Ft. Lauderdale Federal Criminal Defense Attorneys
Ft. Lauderdale Federal Criminal Defense Team Lead
Former Deputy Chief, Appellate Division
From New River to Cypress Creek and Osborne Reef, federal authorities are targeting individuals and businesses throughout Ft. Lauderdale in high-stakes investigations. Whether you are under investigation or have been formally accused of a federal crime or federal crimes, you deserve a strong and experienced federal criminal law defense. Oberheiden, P.C., is a federal criminal law firm with a national presence and a robust record of results. Our firm offers 100+ years of combined experience in federal law, including several former U.S. prosecutors who left the federal government to become private defense lawyers instead. While the majority of our business is handled via Zoom, Phone and Email, we are available by appointment only at the following location in Fort Lauderdale:
Are You Being Investigated by the FBI, OIG, IRS, or DEA in Ft. Lauderdale?
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There are extreme risks posed by a federal investigation, no matter which federal agencies are involved. The penalties for many white-collar crime felonies include substantial fines (often impossible to pay) and/or years in prison (decades in many cases), not to mention the loss of professional licenses and the basic rights of U.S. citizenship. Everything you do from this point forward matters. Choosing the right firm can make all the difference. At Oberheiden, P.C., we set our sights on avoiding criminal charges or getting them dismissed. We have a reputation for intervening in investigations while they’re still underway, even in the very early stages, and making a difference. We also offer an Emergency Defense Package for urgent legal crises that arise unexpectedly. Here’s what we promise as Ft. Lauderdale federal criminal defense attorneys for the people and businesses of Fort Lauderdale, Florida:
- We fight to Avoid Charges in Every Case. The earlier we can engage the FBI, DEA, IRS, or OIG, the better. If the government has not filed charges against you yet, there is still a clear opportunity for avoiding charges altogether. As a matter of fact, at Oberheiden, P.C., our Ft. Lauderdale federal attorneys have resolved the overwhelming majority of our clients’ cases with zero charges filed. Avoiding charges is always the best outcome, and it is always our goal.
- We Rely on Extensive Federal Experience to Execute Strong Defense Strategies. Criminal defense hinges on insight and strategy. Insight comes from experience. We have the benefit of insight on both sides of the federal equation, thanks to the veteran experience of Oberheiden, P.C.’s former federal prosecutors. We put their insight to work for you.
- We Help Our Clients Make Confident and Informed Decisions. If you are being targeted by the FBI, DEA, IRS, OIG, or law enforcement officers from another federal agency in Fort Lauderdale, you may have important questions that you can’t easily ask anyone else. For example: “How should I prepare my staff for the possibility of a federal raid in our office?”, “What if I know of evidence that could incriminate me?”, “What should I be doing (or not doing)right now to protect my interests?”, “What if I think I’m guilty?” Our Ft. Lauderdale federal criminal defense lawyers are here to answer your questions with shrewd, informed, and confidential guidance.
- We Focus on the Unique Aspects of Each Individual Case. At the beginning of any legal crisis, we focus on getting to the heart of the situation. It’s essential that we understand every element of the case as well as every fact that might be of interest to the government. Our federal defense lawyers ask the right questions from day one, always with an eye toward the small details that can make a decisive difference.
- We Never Give In. Rather than rushing into the easiest plea bargain or settlement, we set our sights on a better future for our clients: going home free and clear with zero charges filed on federal court. While we can’t guarantee a specific outcome in advance, our philosophy for criminal defense is an aggressive one. We put a foot on the pedal and press down hard, refusing to ease off the gas until our clients are cleared.
Put our highly experienced team on your side
Dr. Nick Oberheiden
Founder
Attorney-at-Law
Lynette S. Byrd
Former DOJ Trial Attorney
Partner
Brian J. Kuester
Former U.S. Attorney
Hon. Kevin McCarthy
55th Speaker, U.S. House of Representatives (ret.)
Government Consultant
Mike Pompeo
Of Counsel
Former U.S. Secretary of State
John W. Sellers
Former Senior DOJ Trial Attorney
Linda Julin McNamara
Federal Appeals Attorney
Nicholas B. Johnson
Former Prosecutor
Roger Bach
Former Special Agent (DOJ)
Chris J. Quick
Former Special Agent (FBI & IRS-CI)
Michael S. Koslow
Former Supervisory Special Agent (DOD-OIG)
Ray Yuen
Former Supervisory Special Agent (FBI)
Why Am I Being Targeted by the…
…Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)?
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is the United States government’s primary law enforcement agency. If you are being targeted by the FBI in Ft. Lauderdale, you should know that the FBI can be involved in virtually any investigation involving a federal offense. However, it is most interested in the primary areas of investigation assigned to the Bureau. These include: computer crimes, internet crimes, terrorism, public corruption, bribery, organized crime, federal conspiracies, and drug crimes.
…Office of Inspector General (OIG)?
The Office of Inspector General serves as the law enforcement arm of the national Department of Health & Human Services (HHS). Most HHS – OIG investigations and federal criminal prosecutions pertain to allegations of healthcare fraud targeting a federal benefits program. Because it is part of the Miami metro, Ft. Lauderdale is home to a large number of Medicare & Medicaid recipients. So if your practice submits claims for payment to these or other federal healthcare programs, you should proceed very cautiously and under an attorney’s guidance.
…Internal Revenue Service (IRS)?
The Internal Revenue Service is the nation’s tax collection agency, but it also serves as the designated law enforcement agency for most tax-related crimes. Accordingly, IRS investigations usually pertain to a violation of the Internal Revenue Code (IRC). Many such violations are criminal in nature, such as intentionally underpaying taxes or underreporting income. However, the IRS also assists the FBI and other such agencies in a broader range of tax-related criminal investigations.
…Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)?
The DEA is the agency chiefly responsible for regulating and enforcing the U.S. Controlled Substances Act (CSA) that governs the possession and distribution of drugs in this country – both medications and illicit “street” substances. Accordingly, DEA investigations in Ft. Lauderdale might be aimed at healthcare providers suspected of drug diversion, at high-level professionals suspected of possessing a large quantity of illegal drugs or playing some small role in a drug conspiracy, or at drug dealers accused of pushing illegal drugs.
Q&A with a Federal Defense Attorney
Q: Am I really guilty of a federal crime?
Never assume you’re guilty – even if you believe you committed an illegal act. Federal laws are much more complex than you might realize. Federal criminal statutes typically require multiple elements of proof. To convict you, the government must have proof beyond a reasonable doubt on each element. If we can challenge even one element beyond a reasonable doubt, it means you are not legally guilty of that crime. Too many people have panicked and assumed that, because they feel guilty, they are guilty. Don’t let your emotions mislead you. Federal agents will pounce on your fear and use it as a tactic, pressuring or intimidating you into acting against your own interests. The fact that you are still under investigation means the federal government has not yet collected enough evidence to file charges. I assure you, they aren’t simply waiting around for your benefit. There are still meaningful opportunities to defend you and put this nightmare to rest without charges getting filed.
Q: Can your firm represent me in Ft. Lauderdale, FL?
Yes. We maintain a national presence, and our attorneys are able to represent clients nationwide. We have represented clients in 48 states and counting, including Florida. We can conduct an initial case review over the phone. After that, our Ft. Lauderdale federal criminal defense attorneys are available to travel to Fort Lauderdale at a moment’s notice.
Q: Why are there so many federal investigations in Ft. Lauderdale?
The FBI, DEA, HHS – OIG, and IRS are all very active in Ft. Lauderdale. This reflects the large population, the heavy concentration of medium and large-sized corporations, and the proximity to Miami, which has become one of the country’s key metros. Miami is one of the nine U.S. cities with a designated Medicare Fraud Strike Force, for example, meaning healthcare fraud cases are popping up all over Ft. Lauderdale. But that’s just one example. Agents are actively investigating all manner of federal criminality throughout Ft. Lauderdale and Broward County.
Speak with Ft. Lauderdale Federal Criminal Defense Attorney about Your FBI, IRS, DEA, or OIG Investigation
Oberheiden, P.C.’s Ft. Lauderdale federal criminal defense lawyer has significant experience in high-stakes federal investigations. If your business, practice, or reputation is at risk, we can use our experience on both sides of FBI, OIG, IRS, and DEA investigations to develop a narrowly tailored strategy. Our one and only goal is to protect you. That means keeping you in business, out of prison, and away from the financial destruction that a federal criminal conviction could bring. For more information and legal advice relevant to the specifics of your investigation in Ft. Lauderdale, please set up a free and confidential case assessment with our criminal defense law firm, right away. Simply call 888-680-1745 or tell us how we can help online now.
