A Dedicated Attorney Protecting Federal Witness Rights
Anyone who has information that might be relevant in a government or corporate investigation can be considered a witness.
The first time many of my clients learn that they are involved in a federal criminal investigation or internal corporate investigation as a potential federal witness is when investigators show up on their doorstep or at their place of work.
In times like this, many smart, reasonable people find themselves upset and confused, and can often create trouble for themselves by simply trying to be cooperative. Investigators know this, and some may capitalize on that fact.
Without a subpoena, you can not be forced to answer any questions without having your lawyer present, and a subpoena only requires you to testify at a certain place and time.
Before you decide to speak with a government investigator, interviewer, corporate inside counsel, or outside law firm representative, shouldn't you protect yourself by consulting an accomplished corporate and federal witness rights attorney?
You can never be sure that investigators only consider you a witness. They may decide that you are more deeply involved in the matter. Without an experienced lawyer at your side, there will be no one to help clarify questions and rectify misunderstandings and misstatements that may later cause problems during testimony before a grand jury or court.
If you are contacted by investigators, be sure to:
- Get their names and the agency or department they represent.
- Ask for specific details regarding why they wish to speak with you.
- Always request a business card.
- Consult with an accomplished federal witness rights attorney immediately.
The right attorney can help assess your exposure (potential criminal liability or culpability) in a criminal investigation, and can advise you on your rights if you have to testify. If you are contacted by agents of a criminal or corporate investigation in Washington, D.C., call my office at (202) 835-2220 or e-mail me immediately.
Protect your Fifth Amendment Rights • Contact Kathleen E. Voelker
Kathleen E. Voelker, Attorney at Law
1776 K Street NW Suite 800
Washington, DC 20006
Phone: (202) 835-2220 • E-mail • Fax: (202) 835-3939
From new offices near Farragut Square, just three blocks from the White House, Kathleen E. Voelker, Attorney at Law, serves clients in Washington, D.C., nationwide, and internationally in matters of security clearance, white collar criminal defense, and witness rights in federal and corporate investigations.
