New Orleans Federal Criminal Defense Lawyers
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.
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If you have recently discovered that you are being targeted for federal prosecution, you need to take appropriate measures to protect yourself immediately. 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, but at the same time, you need to make sure that any potentially-relevant documents (such as account ledgers or billing records) are preserved. You need to defend yourself effectively, but you also need to avoid being overly cooperative and putting yourself at risk for conviction. In other words, there are steps you need to take and mistakes you need to avoid, and to prevent yourself from facing drastic – and unnecessary – consequences, you need to engage a team of highly-experienced New Orleans federal criminal defense attorneys as soon as possible.
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, and together our attorneys have handled thousands of investigations, 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). As a result, we understand federal criminal cases from all angles, and we are able to use this experience to our clients’ advantage.
Criminal Defense Attorneys for Investigations, Grand Jury Proceedings, and Trials in New Orleans, Louisiana
In our federal criminal defense practice, we represent clients facing allegations ranging 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 includes defending clients in federal criminal 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
In many cases, federal prosecutors will pursue multiple counts of multiple charges; and, even when there is no evidence to prove that an alleged crime has been committed, this does not necessarily mean that the U.S. Attorney’s Office will back down. The federal attempt and conspiracy statutes are extraordinarily broad, and defendants in federal criminal cases can face years of incarceration and substantial fines even in cases where they were only tangentially involved in an alleged attempt to commit a federal crime.
Seven Stages of Criminal Defense Representation
When facing federal criminal allegations, there are several potential options for resolving your case favorably – assuming 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 circumstances of each client’s case, and this includes tailoring or representation to the specific stage of our client’s investigation or prosecution.
1. Investigation
If the government’s investigation is still ongoing, we can intervene in the investigation and seek to resolve your case without criminal charges being filed. This could mean terminating the investigation entirely, or seeking to keep your case civil (rather than criminal) in nature. The most-appropriate strategy will depend upon the particular facts and circumstances involved, and we will 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, formal charges are filed through the grand jury process which, if “successful” for the prosecution, will result in an indictment. 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, including significant success preventing charges from being filed.
3. Pre-Trial
Being indicted does not necessarily mean preparing to go to trial. While many defense attorneys assume that it is not possible to have charges dismissed once a grand jury has issued an indictment, we know from experience that this is not the case. We have helped several clients avoid sentencing entirely through strategic and aggressive pre-trial practice; and, in appropriate cases, we have negotiated favorable plea deals for our clients.
4. Trial
If it does not appear that a favorable pre-trial resolution is on the table, our federal criminal defense team will prepare your case for trial. We will rigorously develop a comprehensive case strategy focused on challenging the government’s flaws and assumptions while presenting any available exculpatory evidence in a manner that is highly convincing to the jury. We will utilize strategies that we have tested and honed over experience in hundreds of federal criminal trials, and we will pursue every available opportunity to raise a reasonable doubt in the minds of the jury.
6. Sentencing
In federal criminal cases, sentencing is a separate proceeding that follows the trial on the merits. If you are convicted, in addition to immediately assessing and pursuing available grounds for appeal, we will also prepare for the sentencing stage of your trial. We will develop arguments that are compelling and legally sound, and we will help the court explore creative alternatives that minimize the burdens of your conviction.
7. Appeal
Following a 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 have grounds to seek post-conviction relief (which is both procedurally and substantively different from filing an appeal) as well. Once again, we will explore all options, and we will 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 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)
Five Reasons to Choose Oberheiden, P.C. in New Orleans, Louisiana
A federal conviction can mean substantial fines and long-term imprisonment; and, 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 that is 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, and we are committed to doing whatever it takes to serve our clients.- Our attorneys are highly experienced in federal criminal matters, including notable experience as federal prosecutors with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ).
- We strategize with our clients and among our senior attorneys to determine what we collectively believe is the most-effective way to secure a favorable result as quickly and discretely as possible.
- We focus our practice on federal litigation. Federal criminal practice is both highly unique and extraordinarily complicated, and it takes this 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?
Broadly speaking, 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 who are involved in these offenses since they are in a position of power or have access to certain information. Nevertheless, white collar prosecutions are also frequently brought against politicians, small business owners, and healthcare providers. If you face white collar criminal charges in federal court, reach out to an accredited New Orleans, Louisiana federal criminal defense attorney as soon as possible for assistance.
Q: What is a grand jury?
A grand jury is a group of citizens who hear a case presented by federal prosecutors and then 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 so the prosecutor controls all the evidence the grand jury considers. While federal prosecutors should present evidence that is favorable to the defense during a grand jury proceeding, there are very minimal ways to ensure this is the case. It’s no surprise that many grand juries end up finding probable cause that the target committed the offense. This, however, does not mean that the target is guilty; they are still presumed innocent and entitled to a trial. If you have been indicted by a grand jury, reach out to an experienced New Orleans federal criminal defense attorney immediately to discuss your possible defenses.
Q: What is a grand jury subpoena?
A subpoena is a judicially enforceable document that compels 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 show up at a particular time and place. If you are in receipt of a subpoena, it may mean that you are either under investigation for a federal crime or that you have relevant information pertaining to an open investigation. In any instance, you cannot afford to make any mistake. To ensure that your interests are protected, reach out to a Louisiana federal criminal defense attorney immediately.
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 government does not yet have the evidence it needs to convict you. The bad news is that federal agents are at your door. You need to be extremely careful, and you should consult with a New Orleans federal criminal defense attorney 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, and then they must convince a jury that 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 be in your interests eventually, deciding to negotiate (and deciding what type of deal you are willing to accept) is something that requires careful consideration. Our New Orleans federal criminal defense 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
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.
