How long is the average federal investigation?

Asked by: Edgar Blick  |  Last update: February 15, 2026
Score: 4.7/5 (37 votes)

Federal criminal investigations can last anywhere from a few weeks to several years, depending on the complexity of the case and the resources available to the investigating agency.

How long does a federal investigation last?

They typically last weeks or months, and even years for the more complex and complicated cases. In fact, the investigations can last for the length of time of the statute of limitations. For most federal cases, the statute of limitations is five years.

How long does a typical investigation take?

Most investigations take a few months - that is, generally speaking. If the evidence is particularly strong, police may be ready to make an arrest within days of the initial report coming in.

How long does the average federal case take?

In federal court it is pretty routine to have a case set for trial within 12-18 months of filing. In state courts, however, the amount of time it takes to get to trial can vary widely county to county.

How do you know if you are under federal investigation?

Check Public Access to Court Electronic Records. Read the court documents for those under indictment or already convicted. Eventually you'll find documents from the investigating agency. That will tell you if the FBI or another agency investigated the case.

Will I Know If I'm Under Investigation? | Orlando Criminal Defense Attorney

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How serious is a federal investigation?

The federal criminal investigation process culminates with an arrest. Once you are arrested for a federal crime, you are already in a very serious situation. Federal investigators don't just think that you committed a crime; they also believe that they have enough evidence to convict you.

How to tell if the feds are watching you?

8 Signs of Being Under Federal Investigation
  1. Unusual Financial Activities. ...
  2. Increased Surveillance. ...
  3. Legal Documents. ...
  4. Interviews and Interrogations. ...
  5. Target Letter. ...
  6. Grand Jury Subpoenas. ...
  7. Professional and Social Changes. ...
  8. Public Records and Reporting.

How long do feds have to indict you?

§§ 3161-3174. The Act establishes time limits for completing the various stages of a federal criminal prosecution. The information or indictment must be filed within 30 days from the date of arrest or service of the summons.

How often do people beat federal cases?

What are the Chances for a “Not Guilty” Verdict if a Federally Charged Criminal Defendant Takes the Case to Trial? Statistically not very good. Currently federal prosecutors tout above a 95% conviction rate. This is primarily due to the fact that most cases never make it to trial.

How long does it take for the feds to sentence you?

Sentencing typically occurs three or four months after the initiation of a federal criminal case, but it will depend on the court's calendar, the time that it takes the probation department to complete a report, and the time it takes for the prosecution to complete their position paper.

How long should an investigation take?

A complicated matter may take several weeks to conduct properly. A relatively simple matter may only require a small amount of investigation for it to be reasonable. Providing a provisional time-frame is helpful but an investigator should not be restricted by a set completion date.

How to tell if you're being set up by police?

Recognizing the Signs of a Police Investigation
  1. Police Visits: If officers show up at your home or workplace without a prior appointment, it's a strong indicator. ...
  2. Phone Calls: Receiving unsolicited calls from the police asking for your whereabouts or activities, or inviting you for an interview, are red flags.

How do you know when an investigation is over?

An investigation will continue until authorities have gathered enough evidence to proceed forward with the case or decide that there isn't enough evidence on which to proceed. This might involve waiting for the turnaround of forensic evidence or locating and interviewing witnesses, victims, or additional suspects.

Why do government investigations take so long?

One is that they have many investigations, so sometimes it takes them some time to do what they feel they need to do to prosecute somebody at the federal level criminally. Two, federal cases are usually more sophisticated and involve more moving parts than state cases, which is why they take longer to file.

How long can the feds hold you for questioning?

Once you have been arrested on a Federal Complaint and Warrant, the government must hold a preliminary exam with 14-21 days unless you consent, and good cause is shown. Otherwise, the rules require that you be released.

How do you know if the feds will pick up your case?

The quickest way to find out if a case is under federal review is to have an attorney contact the local office to make an inquiry. Some AUSAs will discuss this with the lawyer, and sometimes federal authorities can be persuaded to drop an investigation. The best time to contact the Feds is before a decision is made.

Do the feds ever drop a case?

The answer is yes, however getting them dropped is not an easy process. It takes a highly experienced attorney and the right circumstances to get federal charges dropped. After receiving an indictment, there are a few different circumstances that can result in dropped federal charges or federal court case dismissals.

How serious is a federal case?

Being charged with a federal crime is a serious matter, as these offenses are among the most severe you can face. The prosecution's investigation into these crimes is extensive and often involves more severe offenses than other charges.

How much does it cost to fight a federal case?

Here are the main types: Hourly Rates: Most federal criminal defense attorneys charge by the hour. Rates can range from $100 to $1,000 per hour depending on the lawyer's experience and the case complexity. For example, a seasoned attorney with a proven track record will charge more than a newcomer.

How long will the feds watch you?

For most federal crimes, the statute of limitations is five years. Bank fraud has a statute of limitations of ten years. Immigration violations and arson are also subject to a ten year limit. Kidnapping also has a limit of ten years, or the child's lifetime, whichever is longer.

How serious is a federal indictment?

A federal criminal indictment is a serious matter, because it means that the criminal investigation has progressed to a point where the prosecutor now believes that he or she has enough evidence to convict.

How long does it take for a federal case to go to triaL?

These laws differ in many respects, such as what kinds of events count as excludable time, and they vary widely in the amount of time they allow for bringing a case to triaL Among the most restrictive States is California, which specifies 15 days in felony cases from arrest to indictment and 60 days from indictment to ...

Can the Feds listen to your cell phone?

Law enforcement agencies, such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), can listen to private phone calls. To do this, they can request to wiretap your phone line. Wiretapping involves a secret connection to a telephone line. The connection allows the agency to monitor phone calls over the tapped line.

What are the signs that you are under surveillance?

Spot Common Signs of Surveillance
  • Electrical fixture wall plates are slightly out of place. ...
  • Check your vinyl baseboard – where the floor and wall meet. ...
  • Look for discoloration on ceilings and walls. ...
  • A familiar item or sign in your home or office simply looks off. ...
  • You notice white debris close to a wall.

How long can investigations last?

Federal criminal investigations can last anywhere from a few weeks to several years, depending on the complexity of the case and the resources available to the investigating agency.