Wallet Control in Crypto Matters: Authority, Access and Evidence

Separate the address from the attribution

Record the chain, address and source identifying it, while keeping the basis for any ownership or control claim separate. A label in an explorer or report may require further review. Do not present a third-party attribution as firsthand knowledge. Counsel and qualified specialists evaluate the evidence.

Map authority over time

Identify who was authorized to approve transactions, who performed operational steps and when responsibilities changed. Preserve relevant policies, messages and access-change records. A person may have had a formal role without taking a particular action, or may have performed work not captured by a title. Document the actual facts.

Treat shared-control arrangements carefully

Where multiple approvals or participants were involved, describe the recorded process and your own actions. Do not infer every participant’s knowledge from the existence of a shared arrangement. Technical review may be needed to explain what the records establish. Keep unresolved questions visible.

Keep secrets out of preparation materials

A personal chronology does not need private keys or seed phrases. Do not include them in SAG inquiry forms, ordinary email or narrative files. Counsel should direct any authorized technical handling. SAG can organize responsibilities and source references without taking custody of assets or providing a technical attribution opinion.

Continue your preparation

• Existing crypto role-timeline guide
• Crypto Investigation Preparation
• Digital-Asset Governance Records

Sources and a defined preparation assignment

Official context: Department of Justice: Justice 101. Sources checked November 6, 2026. Tax recordkeeping guidance does not determine criminal liability or sentencing loss. Counsel evaluates the applicable law, dates and individual facts.

Work directly with Joseph to define the scope, authorized recipients and review dates. Agreed deliverables can include a personal and professional chronology, indexed supporting records, factual questions for counsel and a practical preparation schedule. SAG does not manage legal responses or provide forensic tracing or valuation opinions. An engagement does not automatically establish privilege.

SAG serves clients nationwide from New Jersey, with travel arranged for cases. SAG is not a law firm. No charging decision, sentence, placement or release date is guaranteed.

Request a Private Case Review

For defense counsel: Discuss Support for Your Client. Share your role, stage and deadline, not private keys, seed phrases or privileged advice, in the initial inquiry.