Search Warrants
Target Letters
Grand Jury Subpoenas
Federal Criminal Investigation Lawyer
Contact Johnson/Citronberg | (855) 959-4003
Federal Criminal Investigation Attorney
The lawyers at Johnson/Citronberg represent clients in federal court nationwide.
As a skilled Federal Criminal Investigation Lawyer, we have the expertise to handle complex federal cases, ensuring that our clients receive the strongest possible defense throughout the investigation and legal process.
CALL US TODAY 855-959-4003
Testimonials from Our Clients
Maybel G.
Jess is known for his meticulous and strategic work style. At his firm, there is a culture of excellence and client focused dedication that is unmatched. He is very thorough during the entire legal process and always finds a way to solve client problems.
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Lyle Cartwright
Jess Johnson is the perfect attorney to overcome serious legal charges! He is very approachable & will use his expertise to give you the best criminal legal defense possible and I know this from personal experience. When you’re going through the scariest period in your life, you need the best lawyer on your side. I give him my highest recommendation!
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Federal criminal investigations typically involve at least one of the following:
- Grand Jury Subpoena
- Search Warrant
- Target Letter
If you receive a target letter or grand jury subpoena, or if a search warrant is executed at your home or workplace, this means that you or someone you know is the target of a federal criminal investigation.
By hiring a federal criminal lawyer during the investigation, you can accomplish two things: 1) protect your rights and ensure you don’t incriminate yourself, and 2) significantly increase the odds that you won’t be criminally charged.
Related Practice Areas
Federal Criminal Investigation Case Results
United States v. D.F.
Pilot Found Not Guilty in Major Federal Drug Conspiracy Case
Our client was a pilot and retired military officer. He was accused of knowingly transporting a large quantity of cocaine from southern Texas to Atlanta. If convicted, he likely would have died in prison. We were able to show a jury that our client had no knowledge of the drugs on board his aircraft. The jury returned a not guilty verdict in less than an hour of deliberating.
United States v. R.K.
Federal Judge in Eastern District of Virginia Gives Lowest Possible Sentence to Autistic Client
Our client, a federal employee, was convicted of federal child pornography charges. Based on his autism diagnosis, we convinced a federal judge to give the lowest sentence possible.
United States v. B.J.
Time-Served Sentence in Major Federal Drug Conspiracy Case in Atlanta
Our client was facing life in prison after being charged in a wide-sweeping drug conspiracy case in the Northern District of Georgia. We were able to show that our client was abused by her husband and forced to ingest drugs, which led her becoming addicted. The judge determined that her culpability was the least of the many who were charged and granted our request for a sentence of ‘time-served’ which means no additional jail time. Our client was able to go home to her children the same day that she was sentenced.
Virginia v. R.C.
Dismissal of Child Pornography Charges in Richmond, Virginia for Autistic Client
Our client, a working professional, was charged with distribution of child pornography after law enforcement raided his home. We helped our autistic client and convinced the court to defer all charges for dismissal due to his disability.
What is a federal search warrant?
A federal search warrant is a document that allows law enforcement officers to search a property, building, vehicle, or in some cases, a specific electronic device or account (e.g., cell phones and email accounts). A search warrant is signed by a federal judge after a law enforcement officer submits an application or affidavit explaining why there is probable cause to believe that evidence of a crime will be located at the search location. If you are facing a federal search or investigation, having a skilled criminal defense lawyer by your side is essential to ensure that your rights are protected and that the search is conducted lawfully.
If officers search your home or workplace, it normally means that they believe you committed a crime and that they are attempting to gather evidence to support their belief. During the execution of the search warrant, officers will usually attempt to interview the people present in order to get them to confess or make admissions.
Hiring a federal criminal lawyer during a search or shortly thereafter can ensure that you do not incriminate yourself and that law enforcement does not seize anything beyond what is described in the warrant. A defense lawyer can also work with the prosecutor overseeing the investigation to ensure that your rights are protected and that you take advantage of any opportunity to prevent criminal charges from being filed.
What should I do if I received a target letter?
A “Target Letter” is a letter from an Assistant U.S. Attorney (AUSA) explaining that he or she would like to speak with you about a criminal case or investigation. The letter will normally suggest that you hire a criminal defense lawyer by a certain date and request that you have the lawyer contact the AUSA.
Once you hire a federal criminal lawyer, the lawyer will reach out to the AUSA and advise that you have retained counsel. Your lawyer can then determine if you are a “target” in the investigation or if you are instead a “subject” or “witness.” A target is someone that the government intends to charge with a crime. A subject is someone who may or may not be charged, and a witness is someone who will likely not be charged.
If you are a target, your lawyer will attempt to move you into the subject or witness categories. If that’s not possible, your lawyer will ensure that you do not incriminate yourself and that you are not arrested without notice. Your lawyer will also begin to investigate your case to build a defense and work towards a resolution that is favorable to you.
What does it mean if I received a federal grand jury subpoena?
A federal grand jury subpoena means that either you or someone you know is being investigated for a federal crime. To charge someone with a crime, prosecutors need to obtain an indictment from a grand jury. Prosecutors can subpoena evidence — either by way of testimony or documents — from individuals and companies to present to the grand jury.
In many white collar or fraud cases, prosecutors will issue a grand jury subpoena for documents pertaining to a company, and the prosecutor will allow you to submit these documents via mail instead of appearing in person. The requested documents usually involve emails, bank statements, and electronically stored information.
It is critically important that you hire a federal criminal attorney to represent you if you receive a grand jury subpoena. An attorney can make sure that you follow proper procedure so that aren’t held in contempt and that you invoke your right against self-incrimination if possible. An attorney can also take steps to prevent criminal charges from being filed in some cases.
Get Help With Your Criminal Investigation Defense Case
Our federal criminal lawyers have years of experience representing clients in serious federal criminal investigations. You can call us at 855-959-4003 or email us below for a free case consultation.
From our offices in Alexandria, Virginia and Atlanta, Georgia, we are able to represent clients across the country.
Meet Our Attorneys
Jess Johnson
Jess B. Johnson is a Partner & Founder at Johnson/Citronberg, PLLC with more than 15 years of experience in criminal defense and civil litigation. He represents clients in federal courts across the country and is licensed in Georgia, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. Jess has handled complex investigations, trials, and appeals for elected officials, business leaders, whistleblowers, and individuals. He has secured dismissals, acquittals, favorable sentences, and major whistleblower awards. A University of Georgia graduate, Jess was selected as a “Rising Star” by Super Lawyers Magazine every year since 2012.
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Cary Jacob Citronberg
Cary Jacob Citronberg is the Partner and Founder of Johnson/Citronberg, PLLC in Alexandria, Virginia, where he focuses on federal and state criminal defense matters. Licensed in Virginia since 2011, he brings more than 14 years of courtroom experience along with a strong record of advocacy. Cary received his J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center in 2010 after earning his B.A. from Northwestern University in 2006. His work has been repeatedly recognized by Super Lawyers, with selections as a Rising Star from 2016 through 2021 and to the Super Lawyers list from 2022 through 2025.
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