Address: 2900 Bristol St., Suite C204 Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Available To Serve You Nationwide On All Federal Cases
When the FBI contacts you, visits your home or office, serves a subpoena, executes a search warrant, or asks to "just talk," you may already be the subject of a federal criminal investigation. Whether you are a target, subject, or witness, what you do in the first hours and days can significantly impact the outcome of the case.
An experienced FBI investigations lawyer can protect your constitutional rights, communicate with federal agents and prosecutors on your behalf, and help prevent mistakes that could lead to criminal charges.
One of the most important rules in any federal investigation is this: Never speak with FBI agents without a lawyer present. Even if you believe you have done nothing wrong, talking to federal agents without legal counsel often provides investigators with information they can use to strengthen their case.
If the FBI has contacted you, do not answer questions, provide statements, consent to searches, or attempt to explain your side of the story before consulting an experienced federal defense attorney.
The FBI investigates some of the most serious federal offenses in the United States. Federal agents spend months—and often years—building cases before making contact with suspects.
By the time an FBI agent reaches out, investigators may already have:
Many people mistakenly believe they can "clear things up" by talking to agents. In reality, federal investigators are trained interviewers whose goal is to gather information that supports a criminal prosecution.
Anything you say can be:
Under federal law, making a false statement to federal agents can itself be a felony offense, even if you are never charged with the underlying crime being investigated.
Many federal cases become significantly stronger after agents obtain statements directly from a suspect.
Politely state:
"I would like to speak with my attorney before answering any questions."
Then stop talking.
Our firm represents clients involved in a wide range of FBI investigations, including:
Federal white collar investigations often involve lengthy reviews of financial records, business transactions, and communications.
These investigations may include:
Early legal intervention can sometimes prevent charges from being filed.
The FBI aggressively investigates allegations involving:
Potential allegations may include:
Healthcare providers frequently become targets of federal investigations involving:
Targets may include:
The FBI often works with:
Drug-related investigations may involve:
Federal prosecutors frequently add money laundering allegations to other criminal investigations.
Common scenarios include:
The FBI Cyber Division investigates:
Digital evidence often becomes the centerpiece of these cases, making early legal representation critical.
Federal agents investigate a broad range of internet-related offenses, including:
Federal prosecutors often use conspiracy statutes because they allow the government to pursue multiple individuals involved in an alleged scheme.
Investigations may involve allegations of:
The FBI plays a central role in national security matters involving:
These cases require experienced federal defense counsel immediately.
Federal terrorism investigations may involve allegations related to:
The FBI investigates allegations involving:
Because these investigations frequently involve search warrants and electronic devices, immediate legal intervention is essential.
These investigations may involve:
Many individuals learn they are under investigation long before charges are filed.
Potential warning signs include:
If any of these occur, contact a federal defense lawyer immediately.
✔ Remain calm
✔ Be polite
✔ Request the agents' names and contact information
✔ Inform agents that your attorney will contact them
✔ Contact a federal defense attorney immediately
✘ Answer questions
✘ Attempt to explain the situation
✘ Guess or speculate
✘ Consent to searches without legal advice
✘ Destroy records
✘ Contact witnesses about the investigation
✘ Lie to investigators
An experienced federal defense lawyer can:
The earlier an attorney becomes involved, the more opportunities may exist to influence the outcome of the investigation.
Do not answer questions without legal representation. Politely decline the interview and tell agents that your attorney will contact them. Even innocent statements can be misunderstood or used against you later.
In many cases, no. Federal agents generally do not initiate interviews to help suspects avoid prosecution. Their objective is to gather evidence and information. Statements made during interviews frequently become evidence in criminal cases.
Yes. In most situations, you have the right to decline a voluntary interview and request counsel. A lawyer can advise you regarding your specific circumstances.
Even innocent people can make mistakes during interviews. Misremembered facts, inaccurate timelines, and inconsistent statements can create problems. Legal representation protects your rights regardless of guilt or innocence.
Yes. Federal law makes it a crime to knowingly make materially false statements to federal investigators. Individuals have been prosecuted based solely on statements made during FBI interviews.
A target is a person prosecutors believe may have committed a crime.
A subject is someone whose conduct falls within the scope of the investigation.
A witness is believed to possess information relevant to the investigation.
An experienced attorney can often determine how the government views your involvement.
Remain calm and respectful. Do not answer questions. Ask whether they have a warrant. If they do, do not interfere, but contact an attorney immediately.
Generally, you should not consent to searches without first speaking to an attorney. If agents possess a valid warrant, do not obstruct them, but clearly state that you do not consent to any search beyond the warrant's authority.
Immediately. The best time to retain counsel is before any interview, subpoena response, or search warrant execution. Early intervention can sometimes prevent charges from being filed.
Yes. In many cases, your attorney can communicate directly with agents and prosecutors, handle requests for information, and protect you from making statements that could harm your defense.
If you have been contacted by the FBI, received a subpoena, learned that federal agents are asking questions about you, or believe you may be under investigation, do not wait until charges are filed. Federal investigations are often won or lost long before an arrest occurs. Contact Kenney Legal Defense and schedule a consulation for representation with FBI Investigations Lawyer Karren Kenney.
Most importantly, never speak with FBI agents without an experienced lawyer present. The FBI's job is to gather evidence and build cases. Your lawyer's job is to protect your rights, protect your future, and ensure that you do not unknowingly provide information that helps the government prosecute you.
Contact our federal defense team today for a confidential consultation.
