Omaha White Collar Crime Attorneys
Since federal white-collar offenses carry severe consequences, including significant monetary penalties and prolonged incarceration, individuals or businesses facing investigations, indictments, or federal district court charges must prioritize their defense. At Oberheiden P.C., we have successfully represented corporate executives, business owners, and other professionals in all types of federal white-collar legal matters. We are dedicated to providing you with the highest level of representation in federal court. If you face the challenges of a federal financial criminal allegation, reach out to our law firm as soon as possible.
How Are You Different From Other Defense Law Firms?
Oberheiden P.C. differentiates itself from other defense firms in the Omaha area by:
- Focusing our practice on federal offenses, rather than state ones
- Employing highly experienced lawyers and investigators
- Ensuring you receive representation solely from senior attorneys rather than junior associates
Why Federal Legal Experience Matters for Your Case
Criminal Defense Team Lead
Contact Nick directlyMost criminal cases are handled at the state level, with local or state prosecutors presenting the case before a judge or jury. The United States Code defines all federal offenses, not state legislation. Some defense law firms believe that their success at the state level can easily transfer to the federal district court.
For experienced state defense lawyers, taking on a federal white-collar case is similar to working in a new state with slightly different laws. Some wording and rules may seem the same, but the procedures are interpreted in vastly different ways. The differences are especially sharp between state offenses and federal white-collar crimes. Clients who hire these law firms to represent them could pay the price for this inexperience. For attorneys who are already familiar with federal laws and procedures, they do not have to relearn the intricacies of the federal court system. These defense attorneys are comfortable working with these cases because the federal courtroom is their home.
One of the significant differences between state and federal white-collar crimes pertains to the amount of resources available to investigate and prosecute the government’s case. Defendants will have to face the most experienced prosecutors in the country, along with the top-notch investigative teams of the government’s federal law enforcement agencies.
Additionally, the potential consequences of a conviction for a federal offense are often significantly more severe than a state proceeding. In many cases, even with a single conviction, there is the potential for several decades in federal prison. With those high stakes, choosing a law firm that is well-versed in the federal system is crucial. You want your defense team to avoid making mistakes or letting their unfamiliarity with the system affect the outcome of your case.
When faced with a federal criminal charge, you want to have an attorney who understands federal law’s specific nuances and complexities. While other firms may have attorneys who boast about their extensive federal legal backgrounds and experience, you might not have access to them. In many cases, most of the casework may be handled by junior associates or paralegals who need to gain experience defending white-collar clients.
Oberheiden P.C. provides a different approach to our clients. We ensure that you will have direct access to senior lawyers working on your federal legal matter. When you call our firm, your call goes right to a senior lawyer so that you can have your concerns addressed by someone familiar with your case. By choosing Oberheiden P.C., you can have confidence that your case is in the hands of experienced and dedicated federal white-collar defense attorneys.
Finally, we cannot talk enough about the experience of our legal team. Oberheiden P.C. stands out among white-collar defense law firms. Our attorneys have extensive experience in defending clients against various offenses. Many of our esteemed lawyers have even worked as prosecutors in the same federal agencies that are investigating you or your business. Not many law firms can tout that similar experience. This unique background provides us with invaluable insight and understanding of the federal legal system. With our attorneys’ years of experience on both sides of the courtroom, we can offer a significant advantage in your case.
Additionally, our white-collar defense attorneys work with a team of skilled investigators. These individuals work to gather information and determine the facts of the situation. Many of our investigators are retired members of the most prominent law enforcement agencies in the nation. Like our attorneys, these professionals have decades of experience investigating white-collar cases. Our in-depth approach to analyzing your case allows us to build a strong defense on your behalf.
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)
Veteran White-Collar Defense for Any Allegation
White-collar crimes are part of a very broad-based category of criminal offenses. Some examples of the types of offenses that a person or business can face include allegations of:
- Antitrust Violations
- Bank Fraud
- Computer Fraud
- Healthcare Fraud
- Investment and Securities Fraud
- Tax Fraud
- Mail and Wire Fraud
Many of these white-collar charges can carry penalties of several years or even decades in prison with a conviction.
The federal defense lawyers at Oberheiden P.C. have the knowledge, skills, experience, and resources to provide you with the best defense possible. We understand the complexities of federal law to navigate the legal system and aggressively defend your legal rights.
White-Collar Crimes are Frequently Pursued in Federal Court
If a financial offense implicated federal sources of funding or affected victims outside of Nebraska, it can trigger the jurisdiction of federal law enforcement agencies. This is not a small matter. Federal law enforcement agencies, such as the Department of Justice (DOJ) or the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), have lots of manpower and some of the best investigators in the country. The reputation that they have made for themselves is well earned.
The charges that these agencies file will go before federal judges in the federal criminal justice system, rather than the state court system in Nebraska. This will bring them before the U.S. District Court for the District of Nebraska. While this court has three locations, including in Lincoln and North Platte, allegations that stem from financial conduct in Omaha will generally be heard by the judges in the Omaha courthouse. This branch of the district court is located in the Roman L. Hruska Federal Courthouse at 111 South 18th Plaza in Omaha.
This is generally where your case will be heard, from the arraignment straight through the trial. If you are convicted, it will also be where the sentencing hearing is held.
If you are convicted, you have the right to appeal. Your appeal would be heard by the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals. The Eighth Circuit has jurisdiction over all of Nebraska, as well as the states of:
- Minnesota
- North Dakota
- South Dakota
- Iowa
- Missouri
- Arkansas
There are two branches of the Eighth Circuit. They are located in:
- St. Louis, Missouri, in the Thomas F. Eagleton Courthouse at 111 South 10th Street
- St. Paul, Minnesota, in the Federal Court Building at 316 North Robert Street
Because your appeal will not retry your case and will instead be decided based on your appellate team’s legal briefs and potentially an oral argument, your physical presence at either of these distant courthouses may not be necessary.
Should your appeal to the Eighth Circuit not resolve your case, you can petition for them to rehear it or ask the U.S. Supreme Court to review it.
Find the Answers to Your White-Collar Crime Questions
Are These Cases Heard in Civil or Criminal Court?
White-collar crimes are criminal cases, but many investigations for these offenses begin as civil or administrative procedures. As these non-criminal investigations uncover information suggesting illegal activity, the evidence can be passed on to law enforcement agencies, such as the Department of Justice, for further analysis. Often, this can result in criminal charges, even though the investigation began as a civil case. To prevent this escalation in your case, you will want to have a skilled defense team in place. At Oberheiden P.C., our legal team will review your case thoroughly, defending and protecting you from criminal and civil liabilities.
Does the Federal Government Aggressively Pursue These Cases?
Unfortunately, the general public has a misconception that those convicted of white-collar crimes “get off easy” with a light sentence. However, prosecutors have always taken allegations of white-collar crime very seriously, leading them to seek the highest penalties under the law, including a federal prison sentence. For that reason, it is important for those accused of white-collar criminal activity to hire veteran and skilled federal criminal defense attorneys. The attorneys at Oberheiden P.C. are experienced in negotiating with federal prosecutors or litigating a case in the courtroom. With that background, we can often prevent the most severe consequences. When it comes to your case, hiring the right federal criminal defense attorney can make all the difference in the outcome.
Will Taking a Plea Agreement Work in My Favor?
Plea agreements are a common occurrence in federal criminal cases, but it’s important to note that entering a guilty plea is not always the best option. Even in cases where you are open to a plea agreement, take the time to consult with an experienced federal criminal defense attorney before discussing the case with the prosecutor. At Oberheiden P.C., we thoroughly review the case to identify any weaknesses that may be present. You may have a good chance of beating the case at trial, depending on the specific circumstances.
Even if you are still unsure about the uncertainty of a trial, our skilled federal criminal defense attorneys can negotiate with prosecutors to get a favorable outcome in your case. You want to have a law firm with the knowledge and experience to evaluate the case. In turn, you can weigh the options for each decision, including the potential risks and benefits.
What Triggers a Federal Investigation?
White-collar criminal investigations can originate from various sources. Whistleblowers, such as ex-employees or clients, may report suspicious activity to law enforcement agencies, leading to an investigation. Information in tax returns, public filings, or statements may also raise suspicions and initiate an investigation. Knowing how an investigation can begin and taking appropriate steps to protect yourself is important. If you are the subject of an inquiry, contact the legal team at Oberheiden P.C.
Should I Contact Federal Investigators?
Regarding a potential white-collar criminal investigation, exercise caution when interacting with federal agents. Speaking with them can inadvertently give them crucial information they can use to build their case against you. Typically, federal agents will not initiate contact with the subject of their investigation as it allows that individual to gather information from potential witnesses or tamper with evidence. If federal agents approach you, they want additional information so that they can close the investigation and bring charges against you.
The attorneys at Oberheiden P.C. have the knowledge and experience necessary to guide you through the legal process. They understand the severe consequences of a white-collar criminal investigation and are committed to providing you with the best possible outcome. If you face a white-collar criminal investigation, schedule a free consultation with our law firm. We will provide you with the guidance needed to navigate this difficult situation.
Effective White-Collar Criminal Defense at Oberheiden P.C.
If you are facing charges for a white-collar offense or believe you are under investigation for one, it is essential to seek legal representation in Omaha, Nebraska. The attorneys at Oberheiden P.C. are experienced in defending clients facing criminal charges or civil allegations. Contact our defense team by calling 402-523-2124 or by reaching out to us online. Don’t wait. Protect your rights and future by contacting us today.