The Federal Government is increasingly pursuing business people and formerly law abiding citizens when businesses fail with criminal charges. Although many people’s initial inclination is to comply with Government requests and cooperate with law enforcement, you should have an experienced advocate by your side to advise you in these matters.
You can be cooperative and still protect yourself. Obtaining copies of your relevant documents quickly, to guarantee you have them in the face of search warrant can be an important first step in protecting your rights.
Careful interviewing of relevant witnesses, coupled with a detailed examination of business records and documents will be pivotal to guard against the charges levied against you.
Early intervention by a seasoned criminal defense attorney, and not just the former business attorney will be critical to ensure honest business failures are not re-characterized and pursued as criminal acts.