Criminal Defense
When the stakes couldn’t be higher, experience matters.
When the government targets you, there is no substitute for experienced trial counsel. From the very first contact with law enforcement through jury trial, our team of experienced trial lawyers, including former prosecutors, bring courtroom experience and steady judgment to protect your freedom, your name, and your future.
Overview
Protecting clients when everything is on the line.
A criminal investigation or charge can place a person’s liberty, livelihood, reputation, and future at risk. The Spencer Fane Criminal Defense team represents individuals, executives, directors, officers, and companies facing allegations of criminal conduct in state and federal courts across the country. From the earliest stages of an investigation through trial and appeal, we provide strategic counsel focused on protecting our clients’ rights and pursuing the strongest possible outcome.
Because several members of our team are former federal and state prosecutors, we understand how cases are developed, how evidence is evaluated, and how charging decisions are made. That perspective allows us to anticipate challenges, identify weaknesses in the government’s case, and develop effective defense strategies tailored to each client’s circumstances.
Responding early. Defending aggressively.
Many criminal matters begin long before charges are filed. Our attorneys assist clients during investigations involving search warrants, subpoenas, summonses, and government investigative demands. When appropriate, we work to resolve matters before formal charges are brought, helping clients minimize disruption and uncertainty.
When litigation becomes necessary, our team is prepared to advocate in the courtroom. Our attorneys have handled felony jury trials, numerous misdemeanor trials, and criminal appeals, and have represented clients in courts across the country. We combine careful preparation with practical judgment, always keeping our clients’ objectives at the forefront.
Experience across a broad range of criminal matters.
We defend clients facing allegations involving:
- Fraud
- Securities and accounting violations
- Public corruption
- Racketeering
- Money laundering
- Cybercrimes
- Health care fraud
- Other complex federal and state criminal offenses
In addition, we represent clients seeking or defending against relationship violence protective orders and civil stalking injunctions.
Every criminal case presents unique facts, legal issues, and personal consequences. Our attorneys work diligently to challenge the government’s evidence, test witness credibility, and expose weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. Throughout the process, we remain focused not only on the legal issues at hand, but also on reducing the stress and disruption that often accompany criminal proceedings.
Areas of Focus
Defending individuals and organizations at every stage of a case.
Criminal cases don’t start with a charge; they begin with an investigation by law enforcement, which is when the Spencer Fane Criminal Defense team goes to work. Whether on behalf of an individual or an organization, the stakes are high: freedom, livelihood, reputation, and future. Many on our team are former prosecutors, so we reach out to understand the scope and direction of the investigation, and work from there to impact charging considerations and decisions. Whether dealing with state or federal matters, misdemeanors or serious and complex felony allegations, we bring decades of experience to bear in providing strategic counsel and vigorous advocacy at every step.
Representing clients facing complex federal investigations and prosecutions.
Federal criminal matters are unique; they often involve substantial resources, extensive investigations, and significant consequences. Prosecutions are usually multi-defendant, far-reaching, and highly complex – making the choice of counsel the most important decision. The Spencer Fane Criminal Defense team represents individuals and organizations facing federal criminal allegations through a team approach, and leverages resources that few other firms can muster. From the deep trial experience of our lawyers to a stable of forensic and other experts, we bring a one-of-a-kind mix of assets to reach the very best outcome for people and companies. From investigation through trial, our lawyers are experienced and ready.
Protecting constitutional rights and challenging unlawful government action.
The Criminal Defense team at Spencer Fane has represented clients in constitutional rights and civil liberties litigation against federal and state government agencies, including significant Fourth Amendment victories. We stand with our clients when it comes to holding government actors accountable for any infringement on the fundamental protections guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution, no matter the time or effort required.
Helping clients obtain protection and defend against unwarranted allegations.
Although often occurring from workplace circumstances, protective-order proceedings and civil stalking injunction matters frequently involve highly personal circumstances. They can have significant legal and practical consequences for everyone involved and be very disruptive to a work environment. The Criminal Defense team at Spencer Fane specializes in a rapid response approach, representing clients seeking protective relief, as well as individuals defending against requests for protective orders and related claims.
Representing clients in state investigations and prosecutions, including matters brought by state attorneys general.
State criminal matters demand counsel who know the local terrain: the prosecutors, the courts, and the procedures that shape every case. The Spencer Fane Criminal Defense team represents individuals and organizations in state criminal matters of every kind, from misdemeanors to the most serious and complex felony charges, including prosecutions and investigations brought by state attorneys general.
With lawyers based in multiple states, we are positioned to handle matters wherever they arise. With former prosecutors on the team who understand how charging decisions get made, our team uses that insight to shape the direction of a case from its earliest stages. Drawing on decades of trial experience, a team approach, and access to forensic and other experts, we bring the full weight of the firm’s resources to protect our clients’ freedom, livelihood, and reputation. From investigation through trial, our lawyers are experienced and ready.
