White Collar Defense

Sirote & Permutt attorneys provide experienced representation to our clients in the many different ways in which they may become involved with criminal or regulatory enforcement proceedings such as Responding to Government Investigations, Criminal Litigation and Parallel Proceedings.

Government investigations raise a number of issues for companies and individuals. We regularly counsel clients who are subpoenaed to testify before federal and state grand juries and the U.S. Congress. We help clients respond to document subpoenas and search warrants, as well as less formal requests for information by government investigators, such as interviews and requests to inspect facilities. We ensure that our clients’’ rights are protected throughout the process.

 When our clients face potential criminal exposure, we help them assess that exposure and develop strategies for dealing with it. Many of our most successful representations result in decisions not to indict and generate no adverse publicity. We advocate our clients’’ positions before relevant law enforcement agencies and negotiate with prosecutors on their behalf. We vigorously represent our clients in the post-indictment process, through trial and on appeal.

 White collar criminal matters are frequently accompanied by parallel proceedings, such as shareholder suits and other private civil actions, congressional investigations, suspension and debarment proceedings, qui tam cases under the False Claims Act, forfeitures, IRS actions, and other civil and administrative enforcement actions. In such matters, actions taken in one proceeding can have profound ramifications in another. We regularly represent clients in these related matters, often simultaneously. Our experience with the criminal process and these related matters allows us to take a global approach to representing our clients who are facing parallel proceedings.

 A prompt and thorough internal investigation is often crucial in defending allegations of criminal and regulatory misconduct. Conducting such an investigation before government intervention, or before the completion of a government investigation, can have a significant influence on the government’’s approach to a case. It can result in a decision not to bring charges or in a disposition that is acceptable to the client. We help businesses investigate wrongdoing within the company and develop strategies for use of the information that we uncover. We regularly help our clients to develop programs to comply with criminal laws and prepare compliance manuals to avoid, or at least minimize, any future criminal exposure.

 

Internal Investigations and Compliance

 Parallel Proceedings

 Criminal Litigation

 Responding to Government Investigations

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