Charlotte White Collar Crime Attorneys
Criminal Defense Team Lead
Contact Nick directlyAre you or your business suspected of committing a federal financial crime? If the answer is yes, you need the correct type of legal representation. The federal white-collar criminal defense attorneys of Oberheiden P.C. are ready to protect your legal rights as you face an accusation of committing a federal crime in Charlotte North Carolina.
Oberheiden P.C. Handles White-Collar Defense
White-collar crime allegations can come in a variety of shapes and sizes. With help from our skilled defense team, you can fight back against these charges from the federal government. We can help protect you and your company from serious legal liability that can stem from criminal or civil charges. Any allegation of a white-collar crime is a serious accusation. Some of the types of these offenses can include:
- Antitrust Violations
- Bank fraud
- Bribery
- Embezzlement or theft
- Forgery
- Healthcare fraud
- Insider trading
- Insurance fraud
- Investment and securities fraud
- Mail fraud
- Tax fraud
- Wire fraud
Many of these federal white-collar crimes do have the potential to carry some jaw-dropping penalties. Even a single count can lead to hefty fines and decades of prison time. The federal government will spare no expense to make sure they have a strong case against a defendant. Those individuals facing these charges will have the full resources of the federal government working against them in the courtroom. With your reputation, freedom, and livelihood on the line, you need skilled federal defense attorneys and investigators to work on your case.
By assembling the best defense team, you can find a way to fight those charges in court. At Oberheiden P.C., we have experience with these cases. Our legal team is ready to help protect your legal rights when the government has decided to pursue a criminal or civil case against you.
Our federal criminal defense firm differs from many others in the Charlotte area.
First, we only deal with federal offenses. You may have noticed that many criminal defense firms will take on cases ranging from drunk driving to white-collar crimes. Unfortunately for their clients, they do not have the experience to handle these cases at the federal level. Federal crimes are more complex, and it takes a reputable law firm to get the best results for its clients.
Some lawyers may want to take on these cases to boost their reputation in the legal community. However, the federal courtroom is not the place to learn on the job. With the seriousness of these charges, you cannot leave your fate in the hands of an inexperienced law firm.
That is where Oberheiden P.C. is ready to help.
We understand what it takes to win cases in the federal court system. Our attorneys work exclusively in federal courtrooms and have years of experience handling these cases. Most of our legal team has worked in the Department of Justice or with other federal agencies. With that, they understand how the federal government will conduct an investigation to find evidence against you.
By working with our legal team, you can gain insight into the world of federal prosecution, helping you meet any challenge with a solid defense strategy. At Oberheiden P.C., we understand the nuances of the federal criminal system. When you can spend years in prison or pay astronomical monetary penalties, you need a legal team with a track record of success in the federal criminal court system.
When you hire other federal law firms, you might notice that the senior staff members do not handle your case. In some situations, the junior attorneys or even paralegals will do most of the research in your case. You might only talk to a senior attorney on the morning of the trial.
At Oberheiden P.C., we will never allow that to happen with your case. We do not have junior associates on staff. When you call the office, you can speak to a senior attorney. Our team focuses on providing you with an open line of communication. Facing an investigation or criminal charge is already stressful. At our law firm, you will always be able to talk to a member of our senior legal team.
Put our highly experienced team on your side
Dr. Nick Oberheiden
Founder
Attorney-at-Law
Lynette S. Byrd
Former Department of Justice
Brian J. Kuester
Former U.S. Attorney
Former DA
John W. Sellers
Former Senior Trial Attorney
U.S. Department of Justice
Local Counsel
Joanne Fine DeLena
Former Assistant U.S. Attorney
Local Counsel
Joe Brown
Former U.S. Attorney & Former District Attorney
Local Trial & Defense Counsel
Amanda Marshall
Former U.S. Attorney
Local Counsel
Aaron L. Wiley
Former Federal Prosecutor
Local Counsel
Roger Bach
Former Special Agent (OIG)
Michael Koslow
Former Supervisory Special Agent (FBI)
Chris Quick
Former Special Agent (FBI & IRS-CI)
Ray Yuen
Former Supervisory Special Agent (FBI)
Frequently Asked Questions About Federal White-Collar Crimes
Is It Possible To Face Both Criminal and Civil Charges?
Many defense lawyers overlook the fact that some criminal cases have the potential to become civil charges. Since many criminal convictions carry harsh prison sentences, some lawyers will do everything possible to avoid jail time. However, that can open up the client to civil liability. These civil penalties can include paying out restitution to victims or other significant financial consequences. The skilled federal defense attorneys at Oberheiden P.C. will defend you against all criminal and civil allegations. We will ensure that our defense attorney will not open the door for additional liabilities or charges from the federal government.
How Does the Federal Government Start an Investigation?
Typically, these white-collar allegations will start when a federal agency sees something suspicious in your billing practice or public filings. Sometimes, an ex-employee or whistleblower can accuse your business of wrongdoing. These triggers are often groundless, but they are still inconvenient for you and your business.
These federal law enforcement agencies will use algorithms and data analysis programs to look for any signs of suspicious activities. While those methods may seem efficient, they tend to produce false positives. Often, the federal government may think there is illegal activity, but you or your business has done nothing wrong. Even with no evidence of criminal actions, many companies and individuals can suffer from having these accusations leveled against them.
Whistleblowers can be another source of frustration for many people facing these federal criminal allegations. These individuals are often ex-clients or ex-employees who have reached out to a federal agency and claim to have incriminating evidence against you. Although these claims are usually groundless, whistleblowers will exaggerate the situation to pique the interest of a federal law enforcement agency. Once again, these claims are a significant inconvenience to your business, and they also open you up to the possibility of legal liability.
What Are Some Penalties Associated With These Crimes?
Many people are fearful that they may have to spend years serving a prison sentence. While the potential penalties of a conviction will depend on the specific allegations, parts of your past may come into play during the sentencing stage. The federal government may ask to enhance the penalties if you have any prior criminal convictions. Most federal white-collar crimes will carry at least a year in prison and significant fines. Some of the most severe penalties involve wire or mail fraud convictions. With a conviction of these crimes, a person could spend 20 years in prison.
Should I Speak To Federal Investigators?
No. Many people believe it is acceptable for them to talk to federal investigators if they are innocent. While you may think this is the best approach, you could end up in legal trouble. Federal investigators are looking to find specific evidence in a case. When they come to your home, you could be the last piece of evidence in the investigation. Many times, someone can talk themselves into a federal charge. By talking to a federal agent, you are filling in the evidentiary gaps, which can all lead to an indictment against you. If federal agents have contacted you, make sure to reach out to a dedicated white-collar criminal defense lawyer at Oberheiden P.C. We will be happy to discuss the situation with you and determine your next steps.
When Is the Best Time To Hire a White-Collar Crime Defense Lawyer?
The moment you have found out you are a suspect in a white-collar crime, you need to hire a defense lawyer for your case. Many people find out they are the subject of an investigation but wait to hire their legal counsel until after an indictment. We never recommend that. You need to get effective legal representation as soon as possible. Your legal team needs time to develop the case, prepare for any charges, and talk to prosecutors about the allegations. By getting ahead of the charges, your attorney may be able to stop the investigation from turning into an indictment.
Why Don’t You Call Your Law Firm the Preeminent White-Collar Defense Firm?
At Oberheiden P.C, we believe that our track record of success should speak for itself. Our attorneys and investigators have the background and experience to handle these types of federal white-collar crimes. We have investigated, prosecuted, and defended against white-collar crimes for many years. Our investigators have experience as law enforcement agents, while our defense lawyers have built cases working as federal prosecutors. We can give you a huge advantage over other federal defense firms with our insider understanding of these cases.
Contact Oberheiden P.C. for an Effective White-Collar Defense
Whether you are under investigation or have been charged with a white-collar crime, you need the help of a skilled federal criminal defense team. Contact Oberheiden P.C. to protect your legal rights and reputation. Our group of attorneys and investigators have experience with these types of federal white-collar crime cases. Let us use our legal and investigative backgrounds to your advantage. Make sure to contact our white-collar defense firm as soon as possible. You can schedule a free consultation by calling 704-842-3501 or filling out the online contact form.