A target is someone the government believes committed a crime and is actively building a case against.

A subject is someone whose conduct is within the scope of the investigation but who has not yet been designated a target (yet).

A witness is someone the government believes has relevant information but is not currently under suspicion.

These designations can change, and even witnesses sometimes become targets. If you have been contacted by federal agents or received a grand jury subpoena, you should consult an attorney regardless of how you have been characterized.

Contact an attorney before you do anything else. A subpoena does not necessarily mean you are a target, but it means the government is investigating something and wants your testimony or documents. How you respond and what you say matters enormously. An attorney can help you understand your rights, assess your exposure, and navigate the process. Further, grand jury subpoenas tend to be broad in scope, and your attorney can work with the government to narrow what they are looking for and reduce your costs in producing documents.

This is one of the most common and most costly mistakes people make. Federal investigators are trained to gather evidence, not to help you. Even truthful, well-intentioned statements can be taken out of context, used against you, or expose you to additional charges. You should always have an attorney present before speaking with federal agents.

A former federal prosecutor has sat on the other side of the table. They know how investigations are built, what evidence prosecutors find compelling, and where cases have weaknesses. They have relationships with the courts and prosecutors and an understanding of how federal agencies operate. That insider perspective can make a real difference in negotiations, at trial, and on appeal.

Federal criminal cases are complex and can require significant time and resources. At the Law Office of Kate Rumsey, Kate offers rates that are meaningfully lower than large law firms, without any compromise in the quality of representation. Every case is different, so Kate encourages you to contact her for a consultation to discuss fees.

If you cannot afford a private attorney, you have the right to a court-appointed lawyer. Kate is on the Criminal Justice Act (CJA) panel, which means she is approved to represent clients who qualify for court-appointed counsel in federal court.

Especially if you are innocent. The federal criminal justice system is complex, and innocent people are charged and convicted. An attorney protects your rights, ensures you do not inadvertently harm your own case, and fights to make sure the truth comes out through investigation, negotiation, or trial.

Federal crimes are prosecuted by the United States government in federal court, and typically involve conduct that crosses state lines, involves federal agencies, or implicates federal law. They are generally investigated by agencies like the FBI, DEA, IRS, or HSI. Federal sentences are often longer than state sentences and are governed by the Federal Sentencing Guidelines. Whereas state offenses are prosecuted by District Attorneys and involve conduct under state law and within the state. Kate’s practice is exclusively federal criminal violations.

Yes, in many cases. If legal errors occurred at trial, if your constitutional rights were violated, or if your sentence was improperly calculated, there may be grounds for an appeal. Federal appeals have strict deadlines, so it is important to consult an attorney as soon as possible after a conviction or sentencing.