Milwaukee White Collar Crime Attorneys
Criminal Defense Team Lead
Contact Nick directlyFederal investigations into potential white-collar criminal activity can significantly impact your business operations, especially if your attention is diverted from daily activities to defending against serious criminal charges. The ramifications of an investigation extend beyond the potential damage to your professional reputation. These convictions for white-collar crimes can carry harsh penalties, such as lengthy prison sentences, excessive fines, and other sanctions. In these cases, it is essential to seek the guidance of a reputable and experienced law firm. Oberheiden P.C. stands out as the top choice for legal representation in these complex white-collar crime cases.
At Oberheiden P.C., our team of dedicated white-collar criminal defense attorneys are committed to delivering outstanding legal representation and fostering strong client relationships. Our senior federal criminal defense attorneys possess a distinct advantage. Many of them have previously served as prosecutors for the government. This valuable experience allows us to anticipate the government’s investigative and prosecution strategies in these cases. By leveraging this knowledge, we are able to develop a customized defense strategy for your case.
Do White-Collar Crimes Differ from Others?
White-collar crimes can encompass a diverse range of financial offenses. These crimes often involve deceitful or fraudulent actions that further the financial interests of a corporation, individual, or organization. These white-collar crimes can be prosecuted in state or federal courtrooms, but federal prosecutors typically handle large-scale crimes. These alleged crimes often involve some form of interstate communication through the internet or mail. Once the offense has “crossed” state lines or implicated federal funding, it triggers the federal government’s jurisdiction.
Government prosecutors have the necessary resources to try these cases effectively, and they will use all the tools in their arsenal to secure a conviction. Typically, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), or the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) head up the majority of federal white-collar investigations. With the gravity of these cases, federal investigators and prosecutors put a significant amount of staffing and resources into investigating and pursuing alleged offenses. In these high-stakes scenarios, you need to have skilled attorneys with extensive legal knowledge by your side. For that reason, you will want to leave your case in the hands of Oberheiden P.C.
Oberheiden P.C. Is Not Like Other Law Firms
At Oberheiden P.C., our focus is on federal criminal defense. While other firms may handle state-level criminal cases, the nuances of federal crimes require specific knowledge and experience. Our senior attorneys are highly skilled in navigating the unique complexities of federal criminal proceedings. With that, we are dedicated to providing our clients with the highest level of representation.
Our firm does not utilize junior associates in our legal practice. Instead, you will have direct access to a senior attorney responsible for managing all aspects of the case. This focus allows us to ensure that your questions and concerns are promptly and effectively addressed. At Oberheiden P.C., your interests are always at the forefront of our defense strategy.
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)
Examples of the White-Collar Cases Handled at Our Firm
We provide white-collar criminal defense services to individuals and businesses facing federal charges. Our team of experienced attorneys is dedicated to representing clients throughout the United States and has extensive knowledge in defending against white-collar crimes. Here are a few examples of these cases:
Bank Fraud
Bank fraud involves deceiving or attempting to deceive a financial institution through empty promises, false pretenses, or misrepresentation. The scope of these crimes is broad and encompasses a range of activities, including:
- Forging signatures on applications or financial documents
- Using a stolen identity to obtain a credit card or loan
- Altering checks or other financial documents
Many fraud charges are often filed with other state or federal offenses, such as forgery, identity theft, and check fraud. Oberheiden P.C. has experience in these cases. We can craft a solid defense strategy to defend you against bank fraud and associated criminal charges.
Insurance Fraud
When an individual or business obtains insurance through fraudulent means, files insurance claims that overstate losses, or requests compensation for an event that did not occur, that could be considered insurance fraud. This type of fraud can occur in various forms of insurance, including but not limited to:
- Business liability insurance
- Car insurance
- Homeowner’s insurance
Our firm is dedicated to providing skilled representation to those facing allegations of insurance fraud.
Securities Fraud
Investigations by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) can have serious consequences, including the possibility of professional sanctions and substantial civil penalties. Additionally, there may be a potential referral for criminal prosecution to other federal government agencies. Financial professionals and firms may be subject to investigations resulting from any of the following alleged conduct:
- Embezzlement
- Omission of material information or fraudulent misrepresentation
- Insider trading
- Investment fraud
Over the decades, we have successfully litigated cases for clients accused of these offenses.
Tax Evasion and Tax Fraud
Tax fraud or evasion is a common form of white-collar crime. Often, clients may have made mistakes on their tax returns without the intent to defraud the government. However, the Internal Revenue Service will take these alleged crimes seriously, seeking strict penalties. Tax fraud can include:
- Claiming false deductions
- Failing to report all income
- Undervaluing assets
If you have been accused of tax evasion or tax fraud, make sure to reach out to the legal team at Oberheiden P.C.
Federal White-Collar Defense in Milwaukee
These offenses are generally prosecuted by federal law enforcement agencies in federal court, especially if they involve large amounts of money or implicate federal sources of funding, like Medicare or Medicaid.
For charges filed in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, this would take you through the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District if Wisconsin. This district court has two locations, one of which is in Milwaukee at 517 East Wisconsin Avenue. All of your trial proceedings, from the arraignment through the trial and potentially the sentencing hearing, will be handled by this court.
Should your white-collar charges turn into a conviction, you have the right to appeal it. The Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals would review your case for errors or legal problems made by the district court. The Seventh Circuit handles all appeals in Wisconsin, as well as those originating from Indiana and Illinois. The court is located in Chicago, at the Everett McKinley Dirksen U.S. Courthouse at 219 South Dearborn Street. However, your case will not be retried on appeal, so your personal, physical presence may not be required.
Our Federal Defense Attorneys Answer Your White-Collar Defense Questions
Should I Only Focus on Potential Criminal Charges?
One commonly overlooked aspect of white-collar defense is that federal law enforcement agencies can pursue civil or criminal actions against defendants. If a civil investigation leads to evidence of criminal intent, prosecutors can elect to pursue criminal charges. Conversely, some investigations can lead to civil litigation if there is insufficient evidence to secure a conviction in criminal court. For that reason, you want to find a law firm that will protect you in both the civil and criminal court system. You do not want to work with a law firm that focuses only on criminal charges while leaving you open to civil prosecution.
At Oberheiden P.C., our attorneys understand how to protect you from civil litigation and criminal charges. Count on us to develop a comprehensive defense strategy that addresses all potential issues in your legal matter.
Will It Hurt My Case to Talk to an Investigator?
It is not advisable to try to handle a potential white-collar criminal investigation without the help of a professional. White-collar criminal laws are complex. Without understanding them, it can be hard to know if your actions may have been illegal. Additionally, federal investigators usually keep their investigations confidential. If they are reaching out to you, they could lack crucial evidence in the case. Speaking to them could provide information that could lead to criminal charges or civil litigation.
If you are in a situation where investigators want to talk to you, make sure to decline politely. After that, contact a federal white-collar defense attorney at Oberheiden P.C. Our legal team will evaluate the situation and develop a plan of action.
What Type of Evidence Can Be Inadmissible in Court?
Federal criminal prosecution relies heavily on evidence obtained during an investigation. However, federal law enforcement agents are required to respect the constitutional rights of those they investigate or arrest. If the federal agents violated an individual’s rights during an investigation through an illegal search or seizure, it could be possible to exclude that evidence from court proceedings. Many times, this action can have a significant impact on the prosecution’s case and could result in a dismissal or reduction of charges.
At Oberheiden P.C., our criminal defense team is highly experienced at addressing potential violations of an individual’s rights during an investigation. We will help you understand how these issues may affect your case and work with you to develop a defense strategy that takes these factors into account.
What Should I Do If I Learn About an Investigation?
If you or your company is under investigation for a white-collar crime, it is important to take immediate action to safeguard your interests, reputation, and legal rights. One of the first things you should do is retain an experienced federal criminal defense attorney. After that, you will not want to speak to any law enforcement agency without your lawyer’s guidance.
Next, educate your employees on the importance of only providing necessary information to federal investigators. Finally, you will want to reduce the risk of further investigation. With that, your legal team can develop and implement a comprehensive defense strategy to challenge the government’s allegations from all legal angles.
At Oberheiden P.C., our team of white-collar criminal defense lawyers is ready to evaluate your case. We will work with you to create a defense strategy that addresses the specific risks in your situation.
Now Is the Time to Schedule a Free Initial Consultation
No matter your white-collar legal issue, you will want to have a reputable and skilled law firm on your side. Oberheiden P.C. is a dedicated federal criminal defense firm that provides aggressive representation for every client. Our attorneys have extensive experience at the federal level. We are ready to put that knowledge to work for you in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Reach out to schedule a consultation by contacting us online or calling 888-680-1745.