Federal Crime Defense

Pennsylvania Federal Grand Jury Proceedings

The criminal defense attorneys at Boyle, Neblett & Wenger law firm represent persons under federal criminal investigation while grand jury proceedings are pending. If you are a person of interest to the FBI or the U.S. Attorney's Office in any federal Pennsylvania district, contact Boyle, Neblett & Wenger in Camp Hill without delay.

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. Persons 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 persons have violated federal laws, they return a formal indictment that details the specific charges against each defendant.

If you're approached by federal agents, the only thing you should do is clearly and emphatically request to have an attorney's advice before having any further conversation with them. Then go get that advice. An experienced federal defense attorney can go immediately to work for you and provide the following essential services:

• Determine your status in the criminal investigation - are you a witness, the target, or another person of interest to the U.S. Attorney?
• Advise you about your grand jury testimony, if you're summoned to appear
• Perform a parallel investigation designed to steer the federal authorities away from you
• Negotiate the production of documents, computer files, or other material as necessary with the federal prosecutors

It is often possible to make highly favorable arrangements with the federal prosecutors before you are indicted, once you have experienced counsel working on your behalf while the investigation is 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 often especially suitable for effective early intervention.

If you have become aware that you are under investigation for any federal offense, contact the Harrisburg federal criminal defense lawyers at Boyle, Neblett & Wenger for a free consultation about your options.