Illinois Attorney General Defense Law Firm

Experienced Defense Counsel for Matters Involving the Illinois Attorney General’s Office and U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ)

Attorney Nick OberheidenAttorney General Defense Team Lead

Our senior attorneys serve as defense counsel for high-stakes and high-profile matters involving the Illinois Attorney General’s Office and the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). We have extensive experience representing individual and corporate clients facing criminal charges and civil enforcement actions, and we rely on this experience to help protect our clients’ finances, reputation, and freedom.

We handle matters throughout the State of Illinois, and we provide representation from the investigation stage through trial. We provide representation in state and federal courts statewide; and, for clients that are facing scrutiny in multiple jurisdictions, we provide representation for matters involving other state attorneys general as well.

Our Practice Areas

As an Illinois attorney general defense law firm, we provide representation in areas including (but not limited to):

Antitrust Violations

Antitrust enforcement actions can target a wide range of specific issues, and they can be either civil or criminal in nature. We represent businesses accused of antitrust violations in Illinois at the state and federal levels.

Bank, Mortgage, and Insurance Fraud

Bank fraud, mortgage fraud, and insurance fraud are all serious crimes at the state and federal levels. Whether pursued in state or federal court, prosecutions for these felony-level offenses can expose defendants to substantial fines and prison time.

Government Contract Fraud

We handle cases involving allegations of fraud, waste, and abuse under state and federal government contracts. This includes contracts with all state and federal agencies, from the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) to the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD).

Health Care Fraud

Health care fraud enforcement actions can also target a wide range of specific issues, from Medicare and Medicaid billing fraud to illegal kickbacks and referral fees. We defend health care providers in Chicago and throughout Illinois accused of defrauding state and federal health care programs.

Investment Fraud

Combating investment fraud is a top priority for prosecutors at the state and federal levels in Illinois. Our attorneys defend clients charged with all forms of investment fraud involving all types of securities, commodities, and structured investment products.

Other Criminal Charges

Along with the matters listed above, we defend clients that are facing a wide range of other serious white-collar criminal charges in Illinois as well. We also work closely with our clients to defend them against allegations such as:

Bribery and Corruption
Cryptocurrency-Related Offenses
Drug Trafficking
Gaming and Gambling Offenses
Mail Fraud and Wire Fraud
Money Laundering
Tax Evasion and Tax Fraud

Matters We Handle

Within our attorney general defense practice, we provide assistance at all stages of the law enforcement process. We fight to protect our clients every step of the way, and we develop comprehensive and cohesive defense strategies designed to protect our clients’ interests as fully and efficiently as possible. Matters we handle include:

Illinois Attorney General Investigations

The Illinois Attorney General’s Office investigates matters under state law, and it pursues both civil enforcement and prosecution in Illinois’s criminal justice system. It works alongside the Chicago Police Department and other state and local authorities to collect evidence in support of its investigations, and its investigations can pose risks for a variety of civil and criminal penalties. When facing an investigation involving the Illinois Attorney General’s Office, intervening and building a defense strategy promptly can be critical for avoiding further consequences.

U.S. Department of Justice Investigations

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) investigates matters under federal law, and DOJ investigations can present risks for civil enforcement actions and criminal convictions as well. The DOJ works alongside the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and other federal authorities; and, in many cases, it partners with state and local authorities in Illinois (and other states) as well. Here too, prompt intervention and a strategic defense are essential for seeking to resolve the government’s investigation without formal charges being filed.

Settlements and Plea Deal Negotiations

When it is in our clients’ best interests to do so, we negotiate settlements and plea deals on our clients’ behalf. Negotiating in these scenarios is a complex process; and, before committing to negotiations, it is critical to determine whether this is truly the best option under the circumstances at hand. If you (or your company) is facing serious civil or criminal allegations in Illinois, our attorneys can assist with determining whether you should consider a compromise that avoids civil enforcement litigation or criminal prosecution.

Civil Enforcement Actions

Our attorneys defend clients against civil enforcement actions at the state and federal levels in Illinois. These proceedings can present substantial risks, and unfavorable outcomes can increase targets’ risk of facing additional scrutiny in the future. While we prioritize helping our clients avoid the need to litigate with the Illinois AG or the DOJ whenever possible, we have the team, capabilities, and resources to litigate effectively on our clients’ behalf when necessary.

Grand Jury Proceedings

Grand jury proceedings play a critical role in DOJ investigations targeting violations of federal criminal laws. If you have received a grand jury subpoena, it is imperative that you engage experienced defense counsel promptly. At Oberheiden P.C., we have extensive experience successfully defending clients at the grand jury stage, and many of our defense attorneys have prior experience on the other side of the aisle as DOJ prosecutors.

Criminal Trials

We also defend clients that have been charged with crimes following Illinois AG and DOJ investigations. Our attorneys rely on their extensive experience to build pre-trial and trial defense strategies that are focused on challenging the prosecution’s evidence and making clear that prosecutors cannot meet their burden of proving our clients’ guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. For example, a key element in many criminal cases is intent. If the Illinois AG or DOJ cannot prove the requisite level of intent to substantiate criminal allegations, then a criminal conviction is unwarranted.

FAQs: Defending Against Criminal Cases Involving the Illinois AG or DOJ

What Does the Illinois Attorney General’s Office Investigate?

Yes. If a Brazilian company maintains bank accounts, contracts, or engages in business activities that affect the United States, a U.S. court can assert jurisdiction. Even using U.S. dollars in transactions or shipping goods through American ports may be enough for a lawsuit to proceed. Our firm can challenge jurisdiction or, when appropriate, defend the matter on the merits. We assess the strength of the claim, potential exposure, and available procedural defenses to determine the most cost-effective course of action.

Can I Face Charges from the Illinois Attorney General’s Office and the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ)?

Potentially. If an executive is alleged to have personally approved or participated in conduct that affects U.S. commerce, they can be named individually. American plaintiffs often attempt to pierce the corporate veil to hold officers or directors liable. Early legal intervention is key. Our lawyers work to shield executives from personal exposure, arguing jurisdictional limitations, lack of intent, or corporate-form protections recognized under U.S. law.

What Are the Risks of Facing an Attorney General Investigation in Illinois?

Yes. Many of our São Paulo clients face parallel claims or investigations in both countries. We coordinate directly with Brazilian counsel to maintain consistent defense strategies, align discovery responses, and address legal conflicts. Our experience managing multi-jurisdictional matters allows clients to streamline communication and avoid contradictory filings. Whether it’s a regulatory audit in Brazil or a civil lawsuit in the U.S., our team ensures both legal systems are managed in tandem.

What Should I Do if I Have Received a Subpoena from the Attorney General’s Office in Illinois?

Not necessarily. Many cross-border matters can be settled through negotiation, arbitration, or mediation. Our attorneys evaluate every case for early-resolution opportunities, aiming to conserve time and resources while protecting your reputation. When settlement is not possible, we are fully prepared to defend your company in trial or arbitration, presenting persuasive, evidence-based arguments backed by extensive U.S. litigation experience.

When Do I Need Defense Counsel for a Matter Involving the Illinois Attorney General?

Failing to respond can result in a default judgment, meaning the U.S. court may automatically rule in favor of the plaintiff. Such judgments can later be enforced against assets or accounts linked to the United States. We strongly advise Brazilian companies to engage legal counsel immediately upon notice of any U.S. lawsuit. Our team can appear on short notice, preserve procedural rights, and often negotiate extensions or dismissals before damages accrue.

Contact Oberheiden P.C. | White Collar Criminal Defense Counsel for Illinois AG and DOJ Matters

If you need experienced defense counsel for a state attorney general or DOJ matter in Illinois, we encourage you to contact us promptly. We can help, but it is important that we are able to get to work as soon as possible. To schedule a free consultation with one of our senior defense attorneys, call us at 888-680-1745 or tell us how we can reach you online now.