended clients in federal courts in Indiana, Michigan, North Dakota, Minnesota, and Oklahoma.
If you have been contacted by federal investigators, received a subpoena, been served with a search warrant, or believe you may be the subject or target of a federal investigation, contact Coad Law Office to discuss your situation.
Call (608) 661-8080 to speak with attorney Rick Coad