What to Do If You’ve Been Contacted by Federal Authorities

Federal Criminal Defense Attorney in San Antonio, TX – Almonte Law

If you’ve been contacted by federal law enforcement agents or received a target letter from the U.S. Department of Justice, it’s critical that you understand what it means—and what you should do next. Whether you’re being investigated for federal fraud, health care fraud, drug trafficking, white collar crime, federal immigration charges, firearms or public corruption, early legal intervention is often the difference between indictment and dismissal. Robert Almonte provides federal defense for federal target letter defense San Antonio.

At Almonte Law, our San Antonio-based federal criminal defense team is led by a former federal prosecutor who understands how these investigations work—and how to protect your rights from day one.

What Is a Target Letter from the Federal Government?

A target letter is a formal notice from a U.S. Attorney’s Office that you are the target of a federal criminal investigation. This means the government believes it has substantial evidence linking you to the commission of a federal crime.

Target letters typically include:

• The statutes you’re suspected of violating (such as wire fraud, drug conspiracy, or health care fraud)
• Notice of your right to remain silent and retain legal counsel
• Instructions to have your attorney contact the prosecutor
• A request for your appearance before a grand jury

If you’ve received a target letter in Texas or elsewhere, you are not being accused lightly. This is a serious warning that criminal charges may be imminent.

What If Federal Agents Have Contacted You?

Even if you haven’t received a target letter, any contact from federal agencies such as the FBI, DEA, IRS, or HSI is serious. You may be considered a:

• Witness (someone with knowledge of the case)
• Subject (someone under investigation)
• Target (someone likely to be indicted)

Do not speak to federal agents without a lawyer present. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a federal investigation. Robert Almonte provides federal target letter defense San Antonio.

What to Do Immediately If Contacted by Federal Authorities

1. Do Not Speak Without a Lawyer

If agents come to your home or workplace, politely decline to answer questions and say:

“I want to cooperate, but I need to speak with my attorney first.”

2. Do Not Destroy Evidence

Deleting emails, texts, or documents—even if done innocently—can lead to obstruction of justice charges, which carry heavy federal penalties.

3. Hire an Experienced Federal Defense Attorney Immediately

Federal investigations are complex. You need a defense lawyer with experience in:

• Pre-indictment negotiations
• Federal grand jury procedure
• Strategic defense planning
• Avoiding or reducing criminal charges

At Almonte Law, we understand the Western District of Texas federal courts, prosecutors, and agents. Our goal is to protect your freedom and your future.

Why Early Legal Representation Matters in Federal Investigations

Early intervention by a seasoned federal criminal defense attorney can:

• Prevent charges from being filed
• Identify whether you are a witness, subject, or target
• Facilitate proffer agreements or immunity negotiations
• Protect your rights during grand jury proceedings
• Limit your legal exposure and build a proactive defense

San Antonio Federal Investigations: Common Case Types We Defend

Almonte Law defends clients across Texas in federal cases involving:

• Health care fraud and Medicare/Medicaid billing schemes
• Drug conspiracy and trafficking charges (21 U.S.C. § 846)
• Wire fraud, mail fraud, and securities fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1343)
• Bribery, public corruption, and embezzlement
• Illegal reentry and human smuggling (8 U.S.C. § 1326)
• Firearms violations and gun trafficking (18 U.S.C. § 922)

If you’re being investigated by the FBI, DEA, IRS, ATF, or Department of Justice, you need a lawyer who can defend you at the federal level. Robert Almonte, federal defense attorney and former federal prosecutor, is prepared to zealously defend you.

Contact Almonte Law — San Antonio’s Federal Criminal Defense Firm

If you’ve received a target letter or been contacted by federal authorities, don’t wait to see what happens next. Your freedom, career, and reputation are on the line.

Almonte Law is led by a former federal prosecutor with decades of courtroom and grand jury experience. This experience sets him apart from other defense attorneys.
Serving San Antonio and all federal districts in Texas and throughout the Nation.
Call us today at 210-866-3233 to schedule a confidential consultation.