Government and Internal Investigations

Practice Areas

Government and Internal Investigations

Butters Brazilian also represents persons and corporations that are targets of government investigations. Pre-indictment representation is crucial to avoid criminal charges. The government’s view of your case may be unintentionally skewed. Having someone to advocate your position can be the difference between an indictment and a decision not to prosecute. At Butters Brazilian we have successfully convinced the government not to prosecute our clients by putting forth the same level of commitment to avoid a prosecution as we do to defending against one.

Now, more than ever, organizations are under increasing pressure to look inward. Government agencies, companies, schools and nonprofits must police themselves and face problems head-on. We are experienced investigators ourselves, so we are equipped to conduct internal investigations on behalf of organizations and fairly report our findings, as well as represent organizations and individuals when they become a witness or target of such an investigation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a government investigation vs an internal investigation?

A government investigation is conducted by a public agency (Attorney General, federal or state prosecutors, regulatory body).
An internal investigation is done by a company or organization itself, often in response to a complaint, whistleblower report, or to assess exposure.
Sometimes both happen concurrently and outcomes may overlap (internal findings might be shared with authorities).

What rights do I have when under investigation by the government?

You have a right to legal counsel.
You have the right to remain silent to avoid self-incrimination.
You have the right to challenge subpoenas or document demands.
You should be informed of what specific allegations or laws are at issue.

How should I respond if my company is launching an internal investigation?

Cooperate, but carefully. Preserve all documents, communications, data.
Get legal advice early.
Avoid any actions that could appear obstructive.
Ensure internal procedures are followed and that the process is fair.

Can internal investigations help reduce risk in government investigations?

Yes. A well-conducted internal investigation can identify issues early, allow remediation, help with preparing responses, and may improve credibility with regulators.
It may make it possible to negotiate or self-report, which could lead to reduced penalties or better outcomes.

What are common pitfalls or mistakes to avoid during investigations?

Destroying or failing to preserve relevant evidence (documents, emails, metadata).
Speaking informally or without understanding the full scope of what is asked.
Assuming something is harmless when it could be relevant.
Failing to engage counsel early, or underestimating how serious an investigation may become.