Defending Individuals in DC Employee Investigations for over 25 Years
We defend District of Columbia (DC) employees in employer investigations. Internal investigations are non-criminal investigations conducted by an employer (e.g. a federal agency or a private company) that are related to the alleged misconduct by employees. The purpose of an internal investigation is for an employer to gather evidence about an employee’s alleged misconduct and to determine whether the misconduct warrants a disciplinary action within the requirements established by law, policy or regulation. On occasion, an administrative or internal investigation can possibly lead to a criminal investigation. Some investigations can be retaliatory, triggering protections under the DC Human Rights Act enforced by the DC Office of Human Rights.
DC Employment Investigations
Depending on the federal, DC, local agency, or private employer involved, a supervisor or other designated investigator may conduct an investigation into the facts at issue. Employees may then be requested to provide responses to questions that they are asked. Employees, depending on their particular employer (private, federal or state/local sector), may have a duty to fully cooperate with the assigned investigator. Employees may also be able to refuse to participate in an internal investigation unless ordered to do so (i.e., federal employees may decline to participate in an administrative investigation if it is voluntary and not ordered). Refusal to cooperate with an investigation in many situations, or by providing false statements or answers during an investigation, can be grounds for disciplinary action or even termination.
Hire Your Own Attorney for an Employment Investigation
Many DC employers will hire attorneys or law firms to conduct these types of internal investigations. Therefore, it is very important to obtain the advice of a DC employment lawyer when asked to participate in an internal investigation prior to the first meeting with the investigator. Employees should be prepared. Before the first interview, it is important for an individual to discuss with an attorney the issues associated with the information being sought by the employer and their role in the facts at issue. A lawyer familiar with DC internal investigations can provide legal advice and help the employee prepare for the questions that might be asked.
Contact Us
Please contact Berry & Berry, PLLC to schedule a consultation with a DC employment lawyer if you are the subject of an internal investigation at work. Our lawyers defend employees in these types of investigations in the District of Columbia.
