Legal Question in Criminal Law in Maryland

Re: Should I consult with an Attorney

YES. If you become a target of the government's investigation an attorney could assist you in such a way that an indictment against you could be avoided. An attorney at this point will be far cheaper than if you wait until you are served with your own indictment.

Re: Should I consult with an Attorney

Any time you ask a lawyer whether you should consult with a lawyer, the answer is easy: absolutely. But in your case it is essential. The government is always looking for other people to add to a case, on one side or the other -- in other words as witnesses or defendants. Clearly you would rather be a witness than a defendant. Or better yet you would like to avoid involvement at all by showing that you have no culpability and thus are not an appropriate defendant, nor do you know anything useful to the government, and thus won't do them any good as a witness. But you need to steer your own ship here, rather than drifting with the tide. You need competent counsel, which means someone who practices in Maryland and specializes in federal white collar crime issues. Most folks like that were at one time Assistant U.S. Attorneys in the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Maryland. If you would like a referral to a couple of people who fit that description, please communicate directly with me by phone (703-913-7500) or email ([email protected]). I'd be glad to give you a few names of people who know what they're doing and can help you.

B.J. Haynes

Re: Should I consult with an Attorney

Generally, If a person of interest or suspect is contacted by investigators regarding this matter a lawyer should be contacted and consulted with prior to ANY communications. Oft times, search and seasure warrants are obtained and wire taps are recorded prior to such contacts to gather information, with recent Patriot Act style errosions, even attorney-client privileged telephone communications have been known to be eves-dropped upon and "sneak-and-peak" investigations have been routinely initiated. A word to the wise, an attorney can be VERY helpful in these times where reputations are marred and charges are filed and arrests are made without the benefit of the important rights such as the presumption of innocense and the right not to be coerced into a confession, etc. Get a lawyer to protect your rights - epecially if one is not guilty. I understand investigators are actually telling people that they "...don't need a lawyer unless they are guilty" and that if they "... hire a lawyer, they will look guilty." GET A LAWYER.

This is not legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. Every case depends on its specific facts, which requires an in-person, proper, detailed consultation between an attorney and a potential client. My office phone is (301) 738-7500 or (301) 279-8773.