Hire a Legal Team With the Skills to Defend You Against Federal White-Collar Allegations in New Orleans
Criminal Defense Team Lead
Contact Nick directlyNew Orleans is well-known as a fun travel destination, mainly due to the French Quarter and Mardi Gras festivities. While it may seem like the Crescent City is lax on laws, some crimes are taken very seriously, primarily white-collar offenses. With a recent crackdown on corruption, there is a real possibility of becoming involved in a white-collar investigation for business owners, individuals, and corporations.
If you or your business is facing suspicion of committing a federal financial crime, it is crucial to seek legal representation immediately. The team of federal white-collar criminal defense attorneys at Oberheiden P.C. focus on protecting businesses and individuals accused of committing these federal crimes. Our attorneys have a wealth of experience in defending clients against a wide range of federal offenses and criminal conspiracies, including but not limited to the following:
- Fraud
- Embezzlement
- Financial crimes
- Money laundering
- Securities fraud
- Wire and mail fraud
- Tax evasion
Don’t wait until it’s too late to get the legal help you need. Contact Oberheiden P.C. today to schedule a free and confidential consultation.
Why You Should Retain the Services of Oberheiden P.C.
Many white-collar crime allegations can lead to severe penalties. Often, defendants can face the possibility of significant prison time, even for a conviction on a single count. Additionally, these cases are often pursued by federal law enforcement agencies with extensive resources to investigate the allegation and secure a conviction.
With the serious nature of these accusations and the resources of the agencies working against you, it is essential to assemble the strongest defense team possible. This is where the federal defense lawyers at Oberheiden P.C. can help.
Our law firm is unique from other federal defense firms. We focus on federal offenses rather than those that are prosecuted in state court. We understand the significant differences between federal and state crimes. For that reason, we are well-equipped to handle the complex and high-stakes nature of federal cases.
When it comes to federal criminal defense, you want to choose an attorney with a proven track record and demonstrated experience in the field. You need to make the right choice from the very beginning of the case so that you can protect your interests. The attorneys at Oberheiden P.C. have a wealth of experience in white-collar criminal defense, including holding prestigious positions within the United States Department of Justice prior to joining our defense firm. With that, we provide you with a unique insight into how the government builds a case against defendants. We will work to develop a strategy to defend you against these accusations effectively.
Additionally, since our team is composed exclusively of senior attorneys, we ensure that only highly skilled legal professionals will address your needs and concerns. By providing unfiltered access to your legal team, we eliminate the risk of communication breakdowns between you and your attorneys.
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)
Types of Cases We Handle at Oberheiden P.C.
The presence of federal law enforcement agencies in New Orleans, Louisiana, is strong throughout the region. With that, federal prosecutors work with these agencies to aggressively investigate any signs of criminal and civil wrongdoing. White-collar crimes come in many forms and can have severe consequences. Our experienced defense team will protect you and your company from legal liability.
At Oberheiden P.C., we have handled a wide range of white-collar criminal cases in the New Orleans area, including the following:
Antitrust Violations
With the increasing consolidation of markets through major mergers and acquisitions, the federal government is placing a greater emphasis on enforcing antitrust laws. This includes not only investigating large mergers but also allegations of anticompetitive practices, such as:
- Attempting to eliminate competition from rivals
- Price fixing with competitors
- Bundling or tying products in ways that restrict competition
These allegations can be both serious and vague. Many typical business practices can appear anticompetitive in certain situations, leading to invasive investigations and potential charges for antitrust violations.
Securities Fraud
Financial firms and brokers may face a range of accusations related to securities fraud, ranging from insider trading to investment fraud. These offenses can be pursued in both civil and criminal court, resulting in significant penalties. Criminal convictions for securities fraud can carry considerable jail sentences, while civil charges can result in steep financial sanctions. It is important for brokers and regulated financial firms to be aware of the potential for these types of allegations and to seek legal representation if they are facing an investigation or charges related to securities fraud.
Mail and Wire Fraud
Mail and wire fraud charges are serious. These allegations can be challenging for many law firms to defend against since they do not center on the alleged fraudulent activity. Instead, prosecutors focus on the use of the internet, mail, or other telecommunication devices to commit the offense. Despite this subtle distinction, the penalties for a conviction for mail or wire fraud could carry a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. That sentence is in addition to any penalties for the underlying fraudulent activity.
Healthcare Fraud
Healthcare providers may face various federal allegations related to fraudulent healthcare funding. Many investigators can involve the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General (OIG), or the Department of Justice (DOJ) to pursue civil or criminal charges. Healthcare fraud usually involves the following activities:
- Upcoding the care provided to bill a program or insurance company at a higher rate
- Providing medically unnecessary care to patients
- Billing for services not provided to patients
Even if the federal government refuses action, whistleblowers may pursue civil liability for healthcare fraud under federal statutes.
Oberheiden P.C. is known for our exceptional federal trial experience. Our white-collar defense attorneys have extensive experience in trying criminal cases and have obtained favorable outcomes in some of the most challenging circumstances, including dismissals, acquittals, and probation. No matter the accusation against you or your business, reach out to the team at Oberheiden P.C. to discuss your legal issue. We are ready to defend you against the full resources of the federal government.
White-Collar Allegations in New Orleans Often Go Through Federal Court
Many white-collar investigations discover evidence that trigger federal jurisdiction to prosecute the case, whether that be signs that it affected interstate commerce, implicated a federal source of funding, like Medicare, or involved a federally-regulated industry, like securities trading. If the allegations involve a lot of money, federal law enforcement agencies may choose to exercise that jurisdiction and take over the prosecution of your case.
This can drastically escalate the threats to your future, as federal law enforcement agencies are far more powerful than local district attorneys’ offices or Louisiana state agencies.
If the white-collar offense is charged as a federal crime in New Orleans, Louisiana, your case will go through the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana. This district court is located at the edge of the Warehouse District in downtown New Orleans at 500 Poydras Street. This is where you will be arraigned, where your trial will be held, and, if you are convicted or plead guilty to the white-collar offense, your sentencing hearing will take place.
If you take your case to trial, are found guilty, and sentenced, you have a right to appeal your case. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit has jurisdiction to hear appeals from New Orleans, as well as the rest of Louisiana and the states of Texas and Mississippi. The Fifth Circuit’s courthouse is also located in New Orleans’ Warehouse District, right next door to the District Court at 600 Camp Street.
Frequently Asked Questions for White-Collar Crimes
Can a Whistleblower Claim Lead to an Investigation?
The federal government takes allegations of fraud that target citizens very seriously. The Department of Justice and the Office of the Inspector General have a responsibility to investigate any whistleblower claims that appear to be credible. Additionally, some agencies have hotlines where citizens can report suspected fraud and abuse. Federal investigations often can start due to consumer complaints or disgruntled former employees. Individuals and businesses may face civil action and federal criminal prosecution when this happens. These investigations can be complex and time-consuming as they thoroughly examine financial records and documents. You will want to ensure your rights are protected against these aggressive investigations during this time. For that reason, reach out to the legal team at Oberheiden P.C.
I Haven’t Received a Subpoena, but Federal Agents Want to Talk to Me. Am I Under Investigation?
Federal agents often use various techniques to gather information from individuals and organizations under investigation for white-collar crimes. One approach is attempting to downplay the severity of the situation. For example, they may schedule an “interview” without informing the target of the purpose of the inquiry and without clarifying that compliance is not mandatory.
For that reason, if you have been contacted by any federal agency involved in prosecuting white-collar offenses, you want to take the situation seriously. Make sure to seek the advice of an experienced law firm immediately. At Oberheiden P.C., we can help you understand your rights and obligations, protect your interests, and help navigate this complex legal process.
If My Company Is Under Investigation, Can I Be Charged With a Crime?
Yes, it is possible. Investigators will thoroughly examine the company’s key personnel in corporate white-collar investigations. Corporate entities do not commit crimes by themselves. Instead, it requires human actions to commit white-collar offenses. Generally, prosecutors will pursue charges against the company executives, board members, shareholders, or other individuals involved in criminal activity. Even if an individual or organization is not directly involved in illegal activity, they may still be held liable for their role in the company’s conduct.
How Do I Protect My Rights During an Investigation?
If federal agents or prosecutors have contacted you from the federal government, take immediate action. The first step is to retain the services of a skilled law firm. In many cases, you will want to refuse to provide any information unless your legal team has advised you. Additionally, you should instruct your employees to only respond to requests for information as explicitly directed. If you want to resolve the investigation as quickly as possible, you need a coordinated defense strategy. Oberheiden P.C. can help you during these challenging times. Reach out for a consultation.
Contact the White-Collar Crime Lawyers of Oberheiden P.C.
At Oberheiden P.C., we provide legal representation for clients needing a skilled white-collar defense team. Our team of attorneys understands the unique challenges and stakes in federal cases targeting individuals and organizations in New Orleans, Louisiana. If you need a white-collar criminal defense attorney, we offer a complimentary case assessment to discuss your situation. After speaking to you, we can develop an immediate plan of action to protect you and your interests. To schedule your consultation, please call us at 888-680-1745 or submit your contact information online.