Federal White-Collar Defense | Government Investigations

Navigating White-Collar Cases

It's not just your freedom and your savings at stake. It's your reputation. Sophisticated counsel can be the difference between investigators treating you as a witness instead of a target. A lawyer with deep connections and understanding can be the difference between quiet, prompt, private resolutions and drawn-out, public humiliation.

A robust defense involves a thorough investigation and a readiness to attack either the facts or the law to obtain a favorable result. Good-faith mistakes can sometimes lead investigators and prosecutors astray, and well-intentioned professionals can inadvertently run afoul of complex rules and regulations. Stanton Law DC helps you traverse these perilous situations.

What is a white-collar offense?

A nonviolent crime that usually involves cheating or dishonesty in political or commercial matters. Common examples include fraud, embezzlement, and public corruption.¹

Federal Investigation Resources

The federal criminal justice system operates under a distinct set of rules, procedures, and terrifyingly high stakes. We have compiled the following resources to help you understand the landscape of a federal white-collar investigation.

You've received a grand jury subpoena. Now what?

Understand the difference between a target, subject, and witness, and the critical first steps to take to protect your rights.

What happens when the federal government charges you?

Navigate the lifecycle of a federal case, from the initial target letter or arrest through indictment and arraignment.

Defenses to White-Collar Charges

Explore complex legal defenses, including lack of intent, good-faith reliance on counsel, and challenging the government's theories.

How does federal white-collar sentencing work?

Demystify the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, loss amount calculations, and strategies for securing downward variances.

Parallel Civil & Criminal Investigations

Understand the Fifth Amendment traps involved when facing simultaneous investigations by the DOJ alongside the SEC or civil litigants.

Federal Asset Forfeiture & Freezes

Strategies for responding when the government attempts to seize bank accounts, property, or business assets prior to a conviction.

Commonly Charged Federal Offenses

Fraud, Embezzlement & Corruption

Statute & Offense	Description	Maximum Penalties
Mail & Wire Fraud18 U.S.C. §§ 1341 & 1343	Broadly targets the use of mail or essentially any digital medium for fraudulent purposes. Among the most common federal charges.	20 Years Incarceration
Bank Fraud18 U.S.C. § 1344	Knowingly executing a scheme to defraud a financial institution or obtain its funds by false pretenses.	30 Years Up to $1,000,000 Fine
Bribery & Kickbacks18 U.S.C. § 201(b) / § 666(a)	Corruptly giving or receiving anything of value to a public official (§ 201) or an agent of an organization (§ 666).	15 Years (Public Official) 10 Years (Org. Agent)
Embezzlement18 U.S.C. § 666(a)(1)(A)	Taking of property valued at $5,000 or more by an agent of an organization or government entity.	10 Years Incarceration
Money Laundering18 U.S.C. § 1956 / § 1957	Conducting transactions to promote/conceal unlawful activity (§ 1956) or spending ill-gotten gains over $10,000 (§ 1957).	20 Years (Concealment) 10 Years (Spending)

Securities Fraud & Insider Trading

These offenses can be charged civilly and criminally under a variety of statutes, including Section 10(b) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5.²

Federal prosecutions often hinge on whether the government proceeds under the "Classical Theory"—targeting insiders who breach a duty to their shareholders—or the broader "Misappropriation Theory," which targets those who secretly use confidential information obtained from an employer for personal gain. Defending these cases requires a sophisticated analysis of whether a legal "duty" was actually owed and breached.

Each willful violation of the Securities and Exchange Act is punishable by a maximum of 20 years and a fine of up to $5 million.³

1. See Black's Law Dictionary (9th Edition).

2. E.g., 15 U.S.C. § 78j(b).

3. 15 U.S.C. § 78ff.