If you get a grand jury subpoena, you need to respond to it. You also need to protect yourself though, and that means talking to a Bergen County, New Jersey criminal defense lawyer. An attorney from our firm can help you avoid mistakes that may get you into legal trouble.
Does Getting a Grand Jury Subpoena Mean I Am Under Investigation?
This is the main issue with a grand jury subpoena. We do not actually know if you are under investigation just because you have received one! A grand jury investigates crimes in secret, and that means that there is no way to know if you are the center of the investigation. You could be:
A target of the investigation: The prosecutor believes that you are involved in criminal activity. You could be facing charges.
A subject of the investigation: This means that the prosecutor believes that you are involved, but they do not know whether or not you have criminal liability. As the investigation goes on, their opinion might change.
A witness in an investigation: The prosecutor may not think that you have committed a crime, but they believe that you have information that could assist them. Your status could change based on other information dug up during the investigation.
What Happens If I Do Not Respond to a Grand Jury Subpoena?
You cannot just ignore a grand jury subpoena. If you do that, you risk getting charged with contempt of court. If you do something really stupid, like destroy some of the documents that you have been asked to turn over, you could end up facing even more severe charges and penalties. So comply with the subpoena, but seriously consider talking to an attorney first.
Do I Need a Lawyer?
As we mentioned, you often have no way of knowing why the prosecution is looking at you specifically. If you are potentially facing charges, you need to protect yourself. So take the time to meet with our legal team and tell us more about your situation,
A lawyer can quash a subpoena completely if there is a legal reason to. They can also help you fulfill the grand jury subpoena and deliver any required documents to the state. Your lawyer can also help you if you need to testify. They can advise you and let you know if taking the fifth amendment, or staying silent, is the right option for you.
Schedule Your Legal Consultation
If you want to protect yourself and your constitutional rights, you should seriously consider contacting the Law Office of E. Gregory M. Cannarozzi. We can help you comply with this grand jury subpoena without putting yourself in legal peril. Schedule your consultation today.
