Pennsylvania Federal Grand Jury Proceedings
Because most federal crimes are charged by a grand jury indictment, many federal defendants receive advance notice of their risk of criminal exposure long before they are arrested or formally charged. People of interest in a grand jury investigation might be approached for questioning by federal agents, or they might receive a subpoena to appear before a grand jury.
An assistant U.S. attorney examines witnesses and provides documentary and other evidence to the grand jury over a period of weeks or months. When the grand jury receives enough evidence to determine that particular people have violated federal laws, they return an indictment that details the specific charges against each defendant.
The Philadelphia federal criminal defense lawyers at Boyle, Autry & Murphy represent people under federal investigation while grand jury proceedings are pending. If you believe you are a person of interest to the FBI or the U.S. Attorney's Office in any federal Pennsylvania district, contact a Harrisburg federal defense attorney at Boyle, Autry & Murphy without delay.
If You Have Been Asked to Appear Before a Federal Grand Jury
Before you engage in any further conversation with a federal agent, clearly and emphatically request to have an attorney's advice. An experienced federal defense attorney can:
- Determine your status in the criminal investigation - are you a witness, a target or a person of interest to the U.S. attorney?
- Advise you about your grand jury testimony if you have been summoned to appear
- Perform a parallel investigation designed to steer the federal authorities away from you
- Negotiate with federal prosecutors for the production of documents, computer files or other requested materials
Once you have experienced counsel working on your behalf, it is often possible to make favorable arrangements with the federal prosecutors before an indictment, while the investigation is still ongoing. You might never have to face the most serious charges that were originally intended for you. This strategy can be very effective in any federal investigation, from drug conspiracy to child pornography, but federal fraud or corruption charges are especially suitable for early intervention.
If you have become aware that you are under investigation for any federal offense, contact a Pennsylvania criminal defense attorney at Boyle, Autry & Murphy for a free consultation at our Camp Hill, York or Philadelphia offices.
