Federal Criminal Defense

Paul D. Cramm - Federal Criminal Defense Attorney

Being identified as a "target" in a Federal Criminal Investigation is perhaps one of the most stressful experiences a person is likely to endure.  It is underatndably difficult - if not impossible - to make sound decisions while dealing with waves of anxiety, fear and uncertainty.  You need a criminal defense lawyer who understands not only the law, but also the process of investigating criminal offenses in the federal system. If you're facing criminal charges originating in the U.S. District Attorney's Office for the District of Kansas or the Western District of Missouri in Kansas City, contact my defense law firm in Olathe for dependable advice.

Although initial contact with law enforcement in a federal criminal case may begin with an arrest, it can occur in many less "alarming" ways. In some cases, the FBI or DEA might call you "just to ask a few questions." In other cases, you might get a target letter from the U.S. Attorney which suggests that you might be close to a grand jury indictment on a federal narcotics charge, mortgage fraud case, or other federal offense.

The first contact with a law enforcement agent is not only a good time to get the advice of a criminal defense attorney, it might be the only time for you to do so in order to preserve your ability to defend yourself against future criminal charges.

The initial contact between you and the federal government is an extremely important point in your case. Federal law enforcement agents have the specific training and extensive experience necessary to elicit incriminating information from people who would never have imagined that they would speak voluntarily with law enforcement.  Agents will frequently emphasize (and exaggerate) the extent of the trouble you face, and may also tell you what others involved in the investigation have (allegedly ) said about you.  Agents may suggest favorable treatment in exchange for information. In many ways federal law enforcement agents have mastered the art of deception, and they will likely rely on these skills to collect evidence against. 

You have an absolute right to refrain from speaking with any federal agent about anything, and those same agents are required to stop asking you questions provided you invoke this valuable right. Most agents operate at a very high level of integrity and will terminate questioning upon invocation by the subject of his or her right to remain silent and right to counsel.  However, you must clearly and unequivocally advise the agents that you refuse to answer any questions without consulting with your lawyer, or without your own criminal defense attorney present. Statements like "maybe I should talk to a lawyer" or "do I need a lawyer for this?" might not be specific enough to invoke this right when you're being questioned about money laundering or federal drug crimes .

It is an enormous risk to think you can talk your way out of trouble with the Department of Justice, If you even suspect that you may be in trouble with federal investigators, contact me in Olathe immediately.