New Orleans Federal Criminal Defense Lawyers
New Orleans Federal Criminal Defense
Team Lead
Contact Nick3014 Dauphine Street Suite 100
New Orleans, LA 70117
888-680-1745
Our nationally-recognized criminal defense attorneys and former federal prosecutors are available to represent clients in New Orleans. Call 888-680-1745 now for a free and confidential consultation.
If you discover you are targeted for federal prosecution, you must take appropriate measures to protect yourself. You need to make sure you avoid disclosing information the U.S. Attorney’s Office could use against you unless legally compelled to do so. At the same time, make sure that any potentially-relevant documents, such as account ledgers or billing records, are preserved. Defend yourself effectively, but avoid being overly cooperative, putting yourself at risk for conviction. There are steps you need to take and mistakes you need to avoid. You must prevent yourself from facing drastic, and needless, consequences. Engage a team of highly-experienced New Orleans criminal defense attorneys as soon as possible.
Click image
to see larger version.
At Oberheiden, P.C., we offer unwavering defense representation backed by a long history of proven results. We focus our practice on federal criminal defense. Our attorneys have handled thousands of criminal investigation processes, grand jury proceedings, and criminal trials in New Orleans, throughout Louisiana, and nationwide. This includes experience not only as defense attorneys, but also as senior prosecutors with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). We understand federal criminal cases from all angles, and we use this experience to our clients’ advantage.
New Orleans Federal Criminal Defense Attorneys for Investigations, Grand Jury Proceedings, and Trials
In our federal criminal defense practice, we represent clients facing allegations from the distribution of controlled substances to tax evasion and white-collar fraud. Our clients include:
- Healthcare providers,
- Licensed professionals,
- Company executives,
- Board members,
- Investment brokers and advisors,
- Politicians,
- Public figures,
- Shareholders,
- Partners,
- Limited liability company (LLC) members, and other individuals and organizations.
Our broad-based experience in criminal justice system includes defending clients in cases involving allegations of:
- Attempt
- Bank fraud
- Conspiracy
- Drug crimes (including prescription drug crimes)
- Healthcare fraud (including Medicare, Medicaid, and Tricare fraud)
- Insurance fraud
- Mail or wire fraud
- Mortgage fraud
- Money laundering
- Public corruption or bribery
- Securities fraud
- Tax fraud
- Other white-collar federal crimes
Often, federal prosecutors pursue multiple counts of multiple charges. We see this even when there is no evidence to prove that an alleged crime has been committed. But, this doesn’t mean that the U.S. Attorney’s Office will back down. Federal attempt and conspiracy statutes are very broad. Defendants in federal criminal cases may face years of incarceration and substantial fines. This can happen even in cases where they were only marginally involved.
Seven Stages of Criminal Defense Representation
With federal criminal allegations, there are several potential options for resolving your case favorably. This assumes you act quickly to give yourself as many opportunities as possible. At Oberheiden, P.C., our New Orleans federal criminal defense lawyers customize our defense strategies to the unique details of each client’s case. We tailor our representation to the specific stage of our client’s investigation or prosecution.
1. Investigation
If the government’s investigation is ongoing, we can intervene and seek to resolve your case without criminal charges filed. This could mean terminating the investigation entirely, or seeking to keep your case civil in nature. The most appropriate strategy depends on the particular facts and situations involved. We use our knowledge and experience to get up to speed on the prosecution’s case as quickly as possible.
2. Grand Jury
In federal criminal cases, charges are filed through the grand jury process. If successful for the prosecution, an indictment results. While a grand jury proceeding can be risky, it also presents a new opportunity to convince the U.S. Attorney’s Office that your case is not worth pursuing. We have extensive experience representing clients in federal grand jury proceedings. And, we have significant success preventing charges from being filed.
3. Pre-Trial
Being indicted doesn’t mean going to trial. Many defense attorneys assume it’s not possible to have charges dismissed once a grand jury has issued an indictment. We know from experience this isn’t the case. We have helped several clients avoid sentencing entirely with an aggressive pre-trial strategy. In appropriate cases, we have negotiated favorable plea deals for our clients.
4. Trial
If it doesn’t appear that a favorable pre-trial resolution is on the table, our federal criminal defense team will prepare your case for trial. We rigorously develop an extensive case strategy focused on challenging the government’s case. At the same time, we present any exculpatory evidence in a manner that is convincing to the jury. We utilize strategies we have tested and honed over experience in hundreds of federal criminal trials. We will pursue every available occasion to raise a reasonable doubt in the minds of the jury.
6. Sentencing
In federal criminal cases, sentencing is a separate proceeding that follows a trial on the merits. If you are convicted, we pursue available grounds for appeal. At the same time, we prepare for the sentencing stage of your trial. We develop arguments that are compelling and legally sound. We help the court explore creative alternatives to minimize the burdens of your conviction.
7. Appeal
Following conviction in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana, the first stage of appeal involves challenging the outcome of your case in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. You may also have grounds to seek post-conviction relief. This is procedurally and substantively different from filing an appeal. Once again, we explore all options, and use our extensive background in federal criminal cases to continue fighting for a favorable result.
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)
Five Reasons to Choose Oberheiden, P.C. in New Orleans, Louisiana
A federal conviction can mean substantial fines and long-term imprisonment. For company owners, business executives, and licensed professionals, it can mean the end of your career. With so much at stake, you need to entrust your case to a defense team capable of protecting you to the greatest extent possible. Here are five reasons to choose Oberheiden, P.C. for your federal criminal case in New Orleans, Louisiana:
- Our results speak for themselves. We are known for our ability to protect clients in high-risk and high-profile cases. We are committed to doing whatever it takes to serve our clients.
- Our attorneys have real experience in federal criminal matters, including notable backgrounds as federal prosecutors with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ).
- We strategize with our clients to determine what we collectively believe is the most effective way to a favorable result as quickly and discretely as possible.
- We focus our practice on federal litigation. Federal criminal practice is both highly unique and complicated. It takes focus to stay ahead of the curve.
- Above all, clients place their trust in Oberheiden, P.C. because of our attorneys’ resolve. We are impassioned advocates for our clients, and we keep fighting no matter what.
FAQs: Facing Federal Criminal Charges in the Eastern District of Louisiana
Q: What constitutes white collar crime?
White collar crime refers to a number of financial crimes such as:
- Corporate fraud,
- Securities fraud,
- Investor fraud,
- Embezzlement,
- Money laundering, and similar offenses.
The term gets its name because “white collar” workers are usually the people involved in these offenses. They are more likely to be in a position of power or have access to certain information. White collar prosecutions are frequently brought against politicians, small business owners, and healthcare providers. If you face white collar criminal charges in federal court, contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible.
Q: What is a grand jury?
A grand jury is a group of citizens who hear a case presented by federal prosecutors. They determine if there is probable cause to indict the target of the investigation. Grand juries are carried out in secret––there is no judge or defense counsel present. The prosecutor controls all the evidence the grand jury considers. While federal prosecutors should present evidence favorable to the defense during a grand jury proceeding, there are very minimal ways to ensure this happens. It’s no surprise that many grand juries end up finding probable cause that the target committed the offense. However, this doesn’t mean the target is guilty. There is still a presumption of innocence and a right to a trial. If you are indicted by a grand jury, contact an experienced New Orleans federal criminal defense attorney to discuss your possible defenses.
Q: What is a grand jury subpoena?
A subpoena is a judicially enforceable document compelling a person to do something. Subpoenas are used by the Department of Justice (DOJ) when investigating federal crimes. Federal prosecutors can issue two types of subpoenas: (i) those demanding the production of evidence and (ii) those demanding a person be present at a particular time and place. If you receive a subpoena, it can mean you are under investigation for a federal crime, or you have relevant information pertaining to an open investigation. Either way, you cannot afford to make any mistakes. To ensure that your interests are protected, call a Louisiana federal criminal defense attorney promptly.
Q: What should I do if federal agents show up at my door?
If federal agents are raiding your home or business, the good news is that the federal government doesn’t yet have the evidence it needs to convict you. The bad news is that federal agents are at your door. You must be extremely careful, and you should consult with a New Orleans criminal defense lawyer immediately. Learn more: What Should I Do When FBI Agents Show Up at My House to Interview Me?
Q: Can you defend me if I am guilty?
Never, never assume that you are guilty of a federal crime. In order to convict you, prosecutors must file charges for a crime they can prove beyond a reasonable doubt. Then, they must convince a jury they have met this burden of proof in open court. There are several ways to fight criminal charges, even if innocence is not a viable defense. Learn more: What Is the Burden of Proof in Federal Criminal Cases?
Q: Should I try to negotiate a plea deal?
While negotiating a plea deal may ultimately be in your interests, deciding to negotiate (and deciding what type of deal you are willing to accept) is something that requires careful thought. Our New Orleans federal criminal attorneys can help you evaluate your options, if and when the time comes. Learn more: What Happens When I Accept a Plea Agreement?
Contact Us Now for a Free and Confidential Consultation With a New Orleans Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer
To discuss your case with a member of our federal criminal defense team, please call 888-680-1745 or contact us online. We will schedule your free initial consultation immediately, and if you decide to move forward we can arrange for you to meet with our New Orleans federal criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible.
