Can Federal and State Investigations Overlap? What Happens? If you’re someone living in New Jersey or the surrounding area that is being investigated for an alleged crime, it is possible that investigators from different agencies — on the local, county, state, and federal levels — might all be scrutinizing the same activities simultaneously. But what […]
An Internal Audit Exposed a Potential Crime: Here’s What You Should Do
September 24, 2026 by ·
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 […]
Subpoenaed By A Federal Grand Jury? Here’s What You Should Do — And Not Do!
September 10, 2026 by ·
So, you’ve been subpoenaed by a federal grand jury. If you’re like most people, this probably makes you feel a bit uneasy, but we urge you not to panic. While it’s an intimidating proposition, panicking can lead to irrational decision making, and the Law Offices of Robert J. DeGroot is here to help you understand […]
Are Signal and WhatsApp Really Private? Learn How Your Digital Communications Could Put You Into Legal Jeopardy
July 8, 2026 by ·
Are Signal and WhatsApp Really Private? Signal and WhatsApp, two of the most widely used encrypted messaging apps are renowned for their privacy and security features — in fact, the notion of privacy lies at the heart of the business’ value proposition. Signal’s mission statement says it all: “To make private communication accessible and ubiquitous.” […]
The Rise of Artificial Intelligence in Financial Crime Investigations
June 17, 2026 by ·
The Increase of Technology-Aided Financial Crimes The total dollar amount lost to financial crimes carried out by the assistance of technology is skyrocketing every year. In fact, between 2023 and 2025, global illicit financial crime increased by almost 20%, reaching $4.4 trillion last year! Much of that increase is due to the influx of advancements […]
Forensic Accounting And Fraud Examination: How To Legally Protect Yourself
May 30, 2026 by ·
Forensic Accounting & Fraud Examination Forensic accountants work to investigate and uncover financial crimes within organizations. Improving transparency and eliminating financial misconduct is their goal. If a discrepancy exists, a fraud examination is the next step. Facing a forensic accounting investigation is serious and should be taken earnestly. However with the right plan in place, […]
You’ve Been Sentenced for Committing a White-Collar Crime — Here Are Your Options for Appeal
May 13, 2026 by ·
Grounds for Appeal in the State of New Jersey Each state has its own independent appellate system. Depending if crimes are tried in State court or Federal court, the path to appealing a conviction or sentence varies. In New Jersey state court, a notice of appeal must be filed within 45 days of the judgement […]
Does Cooperating With an Investigation Really Help With Sentencing?
April 25, 2026 by ·
A Cooperation Agreement Can Offer Hope Facing federal crime charges is a difficult and life-altering situation to be in. Many feel hopeless, scared, and stuck without any way out. A cooperation agreement with authorities offers some optimism for the future, but is also a very precarious spot to be in. Defendants must protect their rights […]
What is ESG Fraud? Everything You Need to Know
April 9, 2026 by ·
ESG fraud occurs when a company, individual or organization misrepresents facts about its environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance and standards. Meeting the expectations of society is demanding, and companies, individuals and organizations that want to meet those expectations sometimes cheat to meet them. The pressure of maintaining a good reputation, attracting new customers or […]
What Attorney-Client Privilege Does and Does Not Mean
March 31, 2026 by ·
Attorney-Client Privilege, Historically Speaking Attorney-client privilege can be traced back to the Roman Empire when attorneys were considered officers of the court. During this time, the interests of the attorney and protecting their honor was a main concern of the justice system. Over time, the focus shifted from protecting the attorney to protecting the interests […]