San Antonio Federal Criminal Defense Lawyers
Reputable San Antonio Federal Criminal Defense Attorneys Protecting Your Freedom, Future, and Reputation
21750 Hardy Oak Blvd Suite 102-189
San Antonio, TX 78258
210-908-5365
San Antonio is the seventh largest city in the United States and home to some of Texas’ best-known landmarks and historic buildings. San Antonio is also known for its heavy and aggressive federal law enforcement policies. If you are under investigation by the:
- Department of Justice (DOJ),
- Department of Defense (DOD),
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI),
- Internal Revenue Service (IRS),
- Department of Health and Human Services(DHHS),
- Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA),
- Office of Inspector General (OIC), or
- U.S. Attorneys’ Office in San Antonio, prompt action is necessary to avoid or defend possible charges.
San Antonio Federal Criminal Defense
Team Lead
Contact NickWhen targeted by federal agents or grand jury, the talent of your defense will impact your reputation and future. At Oberheiden, P.C., our nationally known team of former government attorneys possess extensive experience. Our work includes handling thousands of cases before grand juries and hundreds of trials. An investigation led by elite law enforcement agents and highly skilled federal prosecutors is daunting. The situation will be even worse because of harsh charging policies and heavy sentences under federal guidelines. Mandatory minimum sentences also limit the benefit of plea agreements.
Get the Former Federal Prosecutors and DOJ Trial Attorneys of Oberheiden, P.C. on Your Team
When targeted by federal agents or grand jury, the talent of your defense will impact your reputation and future. At Oberheiden, P.C., our nationally known team of former government attorneys possess extensive experience. Our work includes handling thousands of cases before grand juries and hundreds of trials. An investigation led by elite law enforcement agents and highly skilled federal prosecutors is daunting. The situation will be even worse because of harsh charging policies and heavy sentences under federal guidelines. Mandatory minimum sentences also limit the benefit of plea agreements.
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)
Exceptionally Challenging Criminal Cases Demand Exceptional Lawyers
Being the best DUI attorney or the best family lawyer in San Antonio says very little about experience in federal law. Negotiating resolutions with the FBI or litigating complex federal fraud and conspiracy cases are specialized skills.
When facing the prospect of civil or criminal liability in federal court, attorneys with detailed knowledge of federal law, litigation, and sentencing guidelines help tip the scale in an accused’s favor. Our lawyers don’t need to guess what plans the government has for your case. We have the benefit of insider knowledge because our criminal defense lawyers pursued many prosecutions during their time with the DOJ. Some of the reasons clients facing serious federal charges give for retaining our law firm include:
- Multiple attorneys with distinguished prior careers at the DOJ
- Successfully defended clients facing federal investigation or criminal charges in 25 states
- Tried many trials and supervised many others
- Obtained dismissal of federal indictments (that’s extremely rare)
- Attorneys frequently appear on radio and television broadcasts as experts in federal criminal trials, federal civil or criminal procedure, and evidentiary issues
- Written widely published books and articles regarding federal court and litigation issues
- Representation in more than 1000 federal cases
- Convinced federal judges to deviate from federal sentencing guidelines and even grant probation
Our Texas federal criminal defense lawyers are highly experienced as former federal prosecutors and successful defense attorneys in federal criminal cases. Our goal is to obtain the best outcome for our clients.
Changes in Federal Charging and Sentencing Policies Increase the Importance of Experienced Federal Criminal Defense Lawyers in San Antonio
The challenges of defending federal criminal cases cause many law firms to focus on state criminal issues. By contrast, Oberheiden, P.C. built its practice on providing defense in federal civil and criminal cases.
A shift in policy under President Trump from a more lenient approach of the U.S. DOJ under the Obama government made the threat of federal charges even more ominous. Attorney General Jeff Sessions implemented a new policy in mid-2017 that makes harsh federal sentencing even more oppressive.
The prior administration through then Attorney General Eric Holder adopted a policy that made the process of navigating federal criminal court less treacherous. Attorney General Holder’s policies encouraged federal prosecutors to use discretion in pursuing charges and sentences.
Increased Scrutiny on Prescription Drug Fraud and Other Narcotics Crimes
Our federal crimes attorneys have the skill and expertise to handle a full range of felony charges. Along with federal investigations and grand jury proceedings, we have expertise in fraud charges against healthcare providers and businesses.
Oberheiden, P.C. brings outstanding skill and expertise in defending healthcare professionals.
- Are you taking on the DOJ?,
- Pursuing a whistleblower qui tam action under the False Claims Act (FCA)?,
- Defending against allegations of violating the Anti-Kickback Statute (AKS)?,
- Are you accused of Healthcare Fraud?,
- Suspected of violating the Physician Self-Referral Law?,
- Exclusion Authorities?, or
- The Civil Monetary Penalties Law?
Our law firm brings extraordinary skill and expertise in defending healthcare professionals. We represents healthcare providers and entrepreneurs under investigation and facing civil and criminal charges brought by federal agencies that include the following:
- Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA)
- Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations (IRS-CI)
- Health and Human Services-Office of Inspector General (HHH-OIG)
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
- Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS)
- Office of Personnel Management-Office of Inspector General (OPM-OIG)
- Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
- Department of Justice (DOJ)
Our Texas federal criminal defense lawyers have handled more than a thousand federal healthcare fraud cases. We also have kept all our clients that were healthcare professionals and medical providers under federal investigations from federal indictments and convictions. When individuals face allegations related to fraud schemes, drug offenses, conspiracy charges, financial crimes, and other federal investigations, they seek out our law firm because we devote a substantial portion of our time and resources to defending such offenses.
Clients in San Antonio Benefit from Unparalleled Insights from Our Former Federal Prosecutors
Our San Antonio federal criminal defense lawyers have handled more than a thousand federal healthcare fraud cases. We have kept all our clients who were healthcare professionals and medical providers from federal indictments and convictions. Individuals contact our law firm because we devote a substantial portion of our time and resources to defending allegations related to:
- Fraud schemes,
- Drug offenses,
- Conspiracy charges,
- Financial crimes, and
- other federal investigations.
The attorneys of Oberheiden, P.C. use all the expertise, inside knowledge, and experience they have to protect clients facing civil or criminal penalties for schemes to defraud Medicaid, Medicare, Tricare, and private insurers.
Additionally, Oberheiden, P.C. employs a number of attorneys with remarkable backgrounds and unique experience in handling complicated federal litigation cases.
- Nick Oberheiden trained in negotiations at Harvard University and has both a JD and a doctorate in law. He is licensed in each of the four federal districts in Texas, as well as in many other areas nationwide. He often negotiates criminal investigations to avoid criminal charges or achieve favorable results. These results relate to federal healthcare fraud, financial crimes, and computer fraud.
The experience of our federal criminal defense lawyers in litigating cases in federal court provides real advantages. In federal investigations, grand jury matters, and federal civil and criminal proceedings, our firm provides high level representation.
Bexar County Federal Cases Our Criminal Defense Team Handles
Although our law firm handles a broad array of federal charges across the U.S., some of the civil and criminal sanctions we fight include:
Charges of IRS Violations. If you are charged with evasion of taxes or refusing to pay taxes owed to the IRS, penalties are severe. Conviction of such an offense can result in up to five years in prison and a fine up to $100,000. You will also be ordered to pay prosecution costs. These penalties are the tip of the iceberg. You may also see charges of forgery, false claims against the government, and giving a false statement to a government official. One area for defense against allegations of tax fraud or tax evasion is a lack of intent to commit a crime.
Federal Drug Crimes. Defense of drug crimes in federal court is difficult for a range of reasons. Federal law enforcement authorities tend to only get involved in major drug offenses like drug conspiracy. Drug conspiracy law provides a powerful enforcement tool. Even if drugs are suppressed, the government often have multiple defendants involved in the conspiracy who testify against each other. We represent healthcare professionals charged with criminal conspiracies. We understand the high stakes when a healthcare professional or entity is charged with drug conspiracy. Federal drug cases pose special challenges because of harsh penalties under federal sentencing guidelines and mandatory minimum sentences.
Corruption and Bribery. An accused may be charged under the federal bribery statute for offering, giving, or promising something of value to an official or appointee of the federal government to exert improper influence. Our lawyers might challenge the charge by disputing that the target qualifies as a “public official” under the statute.
Operation of a “Pill Mill”. Authorities have recently focused on the economic and human costs of the opioid crisis. The approach entails close scrutiny of physicians, drug treatment centers, pharmacies, and other entities. Evidence is sought about schemes to defraud government health insurance programs by prescribing pain medication when not medically justified.
Money Laundering. This crime is attempting to funnel proceeds of unlawful activity in such a way as to make it seem the funds were acquired legally. This charge could be defended with evidence the accused was unaware the funds came from an illegal source.
Wire and Mail Fraud. These federal crimes use deception or lies transmitted through electronic contact (phone, Internet, television, radio) or mail to commit fraud. If a false statement doesn’t have the intent to defraud a victim, the offense doesn’t qualify as mail or wire fraud. Other federal offenses our firm handles include, but are not limited to the following:
- Bank Fraud
- Healthcare Fraud
- Real Estate Fraud
- Weapons Charges
- White Collar Crimes
- Securities & Commodities Fraud
- Possession with Intent to Distribute
- Mortgage Fraud
- Sex Trafficking
- Terrorism
- Identity Theft
- Counterfeiting
- Human Trafficking
- Embezzlement
- RICO Violations
- Federal Hate Crimes
- Credit Card Fraud
- Kidnapping
- Bank Robbery
- Computer Crimes
- Obstruction of Justice
These Are the Questions We Receive from Federal Criminal Clients in San Antonio
If you are the subject of an investigation, or you are indicted, we recognize you have serious concerns. The best way to learn about your legal rights and potential defense is to speak with an experienced federal criminal defense attorney. However, we have provided information to respond to several common questions:
What is an indictment?
This term refers to the formal charging document that lists the crimes with which you have been charged. The grand jury considers the indictment to determine if enough evidence exists to proceed to a trial. The jury must vote unanimously to “return” the indictment for you to face criminal charges. Since the grand jury has at least 16 people who must unanimously agree, a judge’s dismissal of a grand jury indictment is rare. However, our law firm is among those who have accomplished this unusual result.
How do the federal sentencing guidelines impact my case?
The federal sentencing guidelines limit a judge’s discretion when imposing punishment. These guidelines include harsh maximum sentences and mandatory minimums. A premium is placed on criminal defense in federal court because of the harsh impact of federal sentencing guidelines.
What should I know if I am charged with a narcotics conspiracy?
Federal prosecutors consider a conspiracy charge to be a powerful tool. The offense is easy to prove and can ensnare many co-conspirators. Those who only have a minor role in a drug trafficking scheme can be caught in the net. All the federal prosecutor needs to prove is an agreement between the alleged co-conspirators and an act pursuing the agreement.
How do federal and state criminal cases differ?
If you are under investigation by a federal agency or have been the target of a federal indictment, you need strong defense in federal court. Federal agencies have well-trained agents and extensive law enforcement tools. Their resources seem endless. Penalties imposed in federal courts also tend to be far more severe. Judges in federal court have less discretion in sentencing than their state court peers. Regardless of the charge, defendants accused of a federal offense need attorneys who regularly appear in federal court rather than lawyers who have handled a few federal matters.
What if you are contacted by a federal agent who would like to meet with you?
While you should be polite and respectful, any conversation with a law enforcement officer can be a risk. The best practice is to speak with an experienced San Antonio federal criminal defense attorney before answering any questions or providing any information. While you might attempt to determine the reason for the meeting, you should not volunteer any substantive information. The agent might just be trying to confirm someone worked for you during a certain period. However, you should have your Bexar County federal criminal defense attorney represent you whether you are a potential witness or target.
Speak with a Former U.S. Prosecutor Today in Confidence! Contact Decisive San Antonio Federal Criminal Defense Attorneys
Serious federal crimes merit the serious experience of former federal prosecutors. Our law firm offers a free consultation, so we can examine your prospects and defend your rights. Call Oberheiden, P.C. at 210-908-5365 or request a free case evaluation online now to discuss your options.
Oberheiden P.C.
21750 Hardy Oak Blvd Suite 102-189
San Antonio, TX 78258
210-942-0986
