Has an internal audit uncovered what potentially could become a criminal matter? The reality is, it won’t likely stay internal forever. This event will likely trigger continued internal investigations, and possibly the disclosure of information to regulators or other authorities. 

If you personally face criminal exposure as a product of this internal audit, it’s critical that you secure legal representation from a criminal defense attorney immediately. Do this before making any statements and ensure you have a clear understanding of your rights and responsibilities before potentially implicating yourself. 

An Internal Audit Uncovered a Potential Crime: What Does it Really Mean?

Sometimes, internal audits don’t reveal any possible wrongdoings. In other instances, discrepancies might be brought to light as a result of the audit. 

However, an internal audit uncovering a potential crime does not necessarily mean that a crime of any kind occurred. 

The discrepancy found could be any number of things, like an accounting error or irregularity, the discovery of a policy violation, records related to employee misconduct, or other happenings in the business that are notable, but not criminal. 

It’s important to know the difference, and it’s equally important to respond appropriately when criminal concerns are raised as the result of an internal audit. 

Has an Internal Audit Raised Criminal Concerns? Here’s What To Do.

It’s best not to panic. Take the situation seriously, and approach next steps with a clear head. You may be subject to the discovery process of an external criminal investigation, and how you respond to this matter is critical, regardless of your innocence. 

Outside of securing representation from a criminal defense attorney and not making any statements unless your attorney advises you to, you must also ensure that you do not destroy, hide, tamper with, or “clean up” any evidence. 

Any attempt to do so has the potential to imperil your freedom and makes your attorney’s job in protecting you that much more difficult. 

This includes items like emails; text messages; physical, digital, or cloud stored documents; company computers, phones, or tablets; and accounting records. 

Additionally, do not discuss the case with anyone, particularly colleagues and co-workers. Even speculating about the case in person, via email, or internal communication systems like Slack or Microsoft Teams can be misconstrued or used as evidence in the investigation. 

How To Know When You Need Your Own Criminal Defense Attorney

In the instance that your company’s internal audit may uncover potential criminal activity, you may need to hire your own criminal defense attorney. 

We don’t recommend waiting until you’re implicated, charged, or arrested before securing your defense. The earlier you have representation, the better. 

It’s especially important for you to have your own attorney, because the company’s legal counsel is typically on retainer to protect the company’s best interests, not yours. 

If you’ve been informed that you’re personally implicated, law enforcement has contacted you, you’ve received a subpoena, you’ve been suddenly placed on leave, you’ve been asked to sign a statement, or you’ve been presented with requests for documentation related to the audit by either your employer or the authorities, then it’s time to have representation before going any further. 

Moving forward without a criminal defense attorney could potentially jeopardize your freedom. 

How the Law Offices of Robert J. DeGroot Can Help You When an Internal Audit Exposes a Potential Crime

As criminal defense attorneys with over fifty years in protecting clients from state and federal charges, the Law Offices of Robert J. DeGroot will take your case seriously and help you build the strongest possible defense.

Our team of experienced, tenacious attorneys will assess your potential criminal exposure, identify your immediate legal risks, advise you on how to best communicate with colleagues and the authorities, and help you preserve any relevant evidence you may have while being your staunch advocate in the instances that you might face any criminal charges. 

If you or a loved one is concerned that a company’s internal audit may have exposed a potential crime, then do not delay in protecting your freedom. Contact us today for your free initial consultation.