Charleston Federal White Collar Defense Attorney
White-collar criminal defense requires fast action when federal investigators contact you. Federal cases work differently than state cases. The FBI, IRS Criminal Investigation, HHS-OIG and the SEC investigate quietly. They may work for months or years before filing charges.
Are you a business owner, healthcare administrator, corporate executive or public official in Charleston facing a federal inquiry? We understand the stress and we’re here to help.
Major financial cases in Kanawha County go to trial at the Robert C. Byrd United States Courthouse in downtown Charleston, West Virginia. Federal prosecutors follow the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure and Federal Sentencing Guidelines. These are different rules than state court uses. You need a criminal defense lawyer who regularly handles federal cases. If you’re unsure whether you need a lawyer, what it will cost or what happens if you receive a grand jury subpoena, we’re here to answer your questions.
Defending Professionals Against Federal Financial Charges
Attorney Neil R. Bouchillon serves on the Criminal Justice Act (CJA) Panel for the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia. Federal judges approved him for this role. This court experience is crucial because we regularly defend Charleston-area professionals.
We represent clients who face charges like:
- Medicare and Medicaid fraud, kickback violations and billing investigations
- Public corruption, bribery, wire fraud and mail fraud
- Embezzlement, tax evasion, bank fraud and securities violations
- PPP loan fraud, identity theft and wage violations
The important work often happens before charges are filed. Strategic responses to target letters and subpoenas can sometimes prevent an indictment.
Common Questions About Federal White Collar Defense
Dealing with federal investigators is stressful. You need answers quickly, and we have them. Here are the questions people in your position often ask us:
Q: What is the difference between a state theft charge and a federal white collar crime in Charleston?
A: State theft charges are handled in Kanawha County Magistrate or Circuit Court and usually involve direct taking of property under West Virginia statutes. Federal white collar crimes involve complex financial transactions, federal agency investigations (such as the FBI or IRS) or alleged fraud crossing state lines or utilizing federal infrastructure (wire, mail or federal health programs). Federal charges are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in federal court under Federal Sentencing Guidelines carrying severe prison terms.
Q: What should I do if federal agents present a search warrant or grand jury subpoena at my business?
A: Do not attempt to explain the situation, answer questions or provide documents without legal counsel present. You have a constitutional right to remain silent and consult an attorney. Immediately contact a federal criminal defense lawyer experienced in the Southern District of West Virginia. Your defense attorney can interface directly with federal prosecutors, coordinate document production under the grand jury subpoena, and ensure your rights are protected during search execution.
Q: What is a federal “Target Letter” in a white collar investigation?
A: A Target Letter issued by the U.S. Attorney’s Office officially notifies you that a grand jury has accumulated substantial evidence linking you to a federal crime, designating you as a primary target for indictment. Receiving a target letter means an indictment is imminent unless your defense attorney intervenes immediately to present counter-evidence, negotiate preindictment resolutions or engage in pre-charge discussions with prosecutors.
Protect Your Career And Freedom
When your reputation and liberty are on the line, you need to act fast. Contact Bouchillon Crossan & Colburn, L.C., at 304-521-4636 or message us online for a confidential consultation with our Charleston white collar criminal defense attorneys.