White Collar Criminal Defense

Dunlap, Grubb & Weaver’s White Collar Defense and Investigations Practice Group represents companies and individuals through all stages of government investigations and white collar criminal matters. Our attorneys – a team of experienced former federal and state prosecutors – have earned a reputation for effectiveness based on early and thorough investigation of the facts, sophisticated legal strategies and vigorous advocacy. As a result, many of our clients are never charged with the crimes for which they were investigated.

Our attorneys’ broad experience as former federal, state and military prosecutors allows our firm to represent clients effectively in the various forums in which modern government investigations and white collar matters are conducted, including federal and state courts, grand jury proceedings, and administrative and regulatory hearings. Our attorneys are skilled at developing and implementing strategies to resolve complex, multi-front matters successfully.

Dunlap, Grubb & Weaver is keenly aware of the irreparable damage an indictment can have on a person or a company’s reputation. Consequently, our attorneys always strive to conclude government investigations before charges are levied. However, when the need arises, our attorneys have the experience and skill necessary to defend our clients at trial and on appeal. Our attorneys’ wealth of experience allows us to guide our clients through each step of an adverse government action. Moreover, our representation always involves an internal analysis of the appropriate balance of experience and legal costs to best service our clients. We focus on accommodating our clients’ need to manage litigation efficiently and affordably, weighing the risks and benefits of going to trial versus negotiating a resolution.

Among the services of our White Collar Defense and Investigations Practice Group are the following:

Corporate and individual defense: We represent companies and individuals in grand jury investigations, criminal prosecutions and civil enforcement actions brought by state and federal authorities. Choosing capable counsel early in an investigation is critical as the course of a government investigation and resultant charging decisions are rarely inevitable. The breadth and depth of our experience and our credibility with government officials and prosecutors enables our attorneys to reduce the damage and disruption typically caused by investigations. Many times we are able to protect or clients from being charged. When charges cannot be avoided, we have the experience to provide sound advice and counsel concerning the risks and benefits of going to trial or, alternatively, accepting a plea.

Internal investigations: Our attorneys are experienced in conducting internal investigations. We understand that the two overarching critical factors of any internal investigation are its thoroughness and independence. Our experience enables us to efficiently and effectively gather and analyze large amounts of information from witnesses and documents, make credibility determinations, and evaluate how law enforcement officials and courts will view the evidence and conduct at issue. Accordingly, we are able to make sound and well-considered recommendations with respect to the results of an investigation.

False Claims Act/Qui tam actions: Both federal and state governments permit private citizens to bring lawsuits alleging fraud against the government. Cases brought under the False Claims Act are typically litigated by the Department of Justice and are sometimes accompanied by criminal grand jury investigations. Our attorneys’ unique combination of experience as former prosecutors, in matters of government contracting and in white collar defense makes us especially well equipped to handle these complex and multi-faceted cases.

Regardless of the nature of the issue or the stage to which any investigation or proceeding has progressed, our firm has the resources and experience to see our clients through this complex and highly specialized area of the law.