If you are under investigation for a federal offense, or if you were contacted by a federal law enforcement agency or any other agency concerning a federal investigation or alleged crime that could be federal, you may need a federal public defender:

Federal agencies that investigate may include: the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Dept. of Justice (DOJ), Border Patrol, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and U.S. Postal Inspector. In addition, if you were subpoenaed to appear in U.S. District Court, you may need a federal public defender.

You have the right to speak to an attorney prior to questioning and you have the right to have an attorney with you during questioning. If you are contacted by any of these agencies, you can tell them that you are requesting an attorney and contact our office.