Who Investigates Federal Crimes?

 Posted on December 27, 2023 in Federal Crimes

If you are facing federal crime charges, there are seven federal law enforcement agencies that may possibly conduct an investigation. These are independent agencies that are overseen by the Department of Justice (DOJ).

A federal investigation is the first step in the prosecution process. If you have been charged with a federal crime, you need to speak with a Chicago federal criminal lawyer regarding your next steps.

Federal Bureau of Investigation 

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, or FBI, was established in 1908 by the U.S. Attorney General as the main law enforcement agency responsible for investigating federal crimes. The FBI has over 30,000 special agents, analysts, and other support staff that strive to keep U.S. citizens safe from threats. 

The FBI investigates a wide array of crimes, including:

• Terrorism
• Cybercrime
• Counterintelligence
• Hate crimes
• Human trafficking/involuntary servitude
• Extortion
• Migrant smuggling

Department of Homeland Security

The Department of Homeland Security has over 8,700 employees. The department’s mission is to stop terrorism and any criminal organization that aims to disrupt immigration and customs laws in the United States.

Homeland Security investigates the following transnational crimes:

• National security threats
• Terrorism
• Narcotics smuggling
• Child exploitation
• Human smuggling and trafficking
• Cybercrime
• Intellectual theft and trade fraud

Drug Enforcement Agency 

The mission of the Drug Enforcement Agency, or DEA, is to investigate offenders who violate controlled substance laws, either across state lines or internationally. The DEA is in charge of arresting members of drug affiliates, confiscating their drugs, and seizing any assets derived in connection with the illegally obtained substances.

The DEA also investigates money laundering and bulk currency smuggling statutes when revenue is derived from the sale of narcotics.

U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission 

If you are charged with violating any U.S. security law, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) will likely lead the investigation. Organized in July 1934, the SEC is a federal agency that is run by a five-member commission. 

Some of the SEC’s main tasks include monitoring security trading in U.S. equity markets, checking public company’s financial statements and disclosures, and monitoring security exchanges.

Internal Revenue Service

If you have violated the tax code, you can expect an investigation from the IRS. Most commonly, offenders are charged with tax fraud or tax evasion. Beware that if there is evidence against you, an IRS special agent can recommend prosecution to the DOJ.

Federal prosecutors have vast resources, which is why you need a Chicago federal criminal lawyer working on your behalf.

Secret Service

It is well known that the Secret Service provides security details for the President and other government figures. Perhaps less known is that the Secret Service investigates financial crimes. These crimes may include counterfeiting, credit card fraud, and forgery of U.S. treasury checks, bonds, or other securities.

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, more commonly referred to as “ATF,” was established in July 1972. ATF protects communities from violence by regulating the use of weapons and the use and storage of explosives. Additionally, the ATF investigates interstate trafficking of alcohol and tobacco. 

These days, the organization primarily investigates acts of bombings, arson, and terrorism.

Speak with a Chicago, IL, Federal Criminal Lawyer Today

If you are being investigated for a federal crime, the government will not miss a beat in gathering evidence and even obtaining a warrant to search your home. Now is not the time to delay hiring a Chicago, IL, federal criminal lawyer to work on your behalf. Contact Law Offices of Hal M. Garfinkel LLC, Chicago Criminal Defense Attorney today online or by calling 312-629-0669 to schedule your free consultation.