Washington Federal Criminal Defense
Defense Attorneys and Former Federal Prosecutors Representing Clients in Seattle, Spokane, and Throughout Washington
Whether you are facing federal charges or a dispute with a former employee or competitor, we can help. We are a criminal defense, healthcare fraud, and federal litigation law firm with a national presence serving individual and corporate clients in Washington.
Federal litigation can be stressful, time-consuming, and expensive. It can impact all aspects of your personal and professional life. And if it leads to a finding of civil liability or criminal culpability, it can have life-altering consequences.
But, it doesn’t have to. While individuals and entities that fail to defend themselves will often find themselves facing substantial penalties, those that take a proactive and aggressive approach to challenging the allegations against them will often be able to conclude their case without trial.
At Oberheiden, P.C., as a Washington Federal Criminal Defense Law Firm, we bring notable experience to representing healthcare providers and other clients in federal civil and criminal matters in Washington. With a national presence, our team members, which include several former senior federal prosecutors, have handled federal investigations and many federal trials across the country. In federal healthcare fraud investigations, we have helped a significant proportion of our clients avoid civil or criminal charges, and we also have a significant record of success in non-healthcare-related civil and criminal proceedings.
With us, every case starts with a free and confidential case assessment. If you are facing an investigation or dispute, you need to make informed decisions with the assistance of legal counsel. We want to help you avoid mistakes that could have long-term consequences, and we are passionate about using our experience to help individuals and businesses protect their legal interests. If you decide to move forward, you will work directly with our team of senior attorneys (unlike many other firms, we do not have any junior associates), and you will have access to your legal team 24/7.
“Our companies have worked with firms all over the country within various specialties and now use Nick Oberheiden’s firm almost exclusively. Nick represented our companies in some federal law investigations. His guidance and expertise allowed us to continue to concentrate on our core business as he dealt with the complex legal issues.” – Firm Client
Healthcare Fraud, Criminal Defense, and Business Litigation
We represent licensed professionals, business executives and administrators, corporate entities, healthcare practices, and other clients in a broad range of federal legal matters. We have particular experience in these areas:
Healthcare Fraud
We have extensive experience in healthcare fraud investigations and prosecutions involving the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Department of Justice (DOJ), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (OIG), Medicare Fraud Strike Force, and most other federal law enforcement and healthcare authorities. We represent physicians, pharmacists, providers, and their personnel in all civil and criminal matters. These include but are not limited to:
- Healthcare Fraud Defense
- False Claims Act and Whistleblower Investigations
- Medicare Audits (ZPIC/RAC/Appeals)
- Compliance Counseling
- Medicaid Audits
- DEA and Prescription Investigations
- CMS and State Board Licensing
Federal Subpoenas
In many cases, healthcare providers and other individuals and entities first learn that they are under investigation when they receive a federal subpoena. If you have been served with a subpoena, you need to begin working immediately to comply (or challenge the subpoena, although the opportunities for challenging federal investigative subpoenas are often limited) and you need to avoid mistakes that could lead to further investigation or additional federal charges. With our extensive experience in healthcare fraud investigations and other federal law enforcement matters, we are able to efficiently and effectively advise and represent clients with respect to:
- Grand Jury Investigations
- OIG Subpoenas
- Attorney General Subpoenas (for Medicaid Audits)
- Letters from The U.S. Attorney’s Office
- Civil Investigative Demands (CIDs)
- Request for Deposition
- Subpoenas to Testify in Court
Criminal Defense and Appeals
If you have been arrested on federal charges or if you have recently been convicted in federal court, you need to evaluate your options immediately. The longer you wait, the more difficult it could become to assert an effective defense. You could face unnecessary consequences that will impact your personal and professional life for decades to come. At Oberheiden, P.C., we represent clients at all stages of the federal criminal process from investigation and arrest through trial and appeal. Our Washington Federal Criminal Defense services include:
- Trial Consultations
- Government and Internal Investigations
- Healthcare Fraud Defense
- Financial Crime Defense
- Drug Crime Defense
- Violent Crime and Computer Crime Defense
- White Collar Criminal Defense
- Criminal Appeals
Business Litigation
In addition to protecting clients in federal investigations and prosecutions, we also have notable experience representing clients in business litigation at the federal level. We have the experience and resources necessary to handle even the largest and most-complex business disputes. And while we prioritize negotiating efficient resolutions, we also have a proven record of success at trial. We are able to represent clients in Washington in a broad range of civil matters including:
- Healthcare Litigation
- Malpractice Defense
- Business Disputes
- Non-Compete & Employment Law Matters
- Antitrust Litigation
- Patent & Copyright Litigation
- Civil Appeals
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)
Q&A with the Washington Federal Defense Team at Oberheiden, P.C.
Q: What constitutes white collar crime?
Broadly speaking, white collar crime refers to a number of financial crimes such as corporate fraud, investor fraud, securities fraud, embezzlement, money laundering, and similar offenses. The term gets its name because “white collar” workers are those who are most often involved in these offenses due to the fact they are in a position of power or have access to certain information. However, white collar prosecutions are also frequently brought against politicians, healthcare providers, and small business owners. If you face white collar criminal charges in federal court, reach out to a dedicated Washington federal criminal defense attorney for immediate assistance.
Q: How can a Washington federal criminal defense attorney help me in my case?
A skilled Washington federal criminal defense attorney can help you no matter what stage of the process your case is in. If charges have not yet been filed, your attorney can reach out to prosecutors to better understand the allegations and see what can be done to shift the focus of the investigation away from you. This may avoid the filing of charges in the first place. If you’ve already been indicted, a lawyer’s assistance is critical in developing a defense strategy. Even if you are considering a guilty plea, you shouldn’t discuss a plea agreement without first contacting a Washington federal criminal defense attorney. It is too early to determine the strength of the government’s case, and starting plea negotiations too early limits your options down the road.
Q: What is a grand jury?
A grand jury is a group of 16 to 23 people who listen to a federal prosecutor’s evidence to determine if there is enough evidence to formally bring charges against the subject of the investigation. During a grand jury proceeding, the subject is not typically present and is not entitled to present any evidence. In fact, in most cases, the subject does not even know they are being investigated for a federal crime. Those testifying in front of a grand jury do not have the right to have an attorney present. If you received a grand jury subpoena or recently learned prosecutors are investigating you or your business, it is imperative that you seek out the assistance of an experienced Washington federal criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.
Q: What factors will determine whether my case settles or goes to trial?
There are numerous factors that will determine whether your case settles or goes to trial. Ultimately, the decision rests with you. Typically, in both civil and criminal matters, it is in our client’s best interests to obtain a favorable resolution as quickly as possible. As a result, we typically prioritize settlement, and we structure our case strategies to derive sufficient leverage to pursue fruitful settlement negotiations. If a reasonable settlement is on the table, it will be up to you whether to accept or continue toward trial.
In some cases, however, settling is not an option. Whether the U.S. Attorney’s Office believes that it has sufficient evidence to obtain a conviction with harsh sentencing – or a counterparty in business litigation has bet the company on the outcome at trial – sometimes, settling just isn’t in the cards. If going to court is your best (or only) option, we will work toward securing a favorable verdict as cost-effectively as possible.
Q: How serious are the penalties in federal criminal cases?
The penalties in federal criminal cases can be extremely severe. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, periods of incarceration range from months to decades behind bars. And when convicted on multiple counts, criminal defendants can easily face hundreds of thousands (if not millions ) of dollars in criminal fines. In healthcare fraud cases, the penalties for conviction can include loss of federal healthcare benefit program (i.e. Medicare, Medicaid, and Tricare) eligibility, loss of assignment and hospital privileges, and professional license suspension or revocation.
Q: Does Oberheiden, P.C. offer phone consultations?
Yes, with a nationwide presence, we routinely meet with current and prospective clients over the phone. You can contact us to request your free initial consultation 24/7, and we will make arrangements for you to speak with a member of our federal defense team as soon as possible.
Q: Will your attorneys travel to Washington if necessary for my representation?
Yes, absolutely. Whether we need to meet with you in person, review records at your offices, or represent you in federal court, as Washington Federal Criminal Defense attroneys, we can travel to Washington as necessary throughout the duration of your case.
Why Clients Nationwide Trust Oberheiden, P.C.
1. Noteworthy Federal Experience
Several of our attorneys are former DOJ trial lawyers and prosecutors with the U.S. Attorney’s Office who represented the federal government before entering private practice. All of our attorneys have extensive experience in federal civil and criminal matters and have handled federal investigations and many federal trials.
2. Proven Results
We have a substantial record of success in federal civil and criminal matters. In the vast majority of cases, we have been successful in helping our healthcare clients avoid all civil and criminal charges. Regardless of the nature and extent of the government’s investigation or your business dispute, we can help you protect your legal and financial interests to the greatest extent possible.
3. Federal Focus
Our practice is devoted to representing clients in federal law matters. Whether you are under investigation, awaiting trial, or anticipating civil litigation in federal court, it is likely that we have been there before and we can use our experience to fight for you.
Get Started with a Free and Confidential Initial Consultation
If you need a federal defense lawyer in Washington, we encourage you to contact us promptly to schedule your free and confidential initial consultation at Oberheiden, P.C.. Our trusted Washington Federal Criminal Defense Attorneys are available 24/7. So call 888-680-1745 or request an appointment online now.
Other state pages can be found here.
Additional Pages for Washington
This information has been prepared for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. This information may constitute attorney advertising in some jurisdictions. Reading of this information does not create an attorney-client relationship. Prior results cannot guarantee a similar future outcome in your case. Oberheiden, P.C. is a Texas PC with headquarters in Dallas. Mr. Oberheiden limits his practice to federal law.