NEW JERSEY CRIMINAL LAWYERS

NJ Criminal Investigations of Government Contractors

What You Must Know about Government Contractors and Investigations

Government contractors operate as private sector entities providing services to specific departments of the government, often at a federal level. Securing a government contract can significantly benefit a company by enabling it to build its business. However, it is vital to understand the rules and regulations regarding contracts to avoid problems during investigations. In this article, we’ll highlight critical things you need to be aware of when undergoing an investigation as a government contractor.

Why Government Contractors Are Investigated

The corrupt history that surrounds government contractors means that law enforcement officials closely monitor individuals and organizations working with the government. Having a contract itself may not warrant an investigation; however, activities that appear suspicious can prompt legal probing by experienced law enforcement officials since all parties involved must acknowledge the information provided in a government contract as true for validity purposes. Any false information or fraudulent activity, such as presenting forged documentation or making misleading claims, could result in charges of fraud.

How Government Contractors Find Themselves Under Investigation

Government contractors are often under investigation not for what they do while under contract but for how they land those contracts. The intense competition involved in obtaining government contracts pushes some companies to use illegal tactics in eliminating their competition or seeking favor from officials awarding them contracts. These unlawful tactics often involve exhibiting false documents or presenting misleading claims. Some potential contractors even attempt bribing government officials with the aim of securing lucrative deals leading to prosecutable actions against both parties.

Working with Restricted Nations

As a government contractor entrusted with certain privileges, you might want to offer your services outside US borders, but it’s imperative not to conduct business with countries explicitly restricted from transacting with the United States – those nations may be experiencing sanctions imposed by the US. In case you’re undecided on whether it’s lawful to pursue business activities in such countries seek advice from trustworthy and authorized government officials.

Consequences of Violating Government Contracts

Violating local state or federal laws while working as a government contractor may lead to the indefinite suspension of your business with the government. The revocation has numerous effects such as loss of work to other employees hired under the project, for instance construction workers, who had no involvement in any fraudulent activities. Additionally, as an individual engaging in unlawful activities such as misleading the government through presenting false information or fraudulently obtaining contracts, you may face prosecution.

How to Identify You’re Under Investigation

One could be investigated as a government contractor even when no criminal charges have been preferred against them. When law enforcement officials approach you regarding your dealings with government contracts, this should trigger awareness that there might be an investigation aimed at you. It’s imperative to exercise caution by being careful with answers since one could involuntarily incriminate themselves inadvertently. Therefore, it’d be if you remained silent since you have access to this right during investigations.

Finding Legal Representation

If government officials are investigating you as a contractor, it’s advisable that you contact legal representation immediately. If you already have legal representation on board, consider discussing your options concerning the ongoing investigation and seeking their advice on how to proceed forward. Expert legal counsel will scrutinize various aspects of your case comprehensively and identify weaknesses in the prosecutors’ arguments against appointing adequate countermeasures currently available.

The Bottom Line

Acquiring a government contract may boost and promote significant company growth; however, once involved in any illegal activities or subject to criminal investigation, disentanglement becomes problematic. If informed or approached regarding a probe revolving around your interactions with government contracts, contacting your lawyer immediately is critically paramount since they’re aware of legal regulations better placing them in a better position to comply wholly with existing statutes governing such probes.