Under Federal Investigation? You May Need an "Arrest Will"

 Posted on December 06, 2024 in White Collar Crime

If you know that you are under federal investigation for a white-collar crime like embezzlement or tax fraud, arrest is likely imminent. Unless everything the federal investigators find shows that you must be innocent, you should anticipate an arrest in the coming weeks or months. You will probably not be warned in advance that an arrest is coming - the federal police prefer to take suspects by surprise so they do not have a chance to flee the state or worse, fight back. Unfortunately, this means that you could be abruptly plucked from your life. While it is normal and very reasonable to mostly be worried about what being in jail will be like, it is wise to also consider what will be happening at home. If you fear that you will be arrested in the near future, a Dallas, TX white-collar crimes defense attorney can help you prepare to address any coming charges.

What is an "Arrest Will" and What Should it Contain?

Simply put, an arrest will is a set of instructions and documents that enables people close to you to manage your personal affairs while you are in jail. When you are arrested by federal law enforcement, you may be gone for days or weeks before you are released on bail. Think about the tasks that need to be completed in your personal life and what would happen if you were suddenly not there to carry out those tasks. An arrest will helps you plan for someone you trust to carry out certain tasks on your behalf while you are working on getting out of jail. Some of the things an arrest will should contain include: 

• Financial powers of attorney and bill pay instructions - The last thing you would want is to come home to an eviction notice because your rent is now a week late. You may need a trusted person to be able to access your bank account to draw checks for any pressing expenses you have. 
• Pet care instructions - If you have pets and would need someone to care for them in your absence, you should leave instructions for a sitter. 
• Childcare provisions - If you have minor children and their other parent is not around, you will need to make a plan for their care. 
• Car keys - If you frequently use metered street parking or a lot where you could be towed if your car did not move for a few days, you will need to make sure someone can come move your car. 
• Your lawyer’s information - If you know that you could be facing federal charges soon, you should involve an attorney immediately. Leave your lawyer’s information, including a phone number, so that your trusted agent can contact your attorney promptly when you are arrested. 
• A house key - Your trusted person may need to get into your house to reach your pets or to handle a maintenance emergency. 

Contact a Dallas County, TX Federal White-Collar Crimes Lawyer 

Spencer & Associates can start preparing your defense as soon as you find out that you are under investigation for a white-collar federal crime. Experienced Dallas, TX white-collar crimes attorney Arnold Spencer will also work to get you out of jail as quickly as possible if you are arrested. Contact us at 214-385-8500 for a complimentary consultation.