FEDERAL CRIMES

AGGRESSIVE, EXPERIENCED FEDERAL CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEYS

Springstead Bartish Borgula & Lynch, PLLC have over 50 years of collective experience in Federal Courts throughout the Midwest. Our team consists of a two former federal prosecutors, two former FBI agents, two former military JAGs, and the former U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan, each of whom have unique experience and perspective on white collar crime investigations and prosecutions. As former FBI agents, Gary and Kathy Springstead know exactly how the FBI and other federal agencies conduct investigations. As former government attorneys, Don Davis, Matt Borgula and Mike Bartish have a perspective on the federal criminal process that few others have. Federal cases are serious matters that often involve stiff penalties. Targets of criminal investigations and prosecutions cannot afford a misstep when defending themselves against the substantial resources at the government’s disposal. Our attorneys have the discipline and training to methodically collect and present crucial evidence to build our defense while also demanding that prosecutors meet the high burden of proof required to convict you of a white collar crime.

HOW OUR WHITE COLLAR CRIME DEFENSE TEAM CAN HELP YOU

Federal Agencies and the United States Attorney’s Office build their cases by using the Grand Jury, which operates in secret. Prosecutors have the ability to subpoena witnesses to testify before you have been charged with any crime. Based on our years of experience investigating and prosecuting federal crimes, our team can assist you if you are under investigation or after you have been charged. In white collar cases, the government could prevail because of one errant email or an innocuous statement made by a person accused of a crime. Before speaking to agent or making any move, you should contact our federal criminal lawyers. We will protect your rights during the investigation, Grand Jury proceedings, as well as after indictment, in cases involving:

• Bank Fraud (18 U.S.C. Section 1344), theft or misappropriation from funds from a financial institution or credit union, including making false statements on documents used in bank transactions, carries possible penalties of up to 30 years in prison.
• Mail and Wire Fraud (18 U.S.C. Section 1341), the government can charge just about any fraud offense if the U.S. mails or interstate wires are used in furtherance of the fraud. What otherwise appear to be purely State matters or civil disputes are often charged under these statutes.
• Money Laundering (18 U.S.C. Section 1956), it is a crime to conceal and disguise the proceeds of any alleged criminal conduct. In fact, if you spend more than $10,000 in criminal proceeds you can be charged with money laundering.
• Structuring (31 U.S.C. Section 5324), if you attempt to avoid filing a currency transaction report at the bank when you make any cash transaction in excess of $10,000 you could be charged with this five-year felony.
• Securities Fraud (15 U.S.C. Chapter), corporate misconduct, insider trading, investment fraud and Ponzi schemes are typically investigated civilly by the Securities and Exchange Commission, who then refers some of those matters to the United States Attorney’s Office for criminal prosecution for willful violations of securities laws.
• Tax Evasion (26 U.S.C. Section 7201), tax avoidance is legal, tax evasion is not and dealing with the IRS can be very difficult and the potential financial penalties for criminal prosecution can be devastating.
• Healthcare Fraud, billing for services not rendered, upcoding of services, duplicate claims, excessive services and kickbacks are all claims being made by aggressive government prosecutors who have made healthcare fraud a national priority.
• Embezzlement and Theft (18 U.S.C. Chapter 31), including embezzlement or theft from certain employers or benefit programs (including food stamp fraud), theft of government funds, and stealing from financial institutions.
• Identity Theft (18 U.S.C. Section 1028), any misuse of a “means of identification” (social security number, name, date of birth, etc) can result in a charge under this statute.
• Copyright Infringement, criminal statutes exist to punish infringers who misappropriate copyrighted works in which an “author” invested time, creativity, energy and money to create but who lacks the means to prevent infringement.
• Postal Offenses, the United States Postal Services takes theft or tampering with mail very seriously and aggressively seeks to prosecute even the smallest offenses.

If you are under investigation or have already been indicted, you cannot delay finding counsel to assist you in dealing with the federal government. Contact Springstead Bartish Borgula & Lynch, PLLC as soon as possible at our Grand Rapids (616-458-5500) or Fremont (231-924-8700) office and schedule a consultation.