Fairfax White Collar Crime Attorneys
Criminal Defense Team Lead
Contact Nick directlyIf you or your business has been accused of committing a federal financial crime, the attorneys at Oberheiden P.C. can help. We can protect companies and individuals facing criminal charges for various federal offenses. Find out how we can help defend you against these allegations.
Skilled White-Collar Defense for Federal Offenses
During a federal white-collar investigation, a defense attorney must consider the range of possible charges that can be filed against their client. Federal agents and prosecutors may seek to establish multiple charges simultaneously. With that, it is essential to recognize all potential charges or circumstances when developing a defense strategy. Even one charge for a single federal offense can carry potentially severe penalties, such as fines, imprisonment, or both.
With all that on the line, you want to choose a law firm willing to take the extra steps to protect your livelihood, freedom, and rights. At Oberheiden P.C., we are a white-collar crime defense firm that will work tirelessly to defend clients against a variety of federal offenses, including those in the following categories:
- Antitrust violations
- Bank fraud
- Bribery
- Counterfeiting
- Embezzlement
- Forgery
- Insurance fraud
- Investment and securities fraud
- Mail fraud
- Tax fraud
- Wire fraud
Many of these crimes carry heavy penalties, up to over a decade of prison time, for a single count or conviction. Additionally, these cases are usually prosecuted by federal law enforcement agencies with unlimited resources to investigate and secure a conviction.
When faced with federal charges, finding a defense team with the experience to fight your charges is essential. Oberheiden P.C. is equipped with a team of experienced federal defense lawyers who will represent you in court.
Our law firm is unlike others in the country.
First, our law firm’s experience handling federal offenses distinguishes us from other defense practices. While other attorneys and firms focus on state offenses in state court, we exclusively handle cases on the federal level. Many defense attorneys are not accustomed to defending federal cases and can find themselves in trouble as they face the world’s most powerful law enforcement agencies.
Second, we do not hire junior associates to work on your case. We have a dedicated staff of senior attorneys who handle all client communications personally. This ensures that your needs and concerns are addressed directly by a lawyer working on your case. Along with that, we ensure that there are no communication breakdowns between you and your federal defense attorney. Open communication is key to helping build a solid defense for your case.
With our extensive experience in federal court, we can offer our clients a unique perspective for their federal cases. We have successfully defended individuals against indictments in federal courts. When you need skilled legal representation for your white-collar case, reach out to the attorneys at Oberheiden P.C.
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)
Defending Clients Against Numerous Federal Accusations
White-collar crime allegations come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Our skilled and experienced defense teams have handled cases involving the following types of white-collar crimes:
Healthcare Fraud
Healthcare providers may face federal fraud allegations for defrauding Medicare or Medicaid. Federal law enforcement agencies are more likely to investigate cases involving federal funds. With that, healthcare providers can face a range of charges depending on their actions, including:
- Providing unnecessary medical care
- Upcoding patient services
- Billing for services that were not rendered
When federal funds are involved in fraud, the HHS Office of the Inspector General (OIG) may initiate an investigation. After the investigation, the case may be referred to the Department of Justice for civil or criminal charges. If law enforcement agencies decline to get involved, whistleblowers may still pursue civil liability under the False Claims Act.
Conspiracy
Whether or not you actually complete the act, conspiracy to commit fraud or any other white-collar crime is a serious charge. If you fail to commit an offense, you could still face charges for conspiracy to commit the alleged misconduct.
Securities Fraud
Brokers, investment advisors, and financial firms can also face allegations of securities fraud, including:
- Embezzlement of funds from clients
- Insider trading
- Investment fraud
- The fraudulent misrepresentation or omission of material information
The federal government can initiate civil court proceedings against a person charged with violating a civil statute. The degree of punishment typically depends on the severity of the offense. In a criminal case, the courts may levy jail time or fines against the defendant depending on the severity of the crime.
Antitrust Violations
Federal law enforcement agencies have taken notice of the increasing lack of competition in markets. As a result, they are more vigilant about enforcing the nation’s antitrust laws. The antitrust laws extend well beyond big mergers. They also cover collusion between competitors, which is considered detrimental to consumers. Antitrust violation can include allegations of:
- Avoiding competition with rival businesses
- Bid rigging
- Bundling products in ways that infringe on competition
- Fixing prices with competitors
Mail and Wire Fraud
Mail or wire fraud charges are serious and challenging to defend against because they target your alleged use of the mail, internet, or other telecommunications method to perpetrate fraud. Despite this minor detail, the penalties for a conviction of mail or wire fraud can carry up to 20 years in prison. That is on top of the conviction for the underlying fraudulent activity. At Oberheiden P.C., we have the skills and experience to defend clients against these erroneous wire and mail fraud claims.
Answers To Your Frequently Asked Questions
What Can Trigger a Federal Investigation?
A federal white-collar criminal investigation can result from various events and circumstances. In some situations, public disclosures about your company or billing records have raised red flags for investigators. On the other hand, an employee or client may have filed a complaint.
Federal agencies, such as the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), also perform routine audits and inspections. Often, the information uncovered during these investigations can trigger further review from the Department of Justice (DOJ). After you are placed under investigation, it could be necessary to contact the agents or prosecutors assigned to the case. It is important to determine why you are targeted, but you should generally never talk to these federal agents or prosecutors on your own. Contacting a reputable and skilled federal defense firm to handle the case is essential.
When you contact us, our first priority will be learning about your case to understand the situation. We have experience with cases involving the FBI, DOJ, and other federal agencies, which we can use to your advantage.
What Are the Penalties for a White-Collar Conviction?
The penalty for a white-collar crime depends on the type of offense committed and the offender’s status. For example, corporate entities can face severe financial penalties, including significant fines, with a single conviction for a white-collar crime. In some cases, business owners, executives, professionals, or others can face personal penalties and decades of federal imprisonment.
Hiring a skilled federal defense team can help give you a solid defense that will look at all aspects of the case. You don’t want to leave your freedom in the hands of an inexperienced legal team. At Oberheiden P.C., we will work tirelessly to defend you against any accusation of a white-collar crime.
What Should I Do If I’m Under Investigation?
If you are the target of a federal investigation, you should secure legal representation immediately. A proactive approach can be crucial in white-collar cases. When federal prosecutors are actively working to build a case against you, you don’t want to wait until charges are filed. Every moment is crucial in these types of cases.
At Oberheiden P.C., we regularly represent clients during federal investigations. When federal agents investigate you or your business, we will ensure the investigation goes no further than necessary.
What Happens If an Investigation Uncovers Evidence?
If an investigation reveals evidence of a white-collar crime, then the next step is for the U.S. Attorney’s Office to seek an indictment before a federal grand jury. The DOJ will issue a grand jury subpoena, compelling you to appear before the grand jury in federal district court. You must have experienced defense counsel at this stage of proceedings. Once again, whether you are under investigation or have been charged with a crime, it is imperative to reach out to an experienced legal team. At Oberheiden P.C., we can help you take the next necessary steps in your case.
Are You the Preeminent White-Collar Defense Firm in the Country?
Our firm’s extensive experience and track record of success speak for themselves. Many of our investigators have worked as law enforcement agents and know firsthand how these cases are prosecuted. Additionally, many of our defense lawyers used to work as white-collar crime prosecutors. With this insider understanding of how these cases are investigated and pursued, we can better protect you from legal liability.
Contact a Fairfax White-Collar Criminal Defense Lawyer at Oberheiden P.C.
If any federal agency is investigating you or your company, you must seek experienced representation right away. Our defense attorneys are highly experienced with defending clients in federal court. We are prepared to take immediate action on your behalf. Call us at 888-680-1745 or contact us through our online form to schedule a consultation with one of our white-collar criminal defense attorneys today.