White Collar Defense

General information about investigations, allegations of financial or business misconduct, and defense considerations.

What Happens After a Federal Target Letter?

What Happens After a Federal Target Letter? Direct answer: A federal target letter is a serious notice that prosecutors believe substantial evidence links the recipient to a potential crime. Counsel should assess the allegations before any grand jury appearance or contact with investigators. Federal investigations can move quickly and may involve subpoenas, interviews, search warrants,

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When Should You Hire a Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer?

When Should You Hire a Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer? Direct answer: Consider hiring federal defense counsel as soon as you learn of an inquiry, subpoena, interview request, search, target letter, or arrest. Early representation can protect rights and preserve strategic options. Federal investigations can move quickly and may involve subpoenas, interviews, search warrants, financial records,

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What Happens During a Federal Grand Jury Investigation?

What Happens During a Federal Grand Jury Investigation? Direct answer: A federal grand jury investigates potential crimes through subpoenas and witness testimony and may vote on an indictment. Proceedings are secret, and witnesses generally do not have counsel inside the grand jury room. Federal investigations can move quickly and may involve subpoenas, interviews, search warrants,

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Can Federal Agents Search Your Phone?

Can Federal Agents Search Your Phone? Direct answer: Federal agents may seek access to a phone through consent, a warrant, or another claimed legal basis. Whether a search is lawful depends on the circumstances, scope, and applicable Fourth Amendment rules. Federal investigations can move quickly and may involve subpoenas, interviews, search warrants, financial records, and

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Digital Evidence in Federal Criminal Cases

Digital Evidence in Federal Criminal Cases Direct answer: Digital evidence in federal cases may include phones, computers, email, cloud data, location records, social media, financial systems, and metadata. Authentication, collection methods, scope, and context can all be contested. Federal investigations can move quickly and may involve subpoenas, interviews, search warrants, financial records, and digital evidence.

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What Is Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud?

What Is Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud? Direct answer: A conspiracy to commit wire fraud allegation generally asserts that two or more people agreed to pursue wire fraud and that the defendant knowingly and voluntarily joined the agreement. The precise elements depend on the statute charged. Federal investigations can move quickly and may involve subpoenas,

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What Happens After Federal Indictment?

What Happens After Federal Indictment? Direct answer: After a federal indictment, the case typically moves through an initial appearance or arraignment, detention and release issues, discovery, motions, plea discussions, trial preparation, and potentially trial and sentencing. Federal investigations can move quickly and may involve subpoenas, interviews, search warrants, financial records, and digital evidence. Early legal

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Attorney Ralph Bickham in a blue suit with arms folded

Federal Wire Fraud Charges in Louisiana: Investigation, Evidence, and Defense

Wire fraud is one of the federal government’s most frequently used fraud charges. It can arise from business transactions, loan applications, electronic payments, emails, online accounts, benefit programs, investment activity, or other conduct involving interstate communications. A federal investigation requires a close examination of both the alleged scheme and the electronic evidence. What federal prosecutors

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Under Investigation for PPP or EIDL Fraud in Louisiana? What to Know

Federal authorities continue to investigate allegations involving Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans, Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL), unemployment benefits, and other pandemic-relief programs. For a person or business contacted by an investigator, served with a subpoena, or questioned about an application, early legal advice can be important. Why COVID-relief investigations continue Pandemic programs distributed substantial

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Bankruptcy Disclosures and White-Collar Risk: Lessons From a Louisiana Indictment

A federal indictment reported by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Louisiana illustrates why complete and accurate bankruptcy disclosures matter. The matter also shows how conduct arising in a bankruptcy case can create potential white-collar exposure. What the government alleged According to the government’s charging announcement, a federal grand jury accused an

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