Federal Investigation and Grand Jury Defense in South Carolina
Protect Your Future Before Charges Are Filed
If you’ve received a target letter, a grand jury subpoena, or if you believe you are under federal investigation in South Carolina, now is the time to act.
Waiting for an indictment is a mistake. Early intervention by an experienced federal defense attorney, such as Nathan Williams, can stop charges from being filed or dramatically change the outcome of your case.
At the Law Offices of Nathan S. Williams, we defend individuals and businesses across South Carolina during federal criminal investigations and grand jury proceedings.
As a former Criminal Chief at the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Nathan Williams knows exactly how federal prosecutors build cases — and how to dismantle them before they become public.
Call us now at (843) 473-7000 for a Free Confidential Consultation if federal agents have contacted you, received a subpoena, or suspect you are under investigation.
Warning Signs You Are Under Federal Investigation
Federal agencies like the FBI, DEA, IRS, Homeland Security, and ATF do not announce when you are under investigation. Instead, they begin an investigation, and individuals and businesses often find out in various ways. These red flags often mean you are a target:
Receiving a grand jury subpoena for documents or testimony
Receiving a target letter from a U.S. Attorney’s Office
Unexpected visits from federal agents at your home or workplace
Former business partners, employees, or friends being interviewed
A federal agency contacting your accountant, banker, or lawyer
Sudden "quiet periods" after an IRS audit or federal inquiry
If any of these apply, you are likely under investigation, and federal prosecutors may already be building a case against you.
What Is a Federal Target Letter?
A target letter is a formal notice from the U.S. Department of Justice informing you that you are the subject of a federal criminal investigation.
It often means prosecutors believe they have enough evidence to indict you.
Target letters typically invite you to meet with federal prosecutors and federal agents. Federal agents often hand-deliver them, but talking to them without an attorney can be devastating to your defense. If you received a target letter, contact a lawyer immediately.
Related: Understanding Federal Grand Jury Subpoenas
Federal Grand Jury Investigations in South Carolina
A grand jury is a group of citizens called to hear evidence in secret and decide whether there is probable cause to charge someone with a federal crime.
You may be involved in a grand jury investigation if:
You are subpoenaed to testify
You are asked to provide documents (subpoena duces tecum)
You are invited to speak to agents about someone else’s case (and could become a target)
Charleston, Columbia, Florence, and Greenville all have active federal grand juries convened regularly by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina.
If you are involved in a grand jury investigation, you need legal counsel even if you think you did nothing wrong. Many individuals face indictment because they underestimated the risk of being charged or did not want to deal with complex issues. However, an attorney cannot only deal with these issues for you, but also help you ensure that you get the best possible results and do not miss any potential opportunities.
Why Early Legal Intervention Matters
Hiring an experienced federal defense attorney before charges are filed can:
Prevent you from making damaging statements to agents
Allow us to present exculpatory evidence to prosecutors
Negotiate a declination (no indictment) or reduced charges
Protect your rights during subpoenas and search warrants
Influence pre-indictment decisions, like whether bail will be granted
Help you cooperate strategically — on your terms, not the government's
Many federal cases are won before they ever become public through strategic early defense.
Why Choose Nathan Williams for Federal Investigation Defense?
Nathan Williams brings unparalleled experience to defending clients under federal investigation:
Former Criminal Chief, U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina — Supervised every federal criminal case statewide from 2019–2022.
24+ years of criminal law experience, including over 14 years in federal court.
Lead prosecutor on high-profile federal cases like the Dylann Roof trial — experience handling the highest-stakes matters under national scrutiny.
Extensive experience with federal grand jury investigations, target letters, and pre-indictment negotiations.
Over 20 federal jury trials to verdict — battle-tested in the courtroom if charges cannot be avoided.
Based in Charleston, serving clients statewide (Columbia, Greenville, Florence, Myrtle Beach, and surrounding areas).
When you hire Nathan Williams, you get a lawyer who knows the federal system inside and out — and who is ready to fight immediately to protect your future.
Common Federal Crimes We Defend During Investigations
Nathan Williams represents individuals and businesses under investigation for:
Conspiracy and federal drug charges
Wire fraud and mail fraud
Money laundering and financial crimes
Tax crimes and IRS investigations
Federal firearm offenses
Immigration-related offenses
Cybercrimes and identity theft
Public corruption or bribery investigations
Healthcare and Medicare fraud
Federal investigations move quickly — don’t wait for an indictment before getting help.
Free Consultation
If you believe you are under federal investigation in South Carolina — or have received a subpoena, target letter, or agent visit — contact Nathan Williams immediately.
We offer free confidential consultations to review your situation, advise you of your rights, and develop a proactive defense plan.
Take action now to protect yourself. The federal government is already working hard to build a case against you. Start working on your defense with a legal ally who knows their playbook inside and out. With offices in the Charleston area, Nathan Williams defends clients statewide in South Carolina facing federal immigration charges. Call or reach out online today to schedule your free consultation and put a former federal prosecutor on your side. The sooner you have a strong defense, the better your chances of a positive outcome. Your future and freedom are too important to trust to anyone else.
Nathan S. Williams, Attorney at Law – Defending federal immigration crime cases in Charleston, Columbia, Florence, Greenville, and all federal courts in South Carolina.