Being approached by federal agents isn’t something you can take lightly. Whether you’re contacted by the FBI, DEA, IRS, or another agency, the person’s status may be witness, subject, or target, and the agent’s request may not answer that question in a criminal investigation. Do not assume you can talk your way out of it. Even if you believe you’ve done nothing wrong, speaking to investigators without legal counsel can create a record that is difficult to correct later.
In Miami and Broward County, federal prosecutions are on the rise—particularly for crimes like healthcare and Medicare fraud, money laundering, and PPP fraud. A simple conversation can quickly escalate into an indictment. Federal agents are trained to extract information and will use anything you say to build their case—even if it’s taken out of context.
At Beaton Law Firm, we intervene early to protect your rights. If you’ve been contacted by federal agents, received a target letter, or have any reason to believe you’re under investigation, preserve the request and review any deadline before responding. We provide immediate guidance, ensure your constitutional rights are protected, and help clarify the request and protect the integrity of the response. A person may ask for counsel before answering questions.
Don’t try to navigate a federal investigation alone. Whether it’s related to federal crimes, white-collar fraud, or suspicious financial activity, early review can help identify the request, evidence, and available options. Let us evaluate your situation and organize a response based on the evidence and applicable procedure before formal charges are even filed.
Clarify the Request Before Responding
Keep the agent’s card, subpoena, target or subject letter, voicemail, and any stated deadline. Ask whether the request is voluntary or compulsory, and do not guess at an answer. A person may request counsel before an interview. Do not delete, alter, or backdate records and do not contact potential witnesses about the investigation.
Identify the Investigative Context
Counsel can review which agency is involved, whether the person is a witness, subject, or target, what statute may apply, and which records should be preserved. The United States Courts criminal-case overview describes the general federal process, but the individual investigation depends on its facts.
Clarify the Nature of Any Request
When contacted by a federal agency, preserve the agent’s card, letter, voicemail, subpoena, or other notice. Record the sender, date, stated purpose, deadline, and whether the request is voluntary or compulsory. Do not delete, backdate, or recreate records. A person may seek counsel before an interview. The request itself and the applicable procedure—not assumptions about an investigation—define what needs to be addressed.
Keep all subsequent notices and any materials produced in a dated file.
Maintain a Narrow, Accurate Record
For each contact, record only what was actually received or said, the date, and any stated deadline. Avoid guessing about the scope of an inquiry or filling gaps with assumptions. A clear record helps distinguish an informal request from a compulsory legal process.
Store that record with the original notice and any later response.
Clarify the Nature of Any Request
When contacted by a federal agency, preserve the agent’s card, letter, voicemail, subpoena, or other notice. Record the sender, date, stated purpose, deadline, and whether the request is voluntary or compulsory. Do not delete, backdate, or recreate records. A person may seek counsel before an interview. The request itself and the applicable procedure—not assumptions about an investigation—define what needs to be addressed.
Keep all subsequent notices and any materials produced in a dated file.
Maintain a Narrow, Accurate Record
For each contact, record only what was actually received or said, the date, and any stated deadline. Avoid guessing about the scope of an inquiry or filling gaps with assumptions. A clear record helps distinguish an informal request from a compulsory legal process.
Store that record with the original notice and any later response.