Criminal Defense Lawyers

WHAT EVERY EMPLOYEE SHOULD KNOW IF THEIR COMPANY GETS A CIVIL INVESTIGATIVE DEMAND

If you work at a company that was just served a Civil Investigative Demand (CID), you might be asking yourself one critical question: “What does this mean for me?” This is a common concern, especially if you’ve never heard of a CID before. A CID is a request that was issued by a government agency, such as the Federal Trade Commission or the Department of Justice, which requires a business (and sometimes employees) to hand over documents, records, and other information. It’s serious, and it can affect you directly. Below, we’ll explain why you should care, what you can expect, and how Spodek Law Group can help protect your interests.

UNDERSTANDING THE CID: WHY YOU SHOULD CARE

A Civil Investigative Demand is an investigative tool that was specifically created to help government agencies find out if a company is violating the law. Your employer might be suspected of unfair competition, deceptive trade practices, price-fixing, or other serious issues. When a CID arrives, it means you could be asked to provide information, attend interviews, or preserve documents. This is not a casual request. Agencies use CIDs to dig deep into a company’s records. If the government finds wrongdoing, your employer can face heavy penalties, and in some cases employees who were involved in these illegal activities can face individual repercussions too.

That leads to one of the biggest questions: “What if I’m asked to testify or hand over documents?” If you have emails or files that the government wants, you cannot hide or destroy them. Evidence that was destroyed can lead to obstruction charges, which are very serious. The consequence of those charges could be criminal penalties, huge fines, and possible jail time. It’s not worth the risk to ignore or shred these documents. When government agencies suspect tampering, the entire investigation turns more aggressive, which places every employee under closer scrutiny.

POTENTIAL PENALTIES: WHAT’S AT STAKE

When your company fails to handle a CID properly, the government can impose fines, file lawsuits, and pursue criminal cases if there’s evidence of intentional wrongdoing. Employees who helped hide information or lied to investigators might face individual charges. This is not limited to fines; it can mean federal prison time if the behavior is considered criminal. The moment you know a CID has landed, you need to take it seriously. A single mistake can impact your personal future, even if you had nothing to do with the underlying issues.

Penalties that were imposed after an investigation can include:

• Financial Fines that can range into the millions for corporate wrongdoing.
• Restitution that was ordered to be paid to victims of the alleged activity.
• Criminal Charges that were aimed at individuals who tampered with evidence.
• License Revocation in industries like healthcare or finance.

When the government decides someone is personally liable, it’s a life-changer. You could lose your job, your professional license (if you have one), and your freedom if the investigation uncovers deliberate misconduct. Even if you did nothing wrong, dealing with investigators is stressful. That is why we tell every client that they must be proactive and informed.

HOW SPODEK LAW GROUP CAN DEFEND YOU

Spodek Law Group, a nationwide federal defense law firm that was created by Todd Spodek, has over 50 years of combined experience protecting companies and employees across the country. We get it: being stuck in the middle of a government inquiry can be terrifying. But the good news is that we can help you manage the pressure. Our attorneys know how to challenge the scope of a CID, negotiate timelines, and make sure your rights are respected at every stage.

Here’s how we might defend you:

• We investigate the nature of the CID, so we know exactly what the government is looking for.
• We analyze whether the demand that was issued by the agency goes beyond its legal authority.
• We communicate with investigators on your behalf, reducing your risk of self-incrimination.
• We protect your interests if you’re asked to testify or produce personal files.

Our clients benefit from our experience with both state and federal investigations. We have seen agencies push employees to reveal privileged information, then threaten legal action if they don’t comply. That scenario is too common, and it’s exactly why you need a skilled law firm on your side. Our presence shows you’re serious about following the law, while also ensuring you aren’t bullied or tricked into giving up rights.

WHAT YOU CAN DO RIGHT NOW: A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE

1. Stay Calm and Ask QuestionsYour supervisor might say, “No worries, this is routine,” but a CID is anything but routine. You have a right to know what’s going on, so ask your company’s legal team what the demand covers and whether your personal files are included. Information that was shared in good faith can still open you to scrutiny if it’s taken out of context. The consequence of skipping these questions could be confusion later, which invites bigger legal risks.
2. Preserve All Relevant DocumentsKeep emails, texts, and notes that were created during the time period in question, because discarding them can look like destruction of evidence. Consequences of discarding evidence can include obstruction charges, which carry stiff penalties. It doesn’t matter if you think you’re doing the company a favor by deleting them; it’s illegal and can get you, personally, into trouble.
3. Avoid Unverified Legal Advice from CoworkersSome colleagues might tell you to “just ignore it” or to “shred anything that looks suspicious.” That is terrible advice that can destroy your future. The consequence is potential obstruction of justice charges or the appearance of guilt. Only trust legitimate legal counsel from attorneys who have real experience handling civil investigative demands.
4. Contact a Qualified Federal Defense LawyerYou should not assume the company’s lawyers automatically represent you as an individual. Corporate counsel focuses on the company’s best interests, which might not always align with yours. Spodek Law Group can advise you separately, especially if you suspect your company might try to blame everything on specific employees.

SHORT FAQ: QUICK REFERENCE

What if I’m asked to turn over personal files?	Supply only what the CID demands. We can help you review requests to avoid disclosing unnecessary information.
Could I face jail time?	If you commit crimes like lying to the government or destroying evidence, yes, you might face prison. CIDs can turn criminal if wrongdoing is uncovered.
Do I have the right to remain silent?	In criminal cases, yes. However, a CID is a civil process, which means you generally must comply with document requests. Talk to a lawyer first.
Is the company’s lawyer enough?	Corporate attorneys represent the company’s interests. If you worry about personal liability, you might need your own legal counsel.

ALTERNATIVE VIEW: WHY THE GOVERNMENT USES CIDS

You might wonder: “Why does the government get to demand all these files?” From the government’s perspective, it’s about protecting the public from unfair or illegal business activities. They use CIDs to spot patterns of fraud, to recover money for consumers, or to stop unfair competition. Government agencies argue it’s a necessary tool, one that was designed to investigate suspected wrongdoing. Meanwhile, employees and companies can feel targeted. So there’s a tension: the government tries to safeguard public interest, while businesses worry about burdensome requests or fishing expeditions.

This tug of war is why you need skilled attorneys who can push back on overly broad demands, negotiate the timeline, and ensure the investigation doesn’t cross legal boundaries. At Spodek Law Group, we believe every worker deserves the same level of protection that corporate executives have. Your rights matter to us. We are unafraid to challenge the government if their demands go too far, and we are unafraid to stand by you if you’re wrongly accused.

TAKE ACTION TODAY

We are available 24/7, so if you think your employer might be in trouble—or if you suspect the company’s lawyers don’t have your back—reach out now for a risk free consultation. We have helped clients nationwide, from New York to Los Angeles, and we know how to handle high-stakes government investigations. Waiting until you’re personally under the microscope can cost you your job, your reputation, and your freedom. That’s why we move quickly, giving you the strongest defense possible. Our law firm has the resources, the experience, and the passion to protect your future. If you have questions, contact Spodek Law Group today.

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