North Dakota Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer

Facing charges for any federal crime is an extremely serious matter, and many federal offenses carry the potential for crippling fines and long-term imprisonment. If you are under investigation or facing charges in Fargo, Bismarck, or elsewhere in North Dakota, you need to speak with a federal defense lawyer as soon as possible.

When you are being targeted by the Department of Justice (DOJ), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Office of Inspector General (OIG), U.S. Attorney’s Office, or any another federal authority, everything you say and do has consequences. No matter what you believe about the truth or falsity of the allegations against you, you need to act smartly in order to avoid enhancing your risk of an indictment, conviction, and prison sentence in federal district court. Once you are in the government’s crosshairs, the agents and prosecutors who are after you will not stop until either (i) the court renders a decision, or (ii) you convince them that they have a significant chance of losing if they take your case to trial.

At Oberheiden, P.C., we bring notable federal experience and a proven record of success to defending clients in federal criminal matters. Our federal defense team represents clients in North Dakota and nationwide, and we have secured favorable results for our clients at every stage of the criminal justice process. Whether you are a politician accused of public corruption, a business owner accused of fraud, a high-net-worth individual accused of tax evasion, or anyone else accused of any other federal offense, we can help you, and we encourage you to contact our North Dakota federal criminal defense lawyers immediately at 888-680-1745 for a free and confidential consultation.

Federal Defense Attorneys for All Charges in North Dakota

By exclusively focusing our practice on federal defense, we have gained a nationwide reputation for defending clients in extremely high-stakes federal matters. We have handled thousands of investigations and hundreds of trials involving allegations such as:

• Attempt
• Conspiracy
• Bank Fraud
• Drug Crimes
• Healthcare Fraud
• Insurance Fraud
• Intellectual Property Theft
• Mail Fraud and Wire Fraud
• Money Laundering
• Mortgage Fraud
• Public Corruption and Bribery
• Securities Fraud
• Tax Evasion
• Theft of Government Property

Regardless of the allegations against you, prompt action is the key to a successful outcome, and our attorneys can begin working on your case immediately once you engage our firm to represent you.

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)

Understanding the Three Stages of Federal Criminal Prosecution

Federal criminal prosecutions generally follow a three-stage process: (i) investigation, (ii) grand jury, and (iii) trial. Each stage calls for a different defense strategy; and, at Oberheiden, P.C., we are highly-experienced in representing clients at all three stages of the process.

1. Federal Investigation

There are various factors that can trigger a federal investigation. From whistleblowers and confidential informants (CIs) to automated review of government billing records and random tax audits, if you are being targeted by federal authorities, there could be any of a number of reasons why. If you engage our firm while your investigation is ongoing (which you should do if it is not too late), we will promptly intervene in the investigation to determine:

• Why are you under investigation?
• What are the allegations against you?
• What federal agencies are involved?
• How close are federal prosecutors to seeking an indictment?

2. Grand Jury Subpoena

In order to file charges in federal district court, prosecutors from the DOJ or the U.S. Attorney’s Office must first obtain a grand jury indictment. An indictment establishes “probable cause” to pursue charges – a standard that is much lower than the criminal trial standard of guilt “beyond a reasonable doubt.” Due to this fact (and the fact that targets of federal investigations are not entitled to legal representation in front of the grand jury), it is absolutely essential to be fully prepared when you appear in court to testify in front of the grand jury.

3. Criminal Trial

Following an indictment, the next formal stage of the federal criminal prosecution process is trial. However, prior to trial, our attorneys will be working diligently to try to secure a favorable outcome without the need to take your case to court. If possible, we will seek to have your indictment dismissed or negotiate a favorable plea deal that keeps you out of prison; and, if necessary, we will be fully-prepared to fight for your freedom in the United States District Court for the District of North Dakota.

What to Do After a Federal Arrest in North Dakota: Dos and Don’ts

When you are facing the prospect of a federal conviction, taking appropriate steps and avoiding critical mistakes are equally important. Here are some tips for protecting yourself from the federal criminal defense attorneys at Oberheiden, P.C.:

DO: Speak with a Federal Defense Attorney Immediately

Whether you have just discovered that you are the target of a federal investigation, you have been served with a grand jury subpoena, or you are awaiting trial on federal criminal charges, you need to seek legal representation immediately. With everything that is at stake, and with federal prosecutors working relentlessly to convict you, you need to hire a defense team that is capable of turning the tables in your favor.

DON’T: Give a Statement or Answer Any Questions

During a federal investigation or a custodial interrogation, it is critical not to say anything that could be used against you. The best way to do this is to not say anything at all. Unless specifically advised otherwise by your attorneys, do not give any statements or answer any questions from federal agents, and do not talk to anyone else about the government’s investigation.

DO: Protect Your Constitutional Rights

As the target of a federal investigation or a defendant in federal court, you have important and unalienable constitutional rights. You should assert your privilege against self-incrimination and your right to legal counsel; and, if you believe that federal agents have conducted an unlawful search or seizure, you should discuss this with your defense team promptly.

DON’T: Cooperate with Federal Agents in Any Way

Many people mistakenly believe that it is in their best interests to cooperate during a federal investigation. They believe that if they cooperate, federal agents will cut them some slack, or federal prosecutors offer them a better deal. But, the reality is that any information you volunteer is going to be used against you; and, if you cooperate, you will most likely be putting yourself at greater risk for criminal prosecution.

DO: Start Working on Your Defense Immediately

If you are being targeted for federal prosecution, you need to begin working on your defense immediately. The longer you wait, the more time federal prosecutors will have to build their case uninterrupted, and the less opportunities you may have to favorably resolve your case without going in front of a jury in federal district court.

DON’T: Ruin Your Chances of Asserting a Successful Defense

Federal criminal cases are extraordinarily complex, and the system is in many ways set up to favor the prosecution. In order to protect yourself, you need to avoid mistakes that could make it more difficult (or prevent you) from asserting a successful defense. Our North Dakota federal criminal defense attorneys can explain everything you need to know, and we can help you make smart decisions while we fight to protect you against a conviction at trial.

5 Reasons to Choose Oberheiden, P.C. in North Dakota

One of the most important decisions you will make during your federal case is your choice of legal representation. Here are five reasons why clients in North Dakota and nationwide trust our federal criminal defense team:

1. Nationwide Reputation

We have a nationwide reputation borne out of thousands of successful outcomes and our attorneys’ consistent presence in the media. We have successfully defended clients in federal jurisdictions across the country, and our attorneys have appeared on radio and television programs in all 50 states.

2. We Focus 100% on Federal Cases

Unlike other defense firms, we focus 100% on federal cases. Fending off a federal investigation is very different from defending against petty theft or DUI charges in state court, and our attorneys focus all of their time on complex and high-stakes cases at the federal level.

3. More than 2,000 Investigations and Many Trials Handled

Our attorneys have remarkable legal experience, and they have handled more than 2,000 investigations and many trials.

4. Our Team Includes Several Former Federal Prosecutors

Several of our attorneys worked as trial attorneys and prosecutors for the DOJ and the U.S. Attorney’s Office prior to entering private practice.

5. Your Initial Consultation is Free and Confidential

Before you pay anything, you will have the opportunity to speak with one of our senior criminal defense lawyers one-on-one about your case. This attorney will answer your questions, discuss your next steps, and provide an initial assessment of the potential outcomes of your case.

Frequently Asked Questions About Federal Criminal Defense in North Dakota

Speak with a Senior Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer at Oberheiden, P.C.

To schedule your free initial consultation with one of our senior federal criminal defense lawyers, please call 888-680-1745 or contact us online. Our attorneys are available by phone 24/7, so contact us now to start building your defense today.

Available to serve Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks, Minot, West Fargo and other surrounding cities,

Other state pages can be found here.

Additional Pages for North Dakota

• North Dakota healthcare fraud defense
• North Dakota Medicare fraud defense