February 13, 2026
Every year, FBI agents from the Houston Field Office conduct thousands of investigations across 40 Texas Gulf Coast counties. They show up at homes and offices without warning, investigating everything from white collar fraud to drug trafficking. Most people, even those who have done nothing wrong, make critical mistakes in those first moments that can turn a routine inquiry into federal criminal charges.
At The Napier Law Firm, we’ve represented countless Houston residents facing federal investigations. We understand the FBI’s tactics, the federal court system in the Southern District of Texas, and exactly how to protect your rights from the moment agents appear at your door.
Why Would FBI Agents Come to Your Houston Home?
FBI investigations in Houston commonly involve drug trafficking through Gulf Coast ports, white collar crimes and healthcare fraud, human trafficking, child exploitation and cybercrime, immigration violations, financial fraud and money laundering, and firearms offenses.
When agents appear, you may be a witness with information about someone else, a subject under investigation, or a target the prosecutor believes committed a crime. Here’s what agents rarely tell you: your status can change instantly based on what you say. One misstatement can transform you from witness to target.
Your Constitutional Rights When FBI Agents Appear
The Fourth Amendment is the constitutional provision that shields you from unreasonable searches and seizures by the government. FBI agents need a valid warrant to enter your home unless you consent or an emergency exists. You have the right to see any warrant and verify its scope before agents enter.
The Fifth Amendment guarantees your privilege against self-incrimination. You are NEVER required to speak to FBI agents. This applies no matter where the encounter takes place, whether at your residence, your workplace, or anywhere else. When FBI agents approach you voluntarily (not in custody), you should explicitly invoke your right to remain silent and your right to an attorney. Exercising these rights will not be held against you during any legal proceeding.
The Sixth Amendment provides your right to an attorney. FBI agents must stop questioning when you invoke this right. You don’t need to have an attorney already retained to invoke this protection.
Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 41 governs search warrants. Agents can only search the specific areas described in the warrant and seize the particular items listed. If they exceed this scope, the search may be illegal.
The Biggest Danger: 18 USC § 1001 False Statements
The most dangerous federal law most people don’t know about is 18 USC § 1001. This statute makes it a federal felony to make false statements to FBI agents, punishable by up to 5 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine.
Here’s what makes it a major issue: Unlike most federal crimes, 18 USC § 1001 does not require you to be under oath. Any statement you make to federal agents, formal or otherwise, can be used to build a case against you. No Miranda warning is needed because you’re not under arrest. Getting details wrong isn’t a valid defense. If your account doesn’t match what agents already know, even on minor points, prosecutors can treat the discrepancy as a felony. Prosecutors frequently find it more straightforward to secure a conviction on a false statement charge than on the original offense they were looking into.
Famous cases include Martha Stewart, who went to prison not for insider trading but for lying to investigators about it, and Michael Flynn, whose FBI interview led to false statements charges. FBI agents often ask questions they already know the answers to, testing whether you’ll lie or make inconsistent statements. The interview itself becomes a crime.
If you’re thinking about destroying evidence, don’t. Under 18 USC § 1519, destroying, altering, or concealing evidence in a federal investigation carries up to 20 years in federal prison.
If FBI Agents Have a Search Warrant
If agents arrive with a search warrant, first verify it’s valid. Ask to read the warrant carefully before they enter. Check for the judge’s signature, the date it was issued, your correct address, and the specific scope of what they’re authorized to search and seize.
Document everything. Write down all agents’ names, badge numbers, and agencies. Note the start and end times of the search. Photograph your property’s condition if possible. Critically important: Write “ATTORNEY-CLIENT PRIVILEGED” at the top of your notes and state they are “for my attorney regarding FBI search on [date].” This helps protect them from seizure.
Understand the warrant’s scope. Agents can only search areas where the listed items could reasonably be found. If agents have authorization to look for a computer, that does not give them permission to open a container far too small to hold one. A warrant covering financial records does not permit agents to cause damage to your property during the search.
Do not physically interfere with the search. Physical obstruction is a separate federal crime. However, you should observe the search closely and note if agents exceed the warrant’s scope. These observations help your attorney challenge the search later.
Exercise your right to remain silent during the search. Agents will try to question you while conducting the search. Simply state: “I am exercising my right to remain silent and I need to speak with my lawyer before answering anything.”
Get copies of all documents the agents provide, including the warrant, the warrant application, and the property receipt listing items seized.
Call your attorney immediately after agents leave. The Napier Law Firm is available 24/7 for federal criminal emergencies.
Critical Mistakes That Destroy Your Defense
Never think: “I have nothing to hide, so I’ll just explain.” This is the most dangerous thought innocent people have. Your explanation creates inconsistencies that become 18 USC 1001 charges. You cannot out-talk FBI agents who have spent months investigating.
Never believe: “Asking for a lawyer makes me look guilty.” Requesting an attorney cannot be used against you at trial. This protection is absolute. Federal prosecutors respect defendants with counsel, and experienced attorneys can undo any perception of guilt far more effectively than you can by talking.
Never talk to family, friends, or colleagues about the FBI visit. They can be subpoenaed to a grand jury and must testify truthfully about what you said. Only conversations with your attorney are protected by privilege.
Never post about the investigation on social media. The FBI monitors social media, and anything you share online can be collected as evidence against you. Screenshots preserve even deleted content.
How The Napier Law Firm Protects You
When you call us immediately after FBI contact, we contact agents and prosecutors on your behalf, determine your status in the investigation, shield you from making incriminating statements, and work aggressively to prevent charges from being filed.
Pre-indictment intervention is critical. We bring exculpatory evidence to the prosecution’s attention, expose vulnerabilities in the government’s position, and pursue immunity agreements when appropriate. Thanks to our early involvement, many of our clients have avoided prosecution entirely.
If a search warrant was executed, we challenge the warrant’s validity, file motions to suppress illegally seized evidence, and document constitutional violations. We have extensive experience in the Southern District of Texas federal court system and established relationships with federal prosecutors.
Don’t Wait, Protect Your Rights Now
If FBI agents show up at your Houston home or office, time is not on your side. The decisions you make in those opening moments could be the difference between facing federal prosecution and walking away without charges.
Remember these three critical points:
- You have the right to remain silent – Exercise it by saying: “I am asserting my Fifth Amendment privilege against self-incrimination and will not be answering questions.”
- You have the right to an attorney – Make this known by saying: “I need my lawyer present before I will respond to any questions.”
- Do not agree to any search unless agents present a valid warrant – You can say: “I am not giving permission for any search of my property.”
The Fifth Amendment protects you. The Sixth Amendment guarantees your right to an attorney. These aren’t mere technicalities, they’re constitutional shields against wrongful prosecution.
Don’t let fear push you into making statements that destroy your defense. Don’t assume cooperation will make this go away. Don’t believe agents who say you’re not in trouble.
The single most important step you can take is to stay quiet and reach out to a seasoned Houston federal criminal defense attorney as quickly as possible.
Schedule Your Free Consultation Today
The Napier Law Firm has successfully defended countless clients in federal investigations across Houston and the Southern District of Texas. We know the FBI’s tactics, we understand federal prosecutors’ strategies, and we know how to protect your constitutional rights.
Don’t face federal agents alone. Book Your Free Consultation
Time is critical in federal investigations. The earlier we get involved, the better we can protect you. Contact The Napier Law Firm today, your future depends on the actions you take right now.