What to do if a U.S. Attorney contacts you to discuss possible criminal conduct.

(If a police investigator wants to interview you click here)

If you have received a letter from a U.S. Attorney or a state prosecutor informing you that you have committed a crime and that he or she wants to talk to you about entering a guilty plea, then you are a suspect and will likely be prosecuted. You have a constitutional right against self-incrimination. That means you do not have to answer a prosecutor's questions if the answer might tend to incriminate you (even if the answer itself is not incriminating.) In plain language you don't have to talk to a U.S. Attorney or a state prosecutor about the criminal accusation. You also have a right to have a lawyer present during any meeting or conversations with or a prosecutor. You should not waive either of these rights without serious consideration of the consequences. In this kind of situation, you should not meet or talk to a prosecutor without first consulting a lawyer.

Here is what you should do.
In any criminal case, it is critically important to get defense counsel involved as early as possible. The earlier a lawyer is involved the greater the chances of a favorable outcome. And it may help avoid prosecution entirely.

1. Don't Panic.
Don't be intimidated by the letter. In this situation you probably have plenty of time to consult with a lawyer. If you need to, don't be afraid to ask for additional time to consult with legal counsel. Most assistant U.S. Attorney's are very professional and will normally accommodate such a request.

2. Consult Competent Legal Counsel.
Immediately contact our office or another competent criminal defense lawyer. Explain the situation and ask for an immediate appointment. Bring the letter with you to the appointment. If you contact my office we will decide how to respond based on the specific facts of your case. I will contact the prosecutor, learn what I can about the case and try to determine if arrest or prosecution is imminent. If so, I will try to coordinate arrangements to safely surrender you and assist in obtaining bail.

3. Call Our Office at (318) 227-1460 For A Confidential Appointment. Click here for directions to our office.