Do Not Delay In Calling a Federal Criminal Defense Attorney

Federal subpoenas are time-sensitive. They often require production of documents or testimony within 10 to 30 days. Waiting too long risks legal penalties and gives the government a tactical advantage.

Call a federal defense attorney in Arkansas immediately. At Ludwig Law Firm, we’ve helped clients navigate pre-indictment matters across Arkansas, using discretion and procedural insight to protect their futures.

Understand What the Subpoena Demands

There are two main types of federal grand jury subpoenas:

1. Subpoena ad testificandum – orders you to testify before the grand jury.

2. Subpoena duces tecum – requires you to produce documents, records, or evidence.

Subpoenas may be extremely broad. They may ask for years of emails, tax records, contracts, or digital data. Fulfilling the request without review can expose you to liability or waive important rights.

We audit every line of the request, identify protected material (such as privileged communications), and request reasonable limitations if the scope is overreaching.

Conduct an Internal Investigation

There are two main types of federal grand jury subpoenas:

1. Subpoena ad testificandum – orders you to testify before the grand jury.

2. Subpoena duces tecum – requires you to produce documents, records, or evidence.

Subpoenas may be extremely broad. They may ask for years of emails, tax records, contracts, or digital data. Fulfilling the request without review can expose you to liability or waive important rights.

We audit every line of the request, identify protected material (such as privileged communications), and request reasonable limitations if the scope is overreaching.

Assert Privileges Where Appropriate

You have the right to protect certain communications and materials from disclosure. These may include:

• Attorney-client communications

• Attorney work product

• Fifth Amendment protections against self-incrimination

• Confidential business trade secrets

Failing to assert privileges can permanently waive them. We carefully assert privilege logs and communicate with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to shield protected material from improper access.

Prepare for Testimony — or Assert Your Rights Not To Testify

If your subpoena requires you to appear before the grand jury, your attorney cannot be present in the room. This makes preparation essential.

We conduct mock examinations, review every relevant document, and help you understand what to say — and what not to say. If testifying would expose you to criminal liability, we may invoke your Fifth Amendment rights or seek immunity negotiations.

Evaluate Potential Charges

Federal investigations often focus on white-collar crimes such as:

• Wire fraud

• Mail fraud

• Money laundering

• Conspiracy

• Tax fraud

• Healthcare fraud

• Public corruption

• Obstruction of justice

You may not know the exact charges under consideration. Our attorneys investigate the broader context, review the Assistant U.S. Attorney’s filings, and analyze similar cases from the Eastern and Western Districts of Arkansas. This allows us to anticipate charges and begin crafting defenses before formal accusations occur.

Avoid Obstruction Pitfalls

One of the most common mistakes made during a grand jury investigation is accidental obstruction. You must avoid:

• Destroying or altering records

• Coaching or intimidating witnesses

• Lying to federal agents or the grand jury

• Withholding required documents

Federal prosecutors take obstruction seriously. Even if you did nothing wrong in the underlying matter, obstruction charges can still carry prison time. We create clear protocols for your team and coordinate all document production and communications.

Decide on Cooperation vs. Resistance

In some cases, cooperating with the government can reduce or eliminate charges. In others, silence and legal resistance offer more protection.

At Ludwig Law Firm, we weigh these options with our clients carefully. Cooperation must be strategic and supported by strong legal safeguards. If you choose to cooperate, we help negotiate proffer agreements, immunity deals, or even non-prosecution resolutions.

If resistance is the better course, we prepare to challenge every part of the case — from subpoena scope to constitutional violations to evidentiary rules.

Federal Subpoena Response Timeline

Here’s what a typical federal subpoena response timeline looks like when handled strategically:

How Ludwig Law Firm Protects Your Future

Our clients turn to us because they need serious federal criminal defense. With years of courtroom experience across both Arkansas districts, we know the players, the procedures, and the pressure points.

Our attorneys:

• Practice in both the Eastern and Western Districts of Arkansas

• Have defended a variety of business professionals and public service workers

• Have resolved cases without indictment through discreet legal action

• Offer affordable rates and flexible payment plans

We don’t wait for charges to drop. We act early, protect aggressively, and plan strategically.

When they offer a payment plan

Call for a Confidential Consultation

If you need an attorney now, consider consulting with us. Call 501-838-4043 or visit ludwiglawfirm.com to schedule your case review.

This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified Arkansas attorney for advice specific to your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I get a payment plan?
A: Yes—many Little Rock firms offer installment billing tied to a retainer or flat fee structure.

Q: What’s cheaper: hourly or flat fee?
A: Flat fees provide certainty and may be more affordable for simple non-trial cases. Hourly rates suit long or complex defenses.

Q3: What if I can’t pay upfront?
Request a partial retainer with scheduled payments or seek court-appointed counsel if eligible.

Need An Affordable Federal Defense Attorney to Take Your Case in Arkansas?

Submit your information today, and our team will provide you with a speedy response.