High-Quality Federal Legal Representation in Central Florida
Orlando White-Collar Defense Team Lead
Former Deputy Chief, Appellate Division
Orlando, Florida, is well-known as the Theme Park Capital of the World. While the city attracts many visitors from around the globe, the local business owners, healthcare providers, and corporations need to be mindful of their actions in their hometown. As part of the growing Central Florida region, Orlando is also home to many of the largest federal law enforcement agencies, all looking for any signs of individuals or companies engaging in wrongdoing that may potentially defraud residents and visitors to the city.
A federal investigation into your life or company can have devastating consequences. Additionally, a criminal conviction would also have a negative impact on your personal and professional reputation.
At Oberheiden P.C., our experienced attorneys are dedicated to representing individuals and businesses in white-collar investigations and cases. Our team has been directly involved in handling thousands of cases concerning white-collar offenses. We will thoroughly assess your situation from all angles, taking into account the unique circumstances and facts of the case.
If facing a federal investigation, you need to act quickly to protect yourself and your business. Contact the white-collar criminal defense lawyers at Oberheiden P.C. for a free case consultation.
Thousands of Clients Have Trusted Oberheiden P.C.
Oberheiden P.C. has earned the trust of thousands of clients over the years, making our law firm the top choice for individuals and businesses needing criminal defense legal services. One of the reasons why clients choose Oberheiden P.C. is because they will work directly with our senior attorneys who have extensive experience in the field.
Another reason why clients choose Oberheiden P.C. is because of our extensive knowledge of the government’s playbook. Many of our attorneys are former federal prosecutors. They have an inside understanding of the tricks and strategies of the prosecutorial side. With that, we have a distinct advantage as we prepare a defense for you.
Along with that, we have a team of former federal law enforcement agents who use their experience in business investigations and cyber forensics to uncover all the facts and details that could make a significant difference in a case. With our years of experience challenging the government, our attorneys have won over 2,000 successful cases.
If you are facing a white-collar criminal investigation or indictment, Oberheiden P.C. is here to help. Schedule a consultation to develop a course of action to protect your reputation, livelihood, and freedom.
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)
We Focus on Federal White-Collar Defense
At Oberheiden P.C., we focus our defense practice on federal offenses, particularly white-collar crimes.
Defending a criminal allegation in federal court is different that defending a similar allegation in state court.
For one thing, if federal law enforcement agencies exercise their jurisdiction to pursue criminal charges, you will be facing agencies that are multiple times larger than the local district attorneys’ office or even the Florida Attorney General. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is massive and frequently has help from other federal agencies, such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), or the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), depending on the allegations.
It also means that your case will be processed in the federal criminal justice system. In Orlando, from your arraignment through your trial, you will be in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida, like in the George C. Young Federal Annex Courthouse at 401 West Central Boulevard, Orlando, Florida. Throughout this process, our trial attorneys will advocate aggressively on your behalf.
Even if your trial ends with your conviction, our legal representation will continue to fight for your rights and interests during the sentencing hearing in the district court and during your appeal, which will be heard by the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals.
Potential Issues Found in White-Collar Cases
Federal criminal cases can face various issues in the Middle District of Florida. With these potential problems, you will want to find skilled federal white-collar lawyers to intervene on your behalf in Orlando. Timely action can mean the difference between avoiding charges and facing a conviction. Some common problems in federal criminal trials include:
Illegally Obtained Evidence
Federal agents and prosecutors must not violate the constitutional rights of suspects and defendants. If they do that, evidence collected from the violation may be considered illegally obtained. That evidence is inadmissible in federal court, but the defendant’s legal team has the burden of proving that it should be excluded. Without experienced defense lawyers, many people have been convicted using inadmissible evidence.
Conspiracy Accusations
You can face fines and imprisonment without committing a substantive offense under the current federal conspiracy statutes. If a prosecutor argues that you were part of an agreement to commit a crime, and someone executed an “overt act,” it can result in prosecution in federal district court.
Attempt Accusations
Under federal law, individuals can face attempt charges even if there’s no evidence of a completed crime. In the federal court system, these attempt charges carry the same penalties as the attempted crime.
Federal law imposes severe penalties for acts concerning specific criminal conduct, resulting in defendants facing multiple charges for related and unrelated crimes.
Confidential Informant or Co-Conspirator Testimony
In federal criminal cases, federal prosecutors can obtain testimony from a confidential informant or co-conspirator, which can hurt the defendant’s case.
Sentencing Guidelines
While Federal Sentencing Guidelines are not binding in all cases, prosecutors and judges often rely on them to determine penalties in the event of a conviction.
How Oberheiden P.C. Can Help
When you choose Oberheiden P.C. to defend you in your federal criminal case, you will work with a highly experienced team. Our federal defense attorneys have extensive experience protecting criminal suspects and invoking their rights, including prior experience working in the federal government where they learned first-hand how prosecutors pursue white-collar offenses.
Once you retain our services, we will promptly intervene in the case to assess your potential exposure and craft a customized defense strategy. We understand that federal criminal cases can move quickly, and you need prompt intervention to present an effective defense.
Our team will use their broad legal knowledge to your advantage. We will craft a proactive defense strategy focused on overcoming the government’s allegations depending on the specific factual and legal circumstances at hand.
Our team will be thoroughly prepared and equipped to defend you at each federal prosecutorial process stage. Whether it is through utilizing safe harbors, statutory defenses, or constitutional protections, we will work diligently to reduce the possibility of a conviction.
At Oberheiden P.C., we handle a wide range of cases, including:
- Anti-Money Laundering
- Antitrust Violations
- Bank and Check Fraud
- Computer and Intellectual Property Crimes
- Embezzlement
- Environmental Violations and Compliance
- Export/Import Violations
- Forgery
- Healthcare Fraud (including Medicare Fraud)
- Mail and Wire Fraud
- Money Laundering
- Mortgage Fraud
- Securities fraud
- Tax Evasion
White-Collar Criminal Defense Questions
How Do Federal White-Collar Charges Differ from State Cases?
Federal and state criminal proceedings differ significantly in terms of their agencies, laws, and court rules. In a federal criminal matter, the entire prosecutorial process is very different from a state criminal court case.
Remember that the stakes are much higher in federal criminal cases compared to state criminal matters. Federal charges often carry more severe penalties, including longer prison sentences and larger fines. All those penalties can have a profound impact on a person’s life. Additionally, the penalties for federal crimes may be accompanied by a loss of certain rights, including the right to vote or own firearms. In short, being charged with a federal crime is a very serious matter. For that reason, it is crucial to have the experienced team of Oberheiden P.C. to handle your case.
What Is a Criminal Complaint?
A criminal complaint is a legal document filed by federal prosecutors that details the allegations of criminal conduct committed by a suspect. This document serves as the formal initiation of a federal criminal case. Once you have been served with it, federal law enforcement agents have the authority to arrest you. After that, federal prosecutors have 30 days to present their case to a grand jury and seek an indictment.
Historically, criminal complaints were only used in traditional violent crime and high-risk cases. However, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has started using criminal complaints even in white-collar crime cases. If you know that there is a criminal complaint against you or your business, you need to contact the legal team at Oberheiden P.C.
Can I Resolve the Case Without Heading to Trial?
If you have been charged with a white-collar crime at the federal level, it is possible to resolve your case without going to trial by negotiating a plea bargain with the federal prosecutor. Most federal prosecutors are open to plea negotiations. Sometimes, your chances of being convicted at trial are high, and it is beneficial to consider negotiating a plea. If you want to make an informed decision about your defense strategy, reach out to a seasoned federal criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. Our attorneys will help you understand your options for your unique situation.
What Are Some Case Results from Oberheiden P.C.?
At Oberheiden P.C., we have a track record of success in defending clients against federal criminal charges. Here are three examples of our recent achievements:
- In a case involving allegations of Medicare fraud, we represented a client who was under investigation by the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Despite the allegations’ severity, we successfully negotiated with the DOJ’s attorneys and ultimately closed the investigation without any charges being filed.
- Another client came to us facing a criminal Medicare fraud investigation involving multiple federal agencies. Despite the extensive federal resources and manpower dedicated to the case, our team demonstrated that our client was not involved in any criminal conduct, avoiding criminal charges and civil liability. The investigation was closed without any charges being filed.
- In a complex healthcare fraud case, our client faced the possibility of long-term incarceration after being indicted. However, through the skillful negotiations of Dr. Nick Oberheiden, we were able to convince the presiding federal judge to sentence our client to probation.
These are just a few examples of the successful outcomes we have achieved for our clients in federal criminal defense matters. Find out how we can help your case.
Experienced Federal White-Collar Legal Assistance in Orlando, Florida
No matter your circumstances, we invite you to schedule a free and confidential evaluation of your case. Our dedicated defense team is available to provide you with the legal support you need for any white-collar offense. Call us at 888-680-1745 to speak with one of our knowledgeable attorneys or request an appointment through our online form.
