Fort Lauderdale Government Investigations Lawyers: Your Ally Against Prosecutorial Overreach
Common Types of Investigations in Fort Lauderdale
South Florida’s major industries like healthcare, finance, import/export, and technology attract substantial federal oversight. Some of the most common investigation types we see from agencies like the FBI, IRS, SEC, DEA, and OIG include:
- Healthcare fraud
- Tax evasion
- Money laundering
- Securities violations
- Antitrust issues
- Bribery
- Government contract fraud
Mistakes in legal/regulatory compliance, self-reporting requirements, whistleblowers, routine audits, or referrals can trigger lengthy probes.
Why Choose a Fort Lauderdale Investigations Lawyer?
Facing a government investigation alone is extremely unwise, as prosecutors wield significant leverage to extract pleas or settlements. A skilled lawyer levels the playing field by asserting your rights and employing proactive strategies. Benefits of legal representation include:
Prevent Charges Through Early Intervention
Investigations often last months before charges get filed (if ever). An attorney can engage prosecutors early on to argue against indictment. We may be able to convince them that errors were unintentional or policies have been fixed.
Challenge Evidence/Witnesses
We scrutinize the investigation’s validity, dig into the evidence, and cross-examine witnesses. Any illegally obtained evidence or unreliable witnesses can be excluded.
Negotiate Favorable Plea Deals
If charges cannot be prevented, fast action to negotiate a plea bargain is key. We leverage prosecutorial weaknesses to reduce charges/penalties.
Explore Affirmative Defenses
Viable defenses like good faith reliance on counsel, lack of intent, or taking remedial compliance steps could defeat charges or mitigate punishment.
Navigate Parallel Proceedings
Healthcare fraud allegations often prompt separate inquiries by HHS-OIG, CMS, DOJ, and medical boards. Careful coordination is vital.
What to Expect in a Federal Investigation
Fort Lauderdale federal investigations generally involve agencies like the FBI, IRS, SEC, FDA, EPA, HHS, or USPS. Hallmarks include:
Subpoenas for Documents, Emails, Records
Prosecutors issue broad subpoenas to companies and individuals to obtain communications, files, financial data, medical records, corporate documents, and other relevant information. Strict deadlines apply, and non-compliance is illegal.
Employee Interviews
Agents may interview company leaders, financial personnel, doctors, healthcare billers, or any staff involved in allegations. Even conversations starting friendly can turn intense quickly.
Undercover Stings, Informants
Federal agents are known to use undercover stings (with video/audio surveillance), turn employees into informants, or offer leniency deals to secure witness cooperation.
Dawn Raids of Homes, Offices
Arrest/search warrants may be executed via unannounced “dawn raids” of homes and businesses to collect more evidence and take subjects into custody.
Grand Juries
Prosecutors often utilize secret grand jury proceedings to subpoena additional evidence and witnesses. Targets may get summoned to testify without their lawyer present.
Criminal Charges, Civil Fines
Findings from the investigation support prosecutors’ decision whether to pursue civil fines and penalties through a complaint or criminal charges via an indictment.
Key Legal Rights During Investigations
If federal agents ever contact you, politely decline to answer questions or provide documents. Then call an attorney immediately, as you hold important rights like:
Remain Silent
You always retain the 5th Amendment right against compelled self-incrimination, even if agents claim “it will be easier if you cooperate.”
Counsel Access
Under the 6th Amendment, you have the right to an attorney in all federal criminal investigations. We deal directly with agents and prosecutors.
Avoid Entrapment
Your lawyer will determine whether investigators improperly induced you into committing any crimes versus acting freely.
No Warrantless Search/Seizure
Per the 4th Amendment, federal agents and police need probable cause and a court-approved warrant to search property or make arrests absent consent or exigent circumstances.
Statute of Limitations
Most federal felonies carry a 5-year statute of limitations. Financial cases allow more time, but delays can still weaken the prosecution’s case.
Why Retain Oberheiden, P.C.?
Oberheiden, P.C. is a federal defense litigation firm with significant experience in Fort Lauderdale. Unlike many local criminal defense lawyers more accustomed to state cases, our attorneys offer targeted subject-matter expertise in complex federal matters.
Our firm provides seasoned guidance grounded in senior team members’ prior experience as Department of Justice trial attorneys, former federal prosecutors, and health care fraud coordinators with the Department of Defense and HHS Office of Inspector General.
We also have a national presence with offices across the country, along with a long track record of favorable case results. Contact our Fort Lauderdale office for a free and confidential case assessment.
I hope this overview on government investigations proves helpful! Let me know if you have any other questions.