Federal Government Investigation Lawyers

Federal government investigations may start innocently. Although you have done nothing wrong, you may still decide to speak with federal investigators without a government investigation lawyer. This can be one of the most costly mistakes you can make. Although you may not currently be a target of an investigation, that can change within hours.

The presumption of innocence is still well and alive in our constitution. However, the reality is that targets to an investigation can face serious liability regardless of whether their actions are a mere mistake, acting with no intent to defraud the federal government.  You still have to undergo the stress and humiliation of a government investigation, or ultimately, a trial for government contract fraud.

Our job is to immediately get to the bottom of the case, interact with government attorneys and focus on getting cases dismissed or investigations to go away. 

Federal Investigative Lawyers With National Reach

With law offices in Washington, D.C., and Colorado, At Watson & Associates LLC, our government investigative lawyers understand the serious challenges and potential civil and criminal consequences that businesses and individuals face when confronted with federal investigations. Our seasoned government contracting and federal investigation attorneys have expertise in handling a wide range of government inquiries by each federal law enforcement agency. ( SEC, FBI, DOJ, OIG, SBA OIG), providing our clients with the unwavering support and strategic legal counsel they need to navigate this complex and often intimidating federal investigation process.

Types of Federal Government Investigations 

As federal DOJ and OIG investigation lawyers, our law firm only handles government investigations that involve federal procurement. This could range from False Claims Act allegations (civil and criminal); Trade Agreements Act TAA compliance investigation; Buy American Act or BAA compliance investigation, SBA small business violations. ( HUBZone, SDVOSB, 8(A) BD and more). When government contractors or individuals and investigated for any matter relating to federal government procurement, our government investigation lawyers step and in guide you through the investigation process.

IF YOU ARE UNDER INVESTIGATION, GET THE INFORMATION YOU NEED TO START YOUR LEGAL DEFENSE HERE. 

OIG or DOJ Civil Investigative Demands (CID) and Subpoeanas

During a federal investigation, the investigative agency often serves criminal subpoenas and or civil investigative demands. The requests force you to turn over a multitude of business and personal documents. Oftentimes, federal agents would demand testimony.

Watson’s government investigations lawyers frequently help individuals, small businesses and defense contractors to respond to civil investigative demands or subpoenas in federal criminal cases. We understand the issues that can arise when privileged or protected information is turned over to federal prosecutors. Our goal is to make sure any constitutional rights to self-incrimination are not waived.

Investigation FAQs

How Long Do Federal Contractor Investigations Last?

The government investigation involving allegations of government contractor fraud can last months or it last years. There are no set guidelines. The federal prosecutors can take as long as they like.

What Happens During a Federal Investigation?

If you are investigated by the DOJ or OIG, the government generally starts the investigation process by requesting documents and information. This is usually accomplished by a Civil Investigative Demand (CID) or subpoena.

How to Interact With Federal Investigators or Agents

The general rule is that you should not speak to federal investigators without legal representation. However, you should cooperate during a government investigation. You cannot simply ignore requests for information or testimony. The government does have a right to investigate.

Can You Challenge the Government’s Request for Information?

Yes, you can. However, it is probably better to discuss your concerns with the investigator or US attorney.  The chances of getting a request for information overturned are very slim. However, there are legitimate legal arguments that an investigative attorney can use to challenge the government’s request for information. 

What are the Chances that the Investigation Goes Away Without any Charges or Grand Jury Indictment?

The government attorney’s case is as strong as they have evidence to meet the required burden of proof. Your job as a government contractor is to retain a government investigation lawyer who understands the underlying charges and area of procurement law.

Without this, it is hard to fight back and challenge the government’s case. A common example is being investigated for HUBZone or SBA small business violations. However, the local criminal or civil attorney has no experience in those areas. The result is that your chances of indictment have significantly increased.

Trade Agreements Act (TAA) Compliance Government Investigations Lawyers

Federal government fraud law firm: The TAA seeks to foster fair international trade. Non-compliance or fraudulent activity can lead to significant penalties. Our team of TAA compliance investigations lawyers help with OIG subpoena and DOJ Civil Investigative Demands, seasoned in government contract investigation laws, ensure that you understand these regulations and are armed with a formidable defense should investigations arise.

Buy American Act (BAA) Compliance Government Investigation Attorneys

Lawyers that fight the government on behalf government contractors or companies charged with a crime:  BAA compliance promotes purchasing American products, ensuring that the U.S. government procures domestic goods. Inadvertent errors in compliance can draw scrutiny. With our federal contract investigator prowess, Our white collar litigation and government investigations lawyers help you navigate these complexities, minimizing risks, and handling any resulting BAA investigations with tact and expertise. Call us today for urgent legal assistance for OIG investigations.

False Claims Act Federal Investigation Attorneys (Criminal and Civil Fraud)

Federal government fraud law firm: When you are facing government investigations stemming from alleged False Claims Act violations, we represent federal government contractors and defend clients from federal investigation agency horrors and stress. Given the complex nature of the FCA charges against companies doing business with the government, our False Claims Act fraud DOJ and OIG investigation lawyer provide intense focus on getting cases dismissed or presenting a fair opportunity to settle the matter.

Health Care Fraud Government  Investigations 

Healthcare providers have been increasingly targeted by federal investigators through False Claims Act investigations. Our health care fraud investigation attorneys have the experience necessary to protect you from unjust liability under the False Claims Act and fight for a fair resolution . As white-collar criminal defense and federal investigation attorneys, we understand the challenging healthcare regulatory landscape and strive to provide you with proactive counsel to help you stay ahead of potential audits and investigations before they even happen. 

DOJ Response or OIG Subpoena Lawyers

Facing a DOJ or OIG Investigation Or Issued a Civil Investigative Demand? We Can Help

Federal investigation agencies such as the DOJ and OIG aggressively investigate suspected government contract fraud or other white collar crime  If you think your company is under fraud and investigation or have received a target letter or Civil Investigative Demand, our government contract OIG subpoena lawyers  can help.

Why Choose Watson & Associates LLC?

• We can represent government contractors from the investigative stage all the way through trial: We are dedicated to providing our clients with the highest level of legal representation tailored to their specific needs and circumstances 

• We Understand the Government Procurement Rules: Government contracting is what we do every day. Compared to traditional government investigation attorneys, we understand the underlying reasons why government contractors are investigated. Without this experience, small businesses and federal contractors find themselves indicted and or criminally convicted.

• Over 30 years of Combined Experience and We Know How to Push Back: We have experience defending government contractors and individuals who are investigated by the federal government or dealing with DOJ Civil Investigative Demands.

Government contractors get indicted and ultimately convicted of crimes involving federal contracts simply because traditional defense attorneys are not experienced in federal procurement laws. In order to minimize convictions and jail time, you must have top criminal and government contract fraud and investigation attorneys on your team. Our Government investigation defense attorneys provide both.

Scott D. Lovelock. Mr. Lovelock brings a wealth of proven knowledge and experience helping clients address issues of risk assessment, mitigation and regulatory compliance during federal government investigations. He has a savvy level of business and military experience that gives him a unique perspective to help government contractors succeed and avoid most of the costly mistakes that are encountered when failing to understand and implement required compliance programs or understanding the nuances of working with government agencies. 

A retired Air Force officer, with extensive operational experience with procurement law for contractors in both the field, Numbered Commands, Air Force Headquarters, and the Joint Staff, he brings a unique and focused perspective of DoD operations in how he serves our clients. 

 

Walter H. Foster, Of Counsel, is a seasoned attorney and former Army colonel with deep experience orchestrating teams, imparting clarity and counsel, and executing on behalf of both private enterprise and the federal government. From managing technical construction in Iraq to prosecuting terrorists for the Pentagon, Walter brings mission focus to every challenge that involves federal investigations.

Moving to the Pentagon as Lead Trial Counsel, Walter was tapped to spearhead the high-profile prosecution of an Al Qaeda operative who had been detained at Guantanamo Bay. Walter established and managed a busy practice in Tampa, working the entire case lifecycle for 3,000 bench trials and 80 jury trials over nine years. He understands the process for the various federal investigations and is prepared to provide immediate help.