Individuals involved in street-level criminal activity may prepare themselves for encounters with law enforcement. Those involved in organized shoplifting rings or drug distribution often know how to assert themselves when police officers come knocking.
For individuals who don’t participate in overt criminal activity and who enjoy professional success, the idea of officers showing up at their homes may seem foreign. However, professionals could end up the subject of a white-collar criminal investigation. In such scenarios, federal investigators, rather than local police officers, are likely to come knocking.
How can people protect themselves when agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) turn up at their residences?
Identify The Law Enforcement Professionals
The first step people can take to protect themselves is to identify the individuals who show up at the residence. Instead of opening the door immediately, they may want to communicate through a shut door and ask the FBI agents to provide their identification. Validating that people are who they claim to be is important for safety, as some criminals pose as state or federal law enforcement authorities to gain access to private property. Asking for a business card can also help verify who visited later.
Inquire About A Search Warrant
In some cases, FBI agents come to a house already prepared to gain legal access to the property. They have spoken to a judge and secured a search warrant. In such cases, the person facing an investigation may need to immediately reach out to a criminal defense attorney familiar with white-collar criminal cases and ask them to come to be present during the search. Those subject to a warrant typically cannot deny access to their home but can delay access by asking to wait until their lawyer arrives to support them.
Decline Requests To Come Inside Or Talk
Generally speaking, the safest option when there are federal investigators nearby is to keep them outside. Once they gain access to the property, they could start looking for excuses to conduct a more thorough search. It can also be a mistake to agree to talk to them at the door or at a local FBI office without support. Federal investigators can ask very complex and detailed questions. If the person subject to the investigation provides inaccurate information, that alone could justify federal charges based on lying to investigators.
People generally need someone there to support them when they communicate with federal investigators. They can retain the services of a criminal defense attorney and arrange a date to communicate with investigators if necessary in the future. Understanding how to respond when FBI agents turn up at a home can help people avoid white-collar criminal charges. Those who understand the common mistakes that people make during investigations can better protect themselves and get the support they need to avoid the worst-case outcome.