When contacted by criminal investigators, many people fear that getting an attorney involved indicates that they have something to hide.
That fear is dangerous and misplaced. When faced with potential criminal charges, contacting an attorney is the most reasonable response one can take in a criminal investigation. Once an investigation has begun, the advice of legal counsel is absolutely essential, regardless of the perceived level of criminal exposure.
Godfrey & Kahn has a wealth of experience with law enforcement at both the state and federal levels. They have represented witnesses, subjects and targets of criminal investigations, as well as indicted defendants charged with a wide range of crimes. Our team members include several former prosecutors who know from personal experience how the government approaches criminal investigations and how it secures convictions. They understand how to communicate with investigators and prosecutors in a way that diffuses, rather than escalates, the tension that naturally results from a criminal case. Moreover, our team members possess the experience and training necessary to navigate the complex legal environment created by parallel criminal and civil proceedings.
Above all, our attorneys understand that strategic decisions must be made at each stage of an investigation and prosecution. A powerful and compelling case made prior to the indictment phase may persuade prosecutors not to file charges in the first place. In the event that criminal charges are unavoidable, our attorneys have the skill and judgment to assess whether, and on what terms, a negotiated resolution of the matter makes sense for the client. Finally, in cases that proceed to trial, our experienced trial lawyers mount a highly aggressive and effective defense.
Representative Experience
Represented target of U.S. Department of Justice antitrust investigation involving pharmaceuticals industry
Assisted client in investigation of alleged kickback scheme involving public officials accused of violating conflict-of-interest rules
Responded to criminal investigation involving mandatory reporting requirements for child abuse and neglect under Wisconsin law
Represented client subpoenaed in a secret John Doe proceeding
Assisted financial institution with response to federal grand jury subpoena for customer records
Represented defendant in criminal case charging a federal weapons violation
Assisted client with issues relating to criminal charges against spouse
Assisted client in reporting embezzlement by bookkeeper to federal law enforcement
Represented senior executive of engineering firm in criminal investigation of alleged violations of the False Claims Act and the Buy America Act
Represented individual target of federal criminal investigation of alleged fraud against minority-owned and veteran-owned business programs in connection with federal construction contracts
Represented in-house attorney of federal contractor in parallel criminal and civil fraud investigations involving alleged violations of False Claims Act and Anti-Kickback Statute
Represented primary target of a federal grand jury investigation into an alleged multi-million dollar tax fraud conspiracy
Defended target of criminal grand jury investigation involving alleged false statements to federal agents
Defended health care provider in federal criminal case charging Medicare fraud
Represented defendant in federal criminal case charging multiple Hobbs Act violations
Facilitated involvement of federal law enforcement in investigation of alleged fraud by insurance agent
Represented in-house attorney identified as target of federal criminal investigation of alleged government contracting fraud with U.S. Department of Defense
Defended in-house lawyer against allegations of criminal wrongdoing
Assisted client in reporting suspected criminal online activity by employee to law enforcement
Helped client respond to extortion and blackmail attempts by online acquaintance
Secured refund of restitution paid in criminal case after winning en banc appeal in the federal court of appeals
Convinced state prosecutor not to pursue criminal charges regarding alleged fraudulent billing practices
Represented a client charged with firearms violations under federal law
Assisted a client with national criminal investigation of fraudulent fuel pricing
Helped a corporation secure dismissal without charges of criminal grand jury investigation of an accidental death in the workplace
Assisted accounting firm in representing former employee as a witness in a felony theft case involving one of the firm’s former clients