Often, federal agents will attempt to question you before the grand jury stage to learn any information you might have.
Although you must appear at a grand jury proceeding if you receive a subpoena, you are not required to talk to federal agents regarding an investigation of a crime.
The agents are not required to inform you of your right to counsel if you are not in custody, but it is in your best interest to obtain a criminal defense attorney before speaking to federal agents. If you are not a target of an investigation, any information you provide may assist the federal agents in turning the spotlight on you.
If you are the subject or target of an investigation, an experienced attorney may be able to assist in clearing you of any wrongdoing.