Government Investigation Lawyer

Federal government investigations may start innocently. Although you have done nothing wrong, you may still decide to speak with federal investigators without federal investigation lawyers on board. 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 as government investigations lawyers is to get to the bottom of the case immediately, interact with government investigations attorneys and focus on getting cases dismissed or investigations to go away. 

What You Should Know

The primary investigators of government contract and procurement fraud are the offices of Inspectors General  (OIG) the Defense Procurement Fraud Unit within the Department of Justice (DOJ), and the Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA). The main issues that arise in a government contractor fraud case include making false statements, submitting false claims, mail or wire fraud, conspiracy to defraud, bribery, illegal gratuities, or racketeering. Conviction for any of these procurment fraud  criminal offenses carries the possibility of serious fines and imprisonment.

View This Video To Get Up To Speed

Under federal contractor fraud cases, corporations and or individuals may be held criminally liable. the OIG and DOJ tend to focus on very common issues such as defective pricing, mischarging, product substitution, and bid collusion.

A grand jury must consider any criminal charges that may be brought against a contractor for procurement fraud, and upon conclusion of its investigation, either indict the contractor or refuse to do so. The grand jury may subpoena both documents and witnesses. Guidelines are outlined to alert contractors to some of the problems they may encounter in procurement fraud investigations and to help them take measures to prevent such problems.

Federal Investigation Lawyers With National Reach

With law offices in Washington, D.C., and Colorado, At Watson & Associates LLC, our government investigation 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.

Gov Contractor Investigative Lawyers – Types of Federal Government Investigations We Handle

As federal DOJ and OIG fraud investigation lawyers, our federal government fraud lawyers only handle 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 investigations lawyers step and in guide you through the investigation process.

IF YOU ARE UNDER INVESTIGATION, GET THE CRITICAL 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 investigation 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.

Government Investigations – FAQs

How Long Do Federal Contractor Government Investigations Last?

Government investigations 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.

Trade Agreements Act (TAA) Compliance Government Investigation Lawyers

Top government investigation lawyer firm in Washington DC: The Trade Agreement Act 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.

Qui Tam Investigations & Buy American Act (BAA) False Claims Act Investigations

We comb through your company operations and sift through materials provided during DOJ and OIG government investigations.  Where your case is a whistleblower case, we represent you in Qui Tam investigations that allege  Buy American Act compliance violations.

We help you prepare a legal defense while protecting your constitutional rights not to incriminate yourself.  BAA compliance promotes purchasing American products, ensuring that the U.S. government procures domestic goods. Inadvertent errors in compliance can draw scrutiny.

 Our white collar defense litigation and government investigation lawyers help you navigate these complexities, minimizing risks, and handling any resulting BAA investigations with tact and expertise. Call our government investigations attorneys today for urgent legal assistance for OIG investigations.

False Claims Act Government 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 government investigation lawyer provide intense focus on getting cases dismissed or presenting a fair opportunity to settle the matter.

White Collar Defense Attorneys 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 defense and government investigation lawyers attorneys and government fraud lawyers, 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 or OIG Subpoena Response Law Firm

Facing a DOJ or OIG Investigation Or Issued a Civil Investigative Demand? Our Government Fraud Law Firm 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 response attorneys can help.

Government Contractor Fraud Investigations – Why Choose Watson & Associates LLC?

• We can represent government contractors from the investigative stage all the way through trial: As  procurement fraud investigation lawyers  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 White Collar Defense and Procurement 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 white collar defense 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. 

DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE FALSE CLAIMS ACT DEFENSE CHECKLIST - MINIMIZE JAIL TIME