Peoria Federal Criminal Defense Attorneys
Decisive Peoria Federal Criminal Lawyers Ready to Fight for Your Rights

Peoria Federal Criminal Defense
Team Lead
Oberheiden, P.C. is a federal criminal and litigation defense firm that offers clients in Peoria, IL and surrounding communities vigorous and proven defense strategies to avoid, fight, and repeal federal charges. In light of the government’s increase of federal prosecutions for healthcare fraud, financial fraud, and drug trafficking, it is important to have a trusted Peoria federal criminal attorney by your side that has the experience and the track record of defending clients in federal cases.
Are You Accused of a Federal Criminal Conspiracy?
Were you recently arrested on federal charges? Or did you receive a federal grand jury subpoena, or a target letter? Are you concerned that federal law enforcement agencies are investigating you or your business in Peoria, IL? Are you looking for federal criminal defense lawyers that can find out what your status is and what exactly the government wants from you? Our Peoria, IL federal criminal defense attorneys routinely help clients repeal federal offenses.
If you live in the Peoria, Springfield, Urbana or Rock Island area of Illinois, you need to know that the Washington D.C. headquarters of the Department of Justice recently instructed federal prosecutors in Illinois to use all available resources to increment and expand federal grand jury and criminal prosecutions and to seek the maximum allowable sentence for federal law violations. A wave of arrests and raids has taken place since and if you are a victim of this new federal enforcement approach, you need a federal defense attorney to protect your livelihood and to defend your future.
About Oberheiden, P.C.
Unlike other law firms, Oberheiden, P.C. does not practice state law in Illinois. We are former Department of Justice Trial Attorneys, former Assistant and Special Assistant United States Attorneys, former federal prosecutors, and federal litigators. We offer clients 100 years combined of federal litigation experience throughout the federal court system. Our federal criminal law experience is broad and unique:
- Former Department of Justice Trial Attorneys
- Former Assistant United States Attorneys
- Former Federal Healthcare Fraud Prosecutors
- Experience of More than 2,000 Federal Cases
- Dismissed Federal Indictments
- Avoided Criminal Charges in the Majority of Federal Criminal Cases
- Handled More than 2,000 Grand Jury Subpoenas
Oberheiden, P.C. is a federal defense law firm, featured by Illinois and national media for its expertise concerning federal laws and constitutional law questions. Experienced federal defense attorneys have teamed up with former federal prosecutors to offer our clients in Peoria, IL significant government and litigation experience. Your case is too important to us, so you will not be represented or delegated to junior lawyers and paralegals. If you become our client in Peoria, IL, you will have immediate and direct access to former DOJ prosecutors and experienced litigators.
Important Information About Federal Cases in Peoria, Illinois
Call our experienced Peoria federal criminal defense lawyers today (including on weekends) if you are involved in a federal case or investigation from the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Peoria, Springfield, Urbana or Rock Island, Illinois. The more time you allow the government, the harder it becomes to intervene and defend.
Arrested? To obtain an arrest warrant, the government must convince a federal judge in Peoria, Springfield, Urbana or Rock Island that there is probable cause that you committed a federal offense or that you helped someone else to commit an offense. What typically happens is that the investigating agents (e.g. from the DEA, FBI, IRS etc.) have spent several months, if not years, on a case, interviewed people, and collected information that, together, amounted to probable cause. There are two things to remember when an arrest happens. First, an arrest is not a sign or indication that you are guilty. Second, to challenge the government and to make sure that the government will not be able to meet its burden of proof, you need to immediately engage Peoria federal criminal defense lawyers that know how to work the federal justice system.
Search Warrant (Residence & Business).Search warrants from federal agencies sometimes occur simultaneously with an arrest warrant. Other times, the government conducts a search of your premises in hopes to find the piece of information (e.g. the file on your computer, the phone with the message on it etc.) that will lead to the issuance of a subsequent arrest warrant. You will not be able to stop the execution of the warrant, but you can and should immediately get ready to prepare your defense. Your Peoria federal attorney at Oberheiden, P.C. can guide you, protect your interests, and intervene in the investigation. Call us as soon as possible and we will take control of your situation.
Grand Jury Subpoena. Purpose of the grand jury is to determine whether or not to charge someone with a crime. In order for the grand jury to decide whether to indict (i.e. formally charge) someone, the grand jury needs information. Information typically comes from witnesses that are requested to testify or documents. Both witnesses and documents are requested in form of a grand jury subpoena ordering the recipient to appear as a witness and/or to produce specified documents. The risk with grand jury subpoenas is that an unprepared testimony or a mishandled production of documents can easily turn potential witnesses into targets. So, get professional federal criminal defense advice to make sure you and your business are not getting too close to the fire. As federal prosecutors and as defense counsel, the Peoria defense attorneys at Oberheiden, P.C. have handled in excess of 2,000 grand jury proceedings. We know how quickly a mishandled response can result in criminal prosecution.
Call our Peoria federal criminal defense attorneys now to get a free and confidential case assessment, including on weekends. If you are in a situation of concern or investigation, you should not hesitate to reach out to our federal defense lawyers at Oberheiden, P.C.
Why Clients Trust Oberheiden, P.C.
1. Federal Trial Lawyers
Federal litigation and federal criminal defense work in Peoria, IL are fundamentally different than practicing state law. In our opinion, it is inconsistent to handle a shoplifting case on Monday and to negotiate with the U.S. Secret Service regarding federal currency offenses on Tuesday. Similarly, conducting a two-hour “trial” on a drunk driving case is not quite the same as leading a defense team in a complex healthcare fraud conspiracy or racketeering operations. Those looking for a Peoria federal criminal defense attorney to defend against federal offenses or potential charges should focus their interview questions on the following criteria:
- How Many Federal Investigations Have You Handled Before?
- What Percentage of Your Practice Is Dedicated to Federal Law?
- How Many Federal Criminal Trials Have You Handled Before?
It doesn’t help you to be your lawyer’s experiment. Too much is on the line in federal cases to make a wrong choice and potentially put your life into the wrong hands. Clients come to our Peoria federal criminal defense lawyers at Oberheiden, P.C. because they know that our answers to the above questions demonstrate our proven track record as a federal defense and trial firm. Federal cases are all we do. More so, we analyze every single case with the view of taking the case to trial, not to surrendering in a plea agreement. Only this trial perspective allows us to be effective advisors for our clients. In our opinion, this critical case assessment resulting in reliable advice is one of the key features of Oberheiden, P.C..
2. Our Federal Criminal Defense Results
With experience comes results. Just like a doctor’s surgery performance improves over the years, our focus on federal criminal defense work in Peoria has allowed us to build a case outcome track record for federal investigations that is (if at all) hard to beat.
We have avoided criminal charges in a plethora of cases, we have turned criminal investigations into civil fines, and we have obtained results in federal hearings and federal litigation matters, dismissed indictments, obtained acquittals in federal trials, and we have saved many good people from being incarcerated.
3. Our Team
Oberheiden, P.C. does not use associates, paralegals, or legal secretaries. We will not delegate your case to a junior lawyer and you will immediately get our direct phone numbers so that you can contact us whenever you have a pressing question. But, see for yourself:
“Relentless”
“It is very clear to me that Nick Oberheiden has a deep understanding of health law issues. [He] has been instrumental in managing and resolving many difficult legal matters [and] is always relentlessly focused on the critical issues that matter most. Nick is very dedicated and . . . displays a high degree of professionalism. I would not hesitate in recommending Nick for the most important of legal matters.” – Satisfied Client
[“Excellent!”]
“I hired Nick Oberheiden and Oberheiden, P.C. to defend me in a criminal healthcare matter. From the first moment I met with Nick[,] my wife and I knew that he [would provide] the help I need[ed]. And yes, Nick got me out of trouble. No charges. Case Dismissed.” – Satisfied Client
Frequently Asked Questions About Federal Criminal Defense in Peoria, Illinois
What should I do if the FBI shows up at my house?
If the FBI shows up at your house, what you should do depends on the reason for their visit. If they are casually stopping by to ask you questions about an investigation, you do not need to talk to them. In fact, it’s best not to because anything you tell FBI agents can be used against you, even if they tell you they are not investigating you for a crime. On the other hand, if FBI agents come by with a warrant, they have a right to enter your home or business to conduct a search. If they find any evidence they believe is relevant evidence to their investigation, they will take it. While not every search is valid, there is little you can do in the moment to prevent even an illegal search. Instead, reach out to a dedicated Peoria, Illinois federal criminal defense attorney to discuss your options and how best to proceed.
What is a grand jury subpoena?
Generally speaking, a subpoena is a judicially enforceable document requiring a person either produce the requested evidence or appear in person. Grand jury subpoenas are usually issued by the Department of Justice in relation to an open investigation into a federal crime. If you received a grand jury subpoena, it means the federal government thinks you have evidence that is relevant to their investigation. While this does not necessarily mean you are a suspect, that possibility cannot be ruled out. Your best course of action after receiving a grand jury subpoena is to reach out to a knowledgeable Illinois federal criminal defense attorney. An attorney can review the subpoena with you, discuss your options, and help you effectively navigate the situation.
What types of crimes does the federal government investigate?
The federal government investigates all federal crimes including drug crime, white collar crime and healthcare fraud. Many federal crimes have state-crime equivalents, for example, most white collar crime is a violation of both state and federal law. Typically, state prosecutors will defer to federal prosecutors when deciding whether charges will be filed in state or federal court. Federal prosecutors are more likely to get involved in those cases that are more serious, more well-known, or more complex. Additionally, some crimes are always brought by federal prosecutions, such as violations of federal statutes. If you face federal charges, the situation is very serious. Contact an experienced Peoria federal criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.
What is at stake in a federal prosecution?
Federal crimes vary in seriousness; however, generally speaking, they are very serious. Punishment after a conviction for a federal crime usually involves jail time, probation, and significant fines. You can also face professional consequences, such as the revocation of a medical or legal license. Most federal prosecutors will not bother bringing minor charges against an individual, and will let state prosecutors handle the case. If you are facing allegations of a federal crime, do not delay in contacting a Peoria, IL federal criminal defense attorney to discuss your case.
Contact Our Skilled Peoria Federal Criminal Defense Lawyers Today
The Peoria, IL federal criminal defense lawyers of Oberheiden, P.C. are now available to discuss your case. Find out how experienced prosecutors and defense attorneys in Peoria, IL assess your case and what recommendations they offer once they learn the facts of the case from you. Calls are free and confidential. Contact us today!