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Finance Crime Investigations

A formal investigation in a federal financial crime begins with a decision by the Security and Exchanges Commission (SEC) to initiate what they call a formal investigative proceeding. Once formal investigation is started, the SEC can subpoena suspects and collect information to build a case. They are only able to issue subpoenas and administer oaths once it has been determined that there has been a violation of federal securities law.

If you are currently being investigated by the SEC or Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), it is imperative that you call a lawyer immediately. Michigan federal finance crime investigations are very serious and may lead to charges that affect the rest of your life. Retain an experienced Michigan federal criminal lawyer today to ensure that your rights are protected during the investigation process.

The Form and Framework of an Investigation

There are two types of investigations for federal financial crimes: formal, and informal. An informal investigation occurs during the stage where there is a complaint, but no power to subpoena or require contestants to give testimony. A significant percentage of informal investigations terminate with no decision to move on to a formal stage or to initiate grand jury activity. These investigations require cooperation between both investigators and the party being investigated. A lawyer could protect people from self-incrimination during the early stages of an investigation.

Formal investigations differ in that it can only be performed by senior agents of the law enforcement commission, and that the investigator now has the power to subpoena documents and people. Formal investigations usually involve the FBI or U.S. Attorney. However, the SEC does have its own ability to subpoena documents and compel witnesses to testify.

For informal investigations, the investigating agency will likely not contact the investigated company or individual. However, once a formal investigation begins, they will immediately contact the concerned parties. As soon as someone is aware that they are being investigated, they should retain skilled legal counsel to defend their rights and ensure that the investigation is done properly.

Factors Investigators Consider

When opening a financial crimes investigation into a personal company in Michigan, federal investigators look at the allegations, their size, and scope, as well as any potential evidence. If there are small errors, there will likely not bother with a full investigation. Whether these small errors were misreported earnings of a few percents or accidental slips of the tongue that may have led to insider trading. Even if something is unequivocally illegal, if there is no true financial gain resulting from that act, there may not be an investigation whatsoever.

Retain Excellent Legal Counsel

You worked hard to build your business, and Michigan federal financial crime investigations could permanently harm the company you represent. If you and your economic venture are facing an investigation from the FBI or SEC, you should immediately call a federal criminal defense lawyer. Hiring an attorney with experience in these type of cases can ensure that you receive excellence in criminal defense from a dedicated attorney that will do everything they can to defend your business. Call today for a consultation on your case, the longer you wait, the further the investigation will go without an attorney defending your company.

Call Today! FREE Consultation Lawyer and Receive Immediate Attention for Your Criminal Law Case Patrick T. Barone is a Michigan Super Lawyer, who has maintained continuous top attorney ratings since 2007. In addition, the Michigan native is the author of multiple books on OWI, DUI and criminal law. The OUIL attorney near me has lectured at over 80 legal seminars all over America. He leads Barone Defense Firm in providing aggressive legal warriors for each client's criminal case.

Contact us 24 hours a day at our law firm’s easy to remember toll-free number, 1-877-ALL-MICH or 877-255-6424, for a free criminal case review. The Michigan attorneys near me at Barone Defense Firm travel the entire Great Lakes State, to help citizens in legal trouble in Michigan for alleged criminal law violations.

For your FREE lawyer consultation, call today to learn how to protect yourself from a possible unwarranted conviction. What do you have to lose, when the free legal advice with our litigation team’s criminal lawyers near me can answer many tough questions?

Client Reviews
★★★★★
Patrick Barone is the ONLY choice for DUI defense. He was realistic from the start and made it a point to look at my case before taking my money. As a business owner, when I think of attorneys, I think of the "shark infested waters. Patrick is a shark alright, but his prey is not the client; it's justice for his client. Ten stars Patrick!! Chris F.
★★★★★
Attorney Patrick Barone was very helpful and helped me understand the charge and sentence absolutely clearly. He also guided me through step by step helping me form a statement. His instructions were clear and detailed. It was obvious he cared about me understanding every important detail within my case. I would absolutely recommend this defense firm to anyone in need. Aaron B.
★★★★★
The Barone Defense Firm is the firm I recommend. They are truly concerned about the person, not just the legal issue, but the person as well. They are the most knowledgeable defense firm that I am aware of, having actually written the book on DWI Defense. If you are faced with a DWI you will not find a more professional and skilled law firm. But, most importantly, they care about how the accused individual recovers his or her life when the case is complete. Very remarkable group of lawyers. William H.