How Long Can The Federal Government Investigate You?
If you’re on our website right now, it’s probably because you’re concerned about a potential federal investigation. You might have committed a crime, or you suspect you might be tailed – and investigated. Feds might be asking you, your loved one, strange questions – and you don’t know what to do about it. At Spodek Law Group, we understand how intimidating this situation can be – no one wants to be investigated by the government. The uncertainty alone can consume you. Our goal at Spodek Law Group is to give you insight and guidance so you know what you’re up against. We’re a premier, award-winning, New York–based federal criminal defense law firm, with offices throughout Long Island and NYC—and we handle some of the toughest criminal matters nationwide. Regardless of whether state or federal authorities are investigating you, we can help.
What Does It Mean To Be Under Federal Investigation?
When the federal government investigates you, agencies like the FBI, DEA, IRS, or even multi-agency task forces, may be collecting evidence to see if you broke a federal law or laws. The numerous federal agencies, in the course of their investigation, can seize documents, subpoena bank records, interview people you know, or put you in front of a grand jury. Depending on the scope, this could take a few months—or drag on for years. And you might not even know it’s happening, until you get a subpoena or a target letter from the government.
Statute of Limitations—Why It’s Key
For most federal crimes, there’s a five-year statute of limitations (see 18 U.S.C. § 3282). This usually means the government must press charges within five years of the offense. But. Not every offense falls into that window. Child exploitation, for instance, can have an extended or indefinite limit (18 U.S.C. § 3283). Terrorism-related offenses may have no limit at all. And if you’ve been overseas or otherwise “unavailable,” that can pause (or toll) the clock.
Grand Jury Proceedings and How They Prolong Investigations
The grand jury is a key investigative tool. It can issue subpoenas, hear testimony, and decide whether there’s probable cause to indict you. We’ve seen situations where a grand jury extends its term for 18 months, sometimes longer. During that period, you might feel like you’re living in limbo. Our attorneys have dealt with many high-profile grand jury matters, like the Ghislaine Maxwell juror misconduct issue—so we understand how unpredictable this process can be.
Major Factors That Affect Investigation Length
• Complexity of the Allegations: White-collar fraud or money laundering often involves thousands of documents, multiple witnesses, and forensic analysis. That alone can add months.
• Number of Suspects: The more defendants or conspirators, the more complicated the case becomes. Co-defendants can cooperate or refuse, and that changes everything.
• Parallel Investigations: You could face an SEC probe at the same time as a DOJ investigation. We’ve seen that happen with insider trading cases.
• Availability of Evidence: Sometimes the government can wait on foreign bank records or key witnesses who live abroad. Delays stack up.
Penalties if You’re Charged
If the government makes the decision to indict you on federal charges, the consequences can be huge. Federal felonies can result in prison sentences ranging from a few months to life, plus massive fines and restitution. For white-collar offenses like wire fraud or bank fraud, the sentencing guidelines can be severe. If you’re dealing with allegations of drug trafficking or conspiracy, mandatory minimums might apply. If you’re convicted, you face potential incarceration, supervised release, or even asset forfeiture. We pride ourselves on crafting defense strategies that aim to get you the best possible outcome, whether it’s a dismissal, an acquittal, or a reduced plea.
A Table of Possible Federal Offenses and Their Standard Limitations
| Offense Category | Statute of Limitations | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| General Federal Offenses | 5 years (18 U.S.C. § 3282) | Often tolls if you’re out of the country |
| Fraud/Financial Crimes | 5 or 10 years (18 U.S.C. § 3293) | Can vary by type of scheme and actual charges |
| Child Exploitation | Extended/no limit (18 U.S.C. § 3283) | Certain offenses have no time limit at all |
| Terrorism-Related | No limit (various statutes) | National security concerns override limitations |
| Homicide/Capital Crimes | No limit | Government can indict anytime |
Real Scenarios and Strategies
Picture you’re a business owner who’s accused of misusing government pandemic funds. The federal government might silently investigate you for over a year before you get a federal target letter. By then, they’ll have looked at your tax returns, your company’s bank statements, and your email communications. Our team often begins by challenging the method of evidence collection, analyzing whether any part of the investigation was conducted unlawfully or whether the government’s timeline has issues.
Or, suppose you’re suspected of insider trading. The government might work with the SEC to build a case from your trades, your phone records, and your relationships. We will work to negotiate a cooperation deal if the evidence is too strong, but we’ll only advise that route if it truly benefits you. We’re not afraid to fight for you in court, though. If we see a valid defense—like lack of criminal intent—we’ll push to dismiss or reduce charges.
Is There a Chance They’ll Stop Investigating?
Yes. Sometimes the government case hits a dead end and decides not to bring charges. Other times, a co-defendant takes a plea deal and implicates you as a result, so the government doubles down on your prosecution. The best move is to be ready for all possibilities. At Spodek Law Group, we understand how these investigations evolve. We leverage our experience to anticipate what prosecutors might do next—and how to respond.
What If You’re Innocent?
Being innocent of a crime doesn’t mean the government won’t keep digging. If they suspect a crime, they can pursue the crime. However, we’ve argued mistaken identity in some cases, entrapment in others, or lack of intent where clients had no knowledge of wrongdoing. This is exactly why hiring an experienced federal criminal defense attorney as early as possible is crucial. Because that’s how you protect yourself.
Your Rights While Under Federal Investigation
• You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can be used against you.
• You have the right to an attorney. Never face the FBI or U.S. Attorney alone.
• You have Fourth Amendment protections. Illegally obtained evidence might be inadmissible.
• You have the right to due process. That includes a fair trial, if it gets that far.
Spodek Law Group’s Approach
Our managing partner, Todd Spodek, is a second-generation defense lawyer with many years of experience handling complex cases—from Anna Delvey’s sensational trial to federal conspiracies in multiple jurisdictions. He’s been featured on Fox 5, the NY Post, and other major outlets, and leads a top team of attorneys who focus on only one goal: getting you the best possible result. Our law firm is fully digital, so we can represent you seamlessly wherever you are. We’re also selective about who we represent. We only take on cases where we believe we can truly help. This ensures we devote our energy to every client who trusts us with their future. Because we take that trust seriously.
What Should You Do Right Now?
If you sense a federal investigation, don’t wait. Talk to a lawyer. Gather any documents, letters, or subpoenas you’ve received, and be transparent with us from day one. We can’t emphasize enough how critical early intervention is. We might help you avoid charges altogether, or we might negotiate a less severe outcome if the government’s case is strong. Silence. And never speak to investigators without legal counsel to guide you.