What to Do If Federal Agents Execute a Federal Search Warrant at Your Home or Business

Federal Criminal Defense Attorney | Federal Search Warrant | Federal Investigations Demand Federal Experience

A knock at the door from federal agents—armed with a federal search warrant signed by a federal judge—is not just intimidating, it’s a major legal event. Whether it’s the FBI, HSI, DEA, IRS-CI, ATF, HHS-OIG, or another federal agency, their presence likely means one thing: you or your business is under federal investigation.

Robert Almonte is a former federal prosecutor who has experience with some the most complex federal investigations in the country. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to respond when federal law enforcement executes a federal search warrant.

1. Do Not Panic — But Take It Seriously

It’s natural to feel fear or anger, but emotional reactions can jeopardize your legal standing. Stay calm and composed. Even if you believe you’ve done nothing wrong, a federal search is rarely random.

Do NOT:

• Resist entry
• Destroy documents or electronic devices
• Argue with agents
• Attempt to “explain” anything

These actions can lead to obstruction of justice charges—a separate federal felony.

2. Ask for and Review the Search Warrant

Federal agents are required to show you a copy of the search warrant, which will include:

• The name of the issuing federal magistrate judge
• A description of the property to be searched
• A list or description of the evidence to be seized
• The statutes allegedly violated (e.g., 18 U.S.C. § 1347 for health care fraud, 21 U.S.C. § 846 for drug conspiracy)

You are entitled to a copy. Do not sign anything without consulting a lawyer.

Pro Tip: The warrant will not always include the affidavit of probable cause, which details the agents’ reasons for the search. This is because that portion of the warrant remains under seal by the Court. This can later be obtained through your attorney.

3. Immediately Contact a Federal Criminal Defense Attorney

Your first and most important move should be calling an experienced federal criminal defense lawyer. Not just any lawyer—someone who knows how federal agents build cases, and how to stop them.

At Almonte Law, we act fast to:

• Communicate directly with the U.S. Attorney’s Office;
• Assess your exposure as a target, subject, or witness;
• Challenge illegal searches and overbroad warrants;
• Begin preserving exculpatory evidence.

Never speak to agents without your lawyer. Even informal conversations can become evidence against you.

4. Do Not Consent to Additional Searches

Agents may ask for your permission to search areas or devices not included in the warrant. For example:

• “Can we look at this other office?”
• “Do you mind if we check your phone?”

You have the right to refuse. Politely say, “I do not consent to any search beyond the scope of the warrant. I’d like to speak with my attorney.” NEVER CONSENT.

5. Document the Search (Without Obstructing)

If you or your staff are present during the execution of the warrant:

• Write down names of the agents
• Document which agencies involved in search
• Record time of arrival and departure
• Save any surveillance footage
• Note what was taken (documents, computers, hard drives, cash)

Agents must leave an inventory of seized items (Form AO 93C). Secure and organize all paperwork—they will be vital in later motions, such as a motion to suppress.

6. Understand What Happens Next

A federal search usually means an indictment is on the horizon. The U.S. Attorney’s Office may:

• Send you a target letter
• Issue a grand jury subpoena
• Attempt a custodial interview

This is not the time to wait and hope. It’s the time to retain counsel and prepare for a possible criminal charge in federal district court.

How Robert Almonte (Almonte Law) Protects You

At Almonte Law, we bring insider knowledge of how federal agents investigate, what prosecutors need to indict, and how to mount an aggressive pre-indictment and trial defense.

We represent clients in cases involving:

• Health Care Fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1347)
• Wire Fraud / Mail Fraud (18 U.S.C. §§ 1341, 1343)
• Drug Trafficking Conspiracies (21 U.S.C. § 846)
• Public Corruption / Bribery (18 U.S.C. § 201)
• Money Laundering (18 U.S.C. § 1956)
• Immigration Fraud / Human Trafficking
• Firearms
• Asset Forfeiture Defense
• All Federal Charges

We handle high-stakes matters across the United States and understand how to navigate the federal system before, during, and after indictment.

Contact Almonte Law Now

If federal agents have searched your home or business, every second counts. Don’t speak to anyone until you’ve spoken with us.

Contact us now:
210-866-3233
www.robertalmontelaw.com

Serving clients in San Antonio and throughout Texas in federal investigations and prosecutions.