Those facing federal prosecution stand accused of breaking the laws of the United States rather than the laws of Louisiana or another state. Their charges may involve allegations that they engaged in questionable interstate transactions or the use of key federal infrastructure, like the Federal Reserve, while violating the law. Instead of dealing with local police officers, they are subject to scrutiny by federal authorities.
During a federal investigation, people may end up speaking to law enforcement professionals who work for numerous organizations. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) might talk to those accused of insider trading, for example. People often hope to comply with an investigation and exonerate themselves, but the outcome could easily be the opposite of what someone intends. The federal investigation process is often the reason that someone ends up prosecuted, but not always because investigators find evidence of a specific offense. Instead, it may be a violation of The False Statements Accountability Act of 1996 that ends up leading to someone’s prosecution.
What exactly is The False Statements Accountability Act of 1996?
The False Statements Accountability Act of 1996 is a crucial law that makes it a crime to provide inaccurate information to federal investigators. The law prohibits withholding information, intentionally tricking investigators or providing inaccurate information. Presenting falsified documentation to investigators can also constitute a violation of the False Statements Accountability Act of 1996. Examples of violations that could lead to prosecution include responding that someone doesn’t know the answer when there is an indication that they do or providing inaccurate details to confusing questions. Such violations can lead to up to five years in federal custody per offense, as well as sizeable fines.
It is very easy for those who want to clear their names by cooperating with federal law enforcement authorities to end up worsening their situation by making mistakes during the interview process. Inaccurate statements made to federal investigators can eventually lead to someone’s arrest and prosecution even if the government never manages to build a case for the offense that triggered the investigation.
Violations of the False Statements Accountability Act of 1996 are a top reason that those suspected of violating federal rules end up prosecuted. Understanding how risky directly communicating with federal investigators can be may help those responding to an investigation more effectively protect their interests by seeking personalized legal guidance proactively.