What kind of inquiry this usually is
When people search for an AG investigation they usually mean a state Attorney General, and in New York that office has unusually broad investigative tools. Its work ranges from investment and securities practices to consumer complaints and charities, and a state law that took effect in early 2026 lets it pursue unfair and abusive business conduct as well as deceptive conduct. Most AG matters are civil, but the New York office can also bring criminal cases in certain areas, including some securities matters. Its investigative subpoenas can generally be issued without first filing a lawsuit. Understanding which authority the office is relying on helps clarify where the matter might go.
Responding without making things worse
Return dates in AG subpoenas are often short, but they are frequently negotiable, and asking for more time through counsel is normal. Keep relevant records intact, including messages on personal phones that relate to the business, and suspend any routine deletion. Do not contact customers, investors, or employees to shape what they might tell investigators. Testimony is typically taken under oath and transcribed, so preparing for it with counsel is important. Information gathered by an AG investigator can also reach other agencies, including federal regulators and prosecutors.
What we work out with you first
Our first task is to identify what the office is asking for and why, which sometimes means a call with the assistant attorney general handling the matter. We then map out the scope of documents, the people likely to be asked to testify, and whether any other regulator is looking at the same conduct. Many AG investigations end in a negotiated resolution, such as an assurance of discontinuance, rather than litigation, and the terms of any resolution can carry lasting obligations. Some end with no action at all. We talk through those possibilities and what each would require from you, without suggesting which one your matter will reach.
