When someone commits a federal crime, they are investigated by the office of the Attorney General. Generally, they must be indicted by a Grand Jury, which means a judge decides whether or not they should be formally charged with the offense. As such, being contacted by the Office of the Attorney General of Oklahoma can be terrifying. Keep reading to learn more about this offense and discover why you need to retain the assistance of an Oklahoma City federal crime lawyer as soon as possible.
What Is the Attorney General, and Why Are They Contacting Me?
The Attorney General of Oklahoma has many duties and responsibilities in the judicial precedent. These officials represent and enforce the law in the best interest of the state and the public. This includes proposing legislation, issuing legal options, and prosecuting criminal activity.
If you receive a subpoena from the Oklahoma General Attorney’s Office, it could be for a number of reasons. Most commonly, they will issue a subpoena that requires you to testify in front of a Grand Jury as part of an investigation as a target or witness. However, the prosecution has no obligation to inform you of your status, and they lawfully do not have to tell you why you are being summoned.
What Should I Do?
If you committed a crime that you believe is being investigated, witnessed a crime, had ties to someone who committed a crime, or simply have no idea why you are being subpoenaed by the Attorney General’s Office, it is vital to ensure you contact an experienced attorney as soon as possible.
Unfortunately, the prosecution does not have to inform you of your Miranda Rights when testifying because you are not technically in police custody. As such, anything you say can and will be held against you and is subject to prosecution if you incriminate yourself.
If you are contacted or subpoenaed by the Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office, you’ll immediately want to stay silent until you speak with your attorney. Many are unfamiliar that targets and subjects of a grand jury share the same rights as anyone else accused of a crime, and you are allowed to invoke the right to remain silent.
Hiring an attorney will also help you gather more information about your status. If you are merely a witness and not the target or subject of an investigation, your attorney will likely be able to negotiate immunity. However, if you are the subject or target, ensuring you have the assistance of an attorney can help you navigate this complex matter to protect your best interest.
When you need help, the Jones Firm, PLLC is ready. Our dedicated legal team understands that receiving contact or a subpoena from the Office of the Attorney General can be nerve-wracking regardless of whether or not you committed a crime. As such, we can help you navigate this issue while putting your best interest first. Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you.
