Getting on board early in an investigation is crucial. A lot of the best work that federal criminal defense attorneys can do, especially white collar specialists like myself, comes at the early stages. The way the feds build cases is on a rolling basis—one witness leads to another, which leads to bank records, and eventually they’ve created their own story of why your client deserves to be charged. Coming in early allows us to change that narrative before it hardens.” – David Tarras, Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer
In this video, South Florida federal criminal defense attorney David Tarras, founder of Tarras Defense, explains why early representation in a federal investigation is often the most important step a client can take.
David emphasizes that:
- Federal cases start small—with a complaint or a single witness—and grow into a larger theory built by prosecutors and agents
- Every new witness, bank record, or document adds momentum to the government’s narrative
- Without intervention, the government often builds its case without ever hearing the defense’s perspective
- Early intervention gives the defense a chance to shape the story, present alternative narratives, and prevent prosecutors from locking into a one-sided theory
- Once the government’s theory is established, it is much harder (though not impossible) to roll back
- “Getting in early allows us to stop the government’s narrative, or at least keep it on a proper track. Once the ball gets rolling, it is very difficult to unroll,” David explains.
For individuals or businesses who learn they are the subject of a DOJ, FBI, SEC, IRS, DEA, or other federal agency investigation, hiring a defense lawyer immediately can make the difference between charges being filed—or avoided altogether.