The targeted person is unlikely to find out about the investigation until he or she is approached by the agents. This might happen not only during the arrest, but also in an interview or when served a grand jury subpoena, which is more likely for alleged white collar offenders. Unlike in the case of arrest, before interviewing you the agents won’t read you the Miranda rights. However, whatever you say in the course of such encounter is admissible in court and thus may be later used against you.

So before speaking with the officials, it is in your best interest to contact a federal criminal defense attorney in NYC. After you’ve discussed the case with the attorney, he or she will get back to the investigators, and from that moment on your every communication with the officials will be conducted by the lawyer.

An example of such controlled interactions is a proffer. It is an arranged meeting with the investigators and the defendant in the presence of their legal counsel. The agents sign a proffer agreement under which none of the things the defendant will say during this encounter will be used against him or her in trial. However, bear in mind that not all such meetings turn out advantageous for the targeted person, and whether this step should be taken is to be discussed with a lawyer.