Often if someone is a target of a Federal grand jury investigation the person will receive
what is referred to as a target letter. This letter informs them that criminal charges may be forthcoming and usually allows sufficient time to contact and hire a lawyer. This doesn’t always occur though. Subpoenas are issued to appear before a Grand Jury and the person receiving the subpoena may not even know if they are only needed as a witness or if they are the target of the investigation.
It is important to contact an experienced Federal criminal defense lawyer who can find out why you received a subpoena to appear before a Federal Grand Jury. The grand jury is not so “grand”. It’s a closed proceeding. Defense lawyers are not allowed inside. It is a tool for the prosecutor to bring serious criminal charges. If you go in there by yourself without having first consulted with an attorney, they may be providing you with the rope to hang yourself.
