under investig

What To Do if Under Investigation

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I Got a Call from a Police Officer — What Should I Do?

1. Don’t Panic — But Don’t Speak Without a Lawyer

If a police officer calls and asks to speak with you about a situation, your first step should be to contact a criminal defense attorney immediately. Even if the officer says they just want a “witness statement,” you could easily shift from a witness to a suspect if you’re not careful.

2. The Golden Rule: Never Talk to Police Without Legal Counsel

We hear this question all the time. No matter how friendly or polite the officer may sound, the answer remains the same:
DO NOT speak to police without a lawyer present.

Don’t return their call. Don’t answer questions. Instead, inform them that you are exercising your right to remain silent and your right to legal representation.

3. What If They Keep Pushing?

If the officer continues questioning you or tries to get you to talk, calmly repeat:

“I am invoking my right to remain silent. All questions will be answered by my attorney.”

This is your constitutional right — use it.

4. Why You Must Be Cautious

Anything you say to a law enforcement officer can and will be used against you. Officers are trained in interrogation tactics and may use misleading or manipulative approaches to extract information — even from people who believe they’re not in trouble.

5. Your Lawyer Is Your Shield

When you hire a criminal defense attorney, they act as a barrier between you and law enforcement. Anything your lawyer says cannot be used against you. Your attorney can speak on your behalf, control the flow of information, and protect your rights at every step.

In many cases, we’ve successfully intervened before an arrest was made — persuading officers to drop investigations or close cases entirely due to lack of evidence or false allegations.

6. Early Intervention Can Save Your Record

Getting criminal charges dropped before they’re filed can protect your future, your reputation, and your record. That’s why it’s so critical to involve a lawyer as early as possible — even if you’re not sure you’re in trouble.

7. Know Your Rights. Protect Your Future.

If you’re not fully aware of your legal rights, speaking to the police could cause you to lose potential defenses or accidentally reveal damaging information. A criminal defense lawyer knows what law enforcement is really looking for — and more importantly, what they’re not entitled to know.

Bottom line: Don’t take chances. If a police officer calls you, contact an experienced criminal defense attorney before saying a word.

federal-law

Federal Drug Charges

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1. What Makes a Drug Charge “Federal”?

While most drug-related offenses in the U.S. are handled by state courts, certain circumstances can elevate a case to the federal level. These include:

  • Large-scale drug operations

  • Arrests involving federal agents or occurring on federal property

  • Multi-state or international drug activity

In some situations, individuals may even be prosecuted in both state and federal courts for the same conduct.

2. Federal Drug Convictions Carry Severe Consequences

Federal drug charges come with tougher penalties than state charges — including:

  • Longer prison sentences

  • Substantially higher fines

  • Mandatory minimums for certain drug offenses

These penalties can be life-changing, which is why you need skilled federal legal defense from the outset.

3. Comprehensive Federal Drug Charge Defense

At the Law Offices of America, we represent clients across the U.S. who are under investigation or have been charged with serious federal drug crimes. These may include:

Conspiracy

An agreement between two or more individuals to violate federal drug laws — even without actual possession or sale taking place.

Cultivation

Growing or producing naturally occurring controlled substances, such as cannabis or psychedelic mushrooms.

Delivery

Transferring a controlled substance to another individual — this doesn’t require money to change hands. Even arranging the exchange can result in charges.

Distributing Materials

Supplying chemicals, components, or equipment used to manufacture illegal drugs, regardless of involvement in actual production.

Distribution

Illegally selling, furnishing, or providing controlled substances.

Fraud

Often tied to prescription drug offenses, but may also relate to wire fraud, mail fraud, tax fraud, or healthcare fraud connected to drug distribution.

Manufacturing

Participating in any phase of the drug creation process — from chemical preparation to final production.

Possession

Having control over a controlled substance — either actual possession (on your person) or constructive possession (in your home, car, or property you control).

Racketeering

Includes violations under federal laws such as:

  • RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act)

  • CCE (Continuing Criminal Enterprise/Kingpin Statute)

  • VCAR (Violent Crimes in Aid of Racketeering Statute)

Smuggling

Importing or transporting illegal drugs with the intent to distribute or sell.

Trafficking

Knowingly manufacturing, transporting, distributing, or possessing drugs with the intent to sell or distribute — even in the absence of an actual transaction.

4. Early Legal Intervention Matters

The federal government has dedicated task forces and special prosecutors focused on drug enforcement. The sooner you involve an experienced defense attorney, the better your chances of reducing charges, avoiding mandatory minimums, or even preventing indictment altogether.

If you’re facing federal drug charges or suspect you’re under investigation,
contact the Law Offices of America today for a confidential consultation.
We will assess your case, protect your rights, and build a strong, strategic defense.