What should I do if I'm being investgated for fraud?

Question

I'm being investigated on fraud charges. What should I do?

Larry Dunn · Answer

Anytime a person is the subject of a criminal investigation, the person should seek the advice of an attorney in order to preserve their  constitutional  rights and not make incriminating statements.

Jared Altman · Answer

Hire a lawyer right away.

Michael J. Breczinski · Answer

Talk to no one except an attorney that you have hired. Hire a good attorney. Make no statements to the police.

Mark Smith · Answer

Be sure and keep your mouth shut. Do not talk to the police.

Jeffrey Pollock · Answer

Hire counsel to attend the meeting at the police station with you.

Dennis P. Mikko · Answer

You should hire an attorney who can advise you in the matter.  Remember, if you are questioned, anything you say can and will be used against you.  Police are trained interrogators who want you to believe are your friend.  They are trying to get you to make admissions that can later be used against you.  Without knowing more facts, it is difficult to say whether you should talk to the police but generally there is nothing you can say that will make the matter better.  Having an attorney to advise you is sound advise.

Austin Hirschhorn · Answer

You should hire a good criminal lawyer to represent you.  Be sure to interview several and make your choice based upon selecting the attorney that you think can handle your case most effectively.

James Schoenberger · Answer

There are only two rules:  1. Do not talk to police without an attorney.  2. Do not lie to the police.

Stephen Freeborn · Answer

Without knowing anything more, or how deep they are in the investigation, I would strongly recommend that you retain an attorney to assist you.

Terry Nelson · Answer

Whenever threatened, arrested or charged with any crime, ?what can you do?? No amount of free 'tips and hints' from here or anywhere else are going to effectively help you in your defense, other than the advice [if not already too late] to exercise the 5th Amendment RIGHT to SHUT UP and do NOT talk to police or ANYONE about the details of the case except through an attorney. That includes on this or any other web site or public forum.  Most police and prosecutors will happily tell you that 95% of people convict themselves by trying to be 'helpful and cooperative', either during initial contact, questioning, interview or interrogation.  Hire an attorney, unless you know how to effectively represent yourself in court against a professional prosecutor intending to convict.  If serious about hiring counsel to help in this, and if this is in SoCal courts, feel free to contact me.

Francis Cowhig · Answer

Contact an attorney and do not speak to the police or anyone else without an attorney present.

Shannon Locke · Answer

Nothing you can do can help you, except hiring a lawyer who has experience dealing with these matters.  As a Board Certified Criminal Defense Attorney and a former White Collar Crime Prosecutor I know that you can only make this situation worse by handling it yourself.  Everything you tell people, your family, or employer, the police can be used against you, regardless of what they promise you.  I handle initial consultations for free and I would be glad to give you advice and answer your questions.  I practice in San Antonio, Del Rio, and all areas in between.

Jason Savela · Answer

Get a lawyer - say nothing to police except I want a lawyer.

Jeffery Lebeau · Answer

Hire an attorney and don't make any stupid statements to the investigators. It's always best to let your lawyer do the talking for you.  Our firm has been representing individuals accused  of  Felony and Misdemeanor crimes for over 23 years. We represent  clients in LA, Orange, Riverside, and Ventura counties. Both my partner  and I are State Bar Certified Criminal Law Specialist (only  approximately 300 in the entire State of California) and named "Super  Lawyers" in LA Magazine. But more importantly over 70% of our new cases  come from referrals from our previous clients, other lawyers, judges,  police officers, and prosecutors looking for great representation for  their friends and loved ones.

Edward Blum · Answer

Lawyer up. Don't talk to the investigators.

Gary Russell · Answer

If you have been contacted by the police, then you should retain and consult with an attorney before you say anything to the police.

Michael Lynch · Answer

Consult with an attorney.  Do not speak to anyone else regarding the  facts of the matter.

Howard Snader · Answer

Mosts fraud cases are felonies.  You should consult with counsel before speaking to any internal investigator or law enforcement officer.

John Brennan · Answer

Get an attorney and only speak of the issues only with the attorney, follow their advice.

Jeff Yeh · Answer

Exercise your right to remain silent. Do not speak to anyone, especially law enforcement, unless your attorney is present. And this includes your friends, relatives, family...etc because anyone can be a witness to your statements.

Brian Wanerman · Answer

You should do two things IMMEDIATLEY.   1. Consult an attorney RIGHT AWAY!  If you can't afford an attorney, consult the public defender's office in your county.   2. Refuse to talk to the police, the D.A. or ANYONE ELSE without your attorney present.

Leonard Harden · Answer

Do not talk or say anything without a lawyer.

Bernal Ojeda · Answer

Hire an attorney and do not talk to the police or anyone, but your attorney.

Scott Hilderman · Answer

Contact an attorney immediately.  Do not communicate about the allegations made against you  or what your defenses may or not be to anyone under any circumstances other than your attorney.  If you are arrested under no circumstances talk to the police no matter what promises or inducements they may make to you.  If it is employer related, do not sign or make any admissions or any statements to your employer.

S Hunter · Answer

Exercise your right not to speak and hire an attorney to do the talking for you.

Arthur Aiken · Answer

If you are the subject of a criminal investigation, you need to get a lawyer without delay.

Gregory Casale · Answer

The first and most important thing is not what you should do but what you should NOT do. DO NOT talk to the police unless specifically advised to do so by your attorney. I cannot imagine under what circumstances he may advise you to speak to the police, but without knowing more detail and not being onboard myself with your case, I will leave all possibilities open. Also, do not speak to anyone else about this matter as whatever you say to anyone but an attorney (and a few other select individuals that have legal protection) may be used against you. You should speak with an attorney as soon as possible and have that attorney on board in case you are charged. If you are charged and held it will be difficult to arrange for legal representation. I would also advise that you have some money put aside with a trusted family member or friend in case you are arrested and held on bail.  I would call an attorney right away and provide the details in a private meeting that affords the attorney/client privilege so that your conversations with him cannot be used against you. Your attorney will advise you from there.

Nathaniel Shafer · Answer

Hire an attorney and have your attorney present for all questioning and to provide you with advice as you undergo the investigation.

Steven Alpers · Answer

There is nothing you can do except hire a lawyer. Do not give any statement to the police. If they want a statement it is only to fill? in wholes in their case. If they have proof they will file. If they do not have proof any statement will be used to fill in any gaps in the evidence against you.

Stephen Hebert · Answer

Hire a lawyer and don't speak to anyone about the case, except that lawyer.

Darren Meyer · Answer

Do not answer any questions by anyone and assert your right to remain silent.

Russell Pietryga · Answer

Do not talk to anybody about it but your attorney.  I mean anybody.  If someone tries to talk to you about it.  Indicate that you have been advised not to speak to anybody without your attorney.  Hope this helps.

Timothy Klisz · Answer

Do not discuss with the police and hire your own attorney ASAP.

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What should I do if I'm being investgated for fraud?

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