The sudden arrival of FBI agents at your office can feel like a scene ripped from a movie—except this time, it’s your reality. Federal investigations are serious matters, often involving allegations of white-collar crime, fraud, or other significant legal issues. If handled improperly, your response during and after an FBI raid can have lasting consequences for your business, reputation, and personal freedom. At Padula Law, we’ve guided countless clients through these high-stakes situations, and we’re here to share a clear, step-by-step roadmap to help you navigate this challenging moment with confidence.
Here’s what to do when the FBI knocks on your door—and how to protect your rights every step of the way.
Step 1: Stay Calm and Verify Credentials
When federal agents arrive, your first instinct might be to panic. That’s understandable—but it’s critical to stay composed. Politely ask the lead agent for identification and a business card. Confirm they’re legitimate FBI personnel. If they present a search warrant, request to see it and take note of its scope (what they’re allowed to search and seize). Don’t obstruct their entry, but don’t consent to anything beyond what’s outlined in the warrant, either. Your calm demeanor sets the tone for everything that follows.
Step 2: Contact Your Attorney Immediately
Time is of the essence. As soon as agents arrive, call your lawyer—or have a trusted employee do it if you’re occupied. At Padula Law, we advise clients to have an experienced federal defense attorney on speed dial long before trouble arises. Your attorney will guide you through the raid, ensuring your rights are protected and helping you avoid missteps that could worsen your situation. If agents begin asking questions, politely decline to answer until your counsel is present. You have the right to remain silent—use it.
Step 3: Document the Raid Without Interfering
While agents execute the search, observe and take notes if possible. Record the time they arrive, the areas they search, and the items they seize. If you can’t write it down in the moment, instruct employees to do so discreetly or commit details to memory for later. Avoid interfering with the agents’ work—obstruction can lead to additional charges—but gathering this information will be invaluable for your legal team as they build your defense.
Step 4: Secure Your Business Operations
An FBI raid can disrupt your workplace, alarm employees, and confuse clients. Once agents leave, assess what’s been taken (computers, files, devices) and determine how it affects your operations. Notify key staff about the situation with a brief, neutral statement—avoid speculation or admissions of guilt. If sensitive client data was seized, consult your attorney about your obligations under privacy laws. At Padula Law, we often help clients stabilize their businesses post-raid while addressing the legal fallout.
Step 5: Prepare for the Investigation Ahead
The raid is just the beginning. Federal investigations can stretch on for months or even years, often involving subpoenas, interviews, and grand jury proceedings. Work closely with your attorney to understand the allegations, review the warrant’s basis, and develop a strategy. Were you the target, or is this part of a broader probe? What evidence might they be seeking? Your legal team at Padula Law can subpoena experts, analyze seized materials (once returned or disclosed), and negotiate with prosecutors to protect your interests.
Step 6: Protect Your Public Image
News of an FBI raid can spread quickly, damaging your reputation even if no charges are filed. Resist the urge to make public statements without legal guidance. Your attorney can help craft a response—or advise silence—depending on the circumstances. At Padula Law, we’ve seen how proactive communication, when appropriate, can mitigate long-term harm to a business or individual’s standing.
Why Experience Matters
Federal investigations are a labyrinth of legal complexities, and the stakes are extraordinarily high. A single misstep—speaking to agents without counsel, consenting to an unwarranted search, or mishandling evidence—can irreparably damage your case. That’s where the right legal team makes all the difference.
At Padula Law, Michael Padula, a former DOJ prosecutor, brings an insider’s perspective to your defense. Having spent years building federal cases, he understands the strategies, priorities, and tactics prosecutors use—from the execution of a raid to the courtroom. This unique experience allows us to anticipate the government’s next move, craft a proactive defense, and negotiate effectively on your behalf. When you’re up against the full force of the federal government, having a former prosecutor in your corner can level the playing field.
Whether you’re facing a raid today or want to prepare for the unexpected, contact Padula Law. We’re ready to put our knowledge and tenacity to work for you, ensuring you’re not just surviving the storm—but thriving beyond it.