Blake A. Weiner

Local Counsel
Former Assistant U.S. Attorney

Former federal prosecutor Blake Weiner focuses his practice on federal criminal defense at trial and on appeal. Practicing in Georgia and Virginia and across the United States under pro hac vice rules, Blake has served as lead counsel in more than 500 criminal cases and secured jury-trial acquittals in federal court. His courtroom abilities have drawn direct recognition from the federal bench: a sitting U.S. District Court judge told him, “you’re one of the best attorneys I’ve ever seen in my life.”

Federal Criminal Defense. Blake represents individuals and entities facing the full spectrum of federal criminal charges, including money laundering, wire fraud, mail fraud, bank fraud, firearm offenses, drug trafficking, and conspiracy. He brings to each case the prosecutorial insight gained from his tenure at the U.S. Department of Justice, giving clients a decisive advantage in understanding how investigations are built and how to challenge them.

Trial & Appellate Practice. Blake has tried federal criminal charges to verdict and handled matters on appeal. He is equally at home before a jury and before a court of appeals, applying the same rigorous preparation and precision advocacy at every stage of federal proceedings. His federal courtroom experience includes obtaining substantial civil jury verdicts, such as a $1.5 million verdict against a National Bank under the Electronic Funds Transfer Act, and verdicts against government entities and public officials under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 for violations of the United States Constitution. His work has drawn national media coverage on NBC and CBS, where he has appeared as a legal commentator on high-profile criminal matters.

DOJ Experience. As an Assistant United States Attorney in the District of Columbia, Blake managed all phases of criminal investigations and prosecutions — including trials, detention hearings, and charging decisions. Among his trial successes at the Department of Justice, Blake secured a verdict for offenses committed against an elected official, reflecting his experience handling serious and high-profile criminal matters. In the Civil Division, he represented the United States, its agencies, and its employees at the trial and appellate level in matters arising under Title VII, the Federal Tort Claims Act, FOIA, and other federal laws. He led mediations, negotiated settlements, and briefed and argued motions in federal court throughout his tenure.

Highlighted defense experience:

• Successfully obtained jury trial acquittals in federal court
• Served as lead counsel in 500+ criminal cases throughout career
• Represented clients at all stages of proceedings, from pre-charge investigation through appeal
• Defended clients against charges including money laundering, obstruction, drug conspiracy, firearm offenses, and trafficking
• Leveraged insider prosecutorial experience to anticipate government strategy and build aggressive defenses
• Featured on NBC and CBS as a legal commentator on high-profile criminal matters

Education

• Georgetown University Law Center (J.D., cum laude)
  • Top 5 Brief Writer, Leahy Appellate Advocacy Competition
  • Highest Grade in Criminal Procedure
  • Annual Survey Editor, American Criminal Law Review

Bar Admissions

• Virginia
• Georgia