Government Investigations and White Collar Defense
Today’s businesses operate in a world where the distinction between civil enforcement and criminal prosecution is often blurred. A routine audit, government inspection or regulatory information request can quickly escalate into a grand jury subpoena, congressional investigation or search warrant. Increasingly, regulators unwilling to resolve enforcement matters with the payment of a civil fine, seek to impose harsh criminal penalties. Businesses and individuals faced with government investigations need counsel with a proven track record of helping clients avoid criminal prosecution and who are capable of finding smart, creative solutions that align with clients’ long-term business goals. Where prosecution cannot be avoided, businesses and individuals need counsel who are prepared to vigorously respond to government allegations with skilled advocacy at trial and on appeal.
When our clients face the threat of a government investigation, Ober|Kaler’s Government Investigations and White Collar Defense Group quickly evaluates the legal and business risks of each case. We know how to open the lines of communication with the government and to establish a credible dialogue. We then work with our clients and industry experts from throughout the firm to develop a successful defense strategy that is tailored to each client’s unique situation.
Our Government Investigations and White Collar Defense Group includes former state and federal prosecutors with years of experience defending government investigations involving corporations and individuals. We defend clients from virtually every industry and occupation. We are frequently called on by companies in the health care, construction and financial services industries and often defend corporate officers, public officials, medical professionals and government contractors. In many of our cases, our thorough approach to defending our clients is enhanced by the deep industry expertise provided by our colleagues from other practices across the firm.
Our broad experience also includes defense of clients in investigations, trials and appeals that have involved:
- Antitrust
- Asset forfeiture
- Congressional investigations
- Environmental crimes
- Foreign Corrupt Practices and Export Control Act offenses
- Financial institutions and bank fraud
- Health care fraud
- False Claims Act/Qui Tam Whistleblower cases
- Government contracts and procurement fraud
- Money laundering
- Public corruption
- RICO
- Securities fraud
- Tax fraud
We also conduct internal investigations for our clients when compliance issues are discovered, and we assist clients in preparing voluntary disclosures to government agencies. Our attorneys have developed and implemented compliance programs for a range of entities – from major corporations to small businesses.
We represent clients in investigations and prosecutions involving a diverse group of government agencies including:
- U.S. Department of Justice
- U.S. Attorneys' Offices
- State Attorneys General
- U.S. Congress
- Federal Bureau of Investigation
- Office of Inspector General, Department of Health and Human Services
- Department of Homeland Security
- Drug Enforcement Administration
- Defense Criminal Investigative Service
- Internal Revenue Service
- Food and Drug Administration
- Environmental Protection Agency
- Immigration and Customs Enforcement
- Securities and Exchange Commission
- U.S. Coast Guard
Related Practices
