Federal Investigations Lawyers for Government Employees

Have you received an interview notice, subpoena, or subject letter from a federal agency?  A federal investigation can place your career, security clearance, and personal liberty on the line.  Federal investigations move quickly.  Even seemingly informal interviews can result in severe disciplinary action, termination or other severe disciplinary action, security clearance revocation, or referral to the Department of Justice (DOJ) for criminal prosecution.

Attorneys at Alan Lescht and Associates, P.C., represent federal civil servants and government executives across DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia, and worldwide.  We provide strategic legal guidance to protect your constitutional rights, navigate agency inquiries, and safeguard your livelihood.

Understanding federal agency investigations & the Office of Inspector General (OIG)

What is the Office of Inspector General?

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) is an independent oversight body embedded within federal agencies to detect and prevent fraud, waste, abuse, and other misconduct.  OIG special agents have broad authority to conduct administrative and criminal investigations into federal workers.

In addition to the OIG, federal employees may be subject to investigation by other government agencies:

• Federal Law Enforcement: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
• Military & Defense Investigative Services: Army CID, Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS), Air Force OSI, and Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS).
• Agency Internal Affairs & Ethics Units: Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR), State Department Diplomatic Security Service (DSS), and Office of Special Counsel (OSC).

An administrative inquiry can turn into a career-ending personnel action or a criminal matter without warning.  Securing legal representation before providing oral or written statements is essential in protecting your career. 

Your rights during a federal administrative or criminal interview

Navigating a federal investigation requires knowledge of your statutory rights and constitutional protections.  It is crucial to understand whether you are required to attend an investigative interview, as well as the repercussions of any statements you provide.\

Kalkines Warnings (administrative immunity)

If an investigator issues you a Kalkines warning, your employer may discipline you for failing to appear for an interview or participate in an investigation.  However, the information you provide during the investigation cannot be used against you in criminal proceedings.

Garrity Warnings (criminal protection)

On the other hand, an investigator may issue you a Garrity warning, which advises you of your Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination.  Because your answers can be used in a criminal prosecution, an agency cannot legally compel you to answer or terminate your employment solely for asserting your Fifth Amendment rights.

Your right to legal counsel

You have the right to be represented by an attorney during OIG, FBI, or agency interviews.  Exercising this right as early as possible can help prevent you from inadvertently making misleading statements, waiving critical protections, or triggering allegations of false statements under 18 U.S.C. § 1001.

Do not speak to federal investigators alone.  Call us at (202) 463-6036 or submit an online request to schedule a consultation today. 

Strategic defense at every stage of a federal investigation

Our federal employment attorneys defend clients throughout the entire lifecycle of administrative investigations.  Before investigative interviews, we help clients prepare for questioning and provide advice on strategy and scope.  During questioning, we provide direct interview representation to ensure compliance with procedure and prevent agency overreach.

When investigative findings are issued, we actively work to mitigate federal discipline by responding to proposed suspensions, removals, and other discipline through aggressive federal employee discipline defense.  Furthermore, we safeguard suitability and security clearances by addressing disclosures early in security clearance appeals, and we assert whistleblower counter-claims when clients face retaliatory inquiries under whistleblower protection laws.

Why choose Alan Lescht and Associates?

Defending against a federal investigation requires an intimate understanding of federal employment law and administrative rules.  With decades of experience, our legal team has successfully guided federal personnel through high-stakes investigations and appealed resulting disciplinary actions, securing full reinstatement and back pay in landmark cases.

Our comprehensive approach focuses on stopping administrative inquiries before they turn into wrongful termination proceedings or criminal DOJ referrals.  Based in Washington, DC, we advocate for federal civilian workers across the country and overseas.

Speak with an experienced federal investigations attorney today

If you have received a subpoena, interview notice, target letter, or subject notification from the OIG, FBI, NCIS, or your agency’s internal affairs unit, do not wait or speak to investigators without counsel.  What you say during an initial inquiry can determine whether an agency closes the investigation without action or escalates the matter for workplace discipline, security clearance revocation, or criminal prosecution.

Alan Lescht and Associates, P.C., provides immediate, strategic legal representation to protect your career, rights, and reputation at every stage of a federal investigation.

Call Alan Lescht and Associates today at (202) 463-6036 or submit an online intake form to schedule a confidential case evaluation.