The moment federal agents knock on your door, search your office, or send you a target letter, your world changes forever. You’re not just facing criminal charges—you’re facing the full weight of the U.S. government, an adversary with unlimited resources, years to build their case, and a single goal: to make an example of you. Every email you’ve sent, every contract you’ve signed, every financial transaction you’ve made is now under a microscope.
When the Government Searches Your Home, Office or Sends You a Target Letter with Allegations of a Crime, You Want to be Extremely Careful How You Proceed. Prosecutors More Than Likely Have Been Looking at You For a While. You Have Rights. Our Federal White Collar Crime Lawyers Help CEOs and Businesses Nationwide Protect Their Rights.
Our Defense Team Includes Former Government Agency Officials, Prosecutors, and DOJ Attorneys || Our Lines are Open 24/7 – Emergency Consultation Available. Call 1.866.601.5518,
Learn why most white collar cases are won or lost before you ever see a courtroom.
✓ Why hiring a ‘big name’ criminal lawyer could actually hurt your case
✓ The 3 things you should NEVER say to federal agents (even if you’re innocent)
In today’s federal law enforcement environment, government contractors, businesses and individuals face complex regulations and oversight by federal agencies. At Watson & Associates, we have deep experience representing individuals charged with federal white collar crimes as well as representing individuals and companies who face federal investigations into alleged white collar criminal offenses such as government contract fraud, False Claims Act violations, conspiracy to commit fraud, and federal wire fraud charges.
You’ve probably tried to handle government inquiries through your general counsel. Maybe you’ve even hired a local criminal attorney. But here’s what you’ve discovered: most lawyers have never sat across from federal prosecutors. They don’t understand how these investigations really work. They’re fighting a war with outdated tactics against an enemy they don’t understand.
Meanwhile, the government has unlimited resources, experienced prosecutors, and years to build its case. They have one goal: making an example out of successful executives like you. But what if you could level the playing field? What if you had former federal prosecutors or government employees on YOUR side? That’s exactly what our white collar criminal defense lawyers bring to your case.
Speak to National Practice Leader, U.S. Air Force Retired Veteran, Theodore Watson (Over 23 Years of Federal Practice) – Admitted to the Supreme Court of the United StatesBackground: – Former federal agency executive – Extensive government contracting experience – Federal criminal defense specialist – Admitted to the Supreme Court of the United States
He oversees False Claims Act Medicare fraud criminal defense attorneys and qui tam defense lawyers and federal healthcare fraud attorneys.
Speak Directly to Theodore Watson. Top White Collar Crime attorneys for small businesses and large corporations nationwide.
For legal support in healthcare fraud defense throughout the U.S., and government contract fraud criminal defense, contact Theodore Watson at 1.866.601.5518. Our lines are open 24/7.
Ask to speak directly with Theodore Watson, or leave a message for his immediate attention. We are committed to serving your legal needs.
Chris Mancini, Counsel, brings 45 years of criminal defense experience to Watson & Associates, to support the firm’s federal white collar defense attorney services, including eight years as an Assistant U.S. Attorney (Former DOJ Prosecutor) in the Southern District of Florida (DOJ), where he served as Deputy Chief of both the Criminal Division and Civil Division.
Chris Mancini specializes in navigating the complexities of the federal court system, providing legal advice, investigating cases, and building strong defense strategies to protect the firm’s clients’ rights and achieve the best possible outcome.
Mancini assists the Watson team with federal civil and criminal matters throughout the United States. His background as a former DOJ attorney and prosecutor aligns with the firm’s emphasis on attorneys with federal agency experience. Mancini’s understanding of federal law enforcement agencies and white collar defense enhances the firm’s capabilities in representing clients facing federal investigations and criminal prosecutions. Mr. Mancini maintains an unblemished 45-year track record of successfully advising and representing corporate and individual clients. His combination of federal prosecution experience and defense practice provides clients with representation from an attorney who understands both sides of federal criminal cases. Read more
If you have been indicted for a federal white collar crime, you should hire experienced federal white collar crime lawyers to protect your rights and fight back.
Of Counsel to Watson & Associates, LLC: Carolyn L. Oliver brings over 40 years of distinguished legal experience to Watson & Associates’ Federal White Collar Defense and Investigations practice. As a former DOJ Prosecutor and Assistant United States Attorney in the Major Frauds Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California, Oliver provides clients with representation from a federal white collar criminal defense attorney who has prosecuted the very types of cases she now defends. Her extensive federal prosecution background, combined with her proven track record in complex criminal defense, positions her as a formidable advocate for corporations, CEOs, and individuals facing high-stakes federal investigations.
Carolyn is a recognized leader in criminal defense, known for her fierce courtroom advocacy and unwavering commitment to justice. She has successfully defended countless clients, earning a reputation for results-driven strategies and compassionate client care. As Of Counsel to Watson & Associates’ Federal White Collar Criminal Defense and Investigations practice, Oliver focuses her practice on representing companies and individuals in federal criminal and civil investigations and prosecutions by government enforcement agencies, as well as complex federal litigation. She also advises companies on high-profile, complex, and sensitive internal investigations. Read more.
With over 20 years of experience in high-stakes federal cases, Bob Ayers has represented corporate executives, public officials, and in-house counsel in matters involving fraud, bribery, obstruction of justice, and other financial and regulatory offenses.
Background: – 20+ years of federal criminal defense experience – Former prosecutor experience – Corporate executive representation – Complex financial crime expertise
Known for his clear, grounded, and personable approach, he guides clients through every stage—from quiet internal investigations to trial preparation—bringing discretion, focus, and a steady hand as a federal white collar criminal defense lawyer. His practice is further strengthened by strategic collaborations with former prosecutors, forensic experts, and regulatory specialists. Read more.
Jon M. Brandon, Of Counsel, is a gifted, award-winning criminal trial lawyer and federal criminal defense lawyer who has spent his career in a courtroom trying complex, high-profile cases. Mr. Brandon was a top prosecutor at one of the largest district attorney offices in the nation, where he also worked as a cross-sworn federal prosecutor (Special Assistant US Attorney) on a large RICO matter.
During his 15-year tenure as a prosecutor in California, Mr. Brandon tried dozens of high-profile trials. He has tried more than 80 trials to verdict. He established himself as an extraordinary white collar trial attorney by winning some of the most serious and complex murder cases statewide.
After serving many years as a homicide prosecutor and government agency leader, Mr. Brandon has turned his attention over the last several years to being a white-collar federal criminal defense lawyer and civil litigation attorney in Texas and the southern region, expanding his repertoire and continuing to employ his litigation skills. Mr. Brandon’s passion for representing individuals, businesses, and organizations thrust into investigations or litigation is apparent in his meticulous case preparation, client-centered approach, insider knowledge, and trial skills. He works tirelessly to ensure every client receives top-notch advocacy and a formidable defense. Read More.
For a free initial consultation, call 1-866-601-5518 and speak with Theodore Watson. Our lines are open 24/7. When you’re under federal investigation, time is not on your side.
WATCH THIS VIDEO IF YOU ARE UNDER INVESTIGATION, INDICTED / CHARGED, OR FACING TRIAL FOR FALSE CLAIMS ACT – GET CRITICAL INFORMATION TO HELP YOU GET YOUR DEFENSE STARTED.
Anything you say will be used against you. Federal agents are trained interrogators, and even innocent statements can be twisted into evidence of guilt. Politely decline to answer questions and contact a federal white collar criminal defense attorney immediately.
Do not destroy any documents, emails, or electronic communications. Obstruction of justice charges can be easier to prove than the underlying crime and carry severe penalties.
The earlier we’re involved, the better a white collar criminal lawyer can protect your interests. In many cases, we can resolve investigations before charges are filed.
Every federal investigation is different. We’ll analyze the government’s evidence, identify weaknesses in their case, and develop a strategy tailored to your specific situation.
How to turn a potential $5-100 M penalty into a manageable settlement while keeping your assets and minimizing long jail sentences. Our former contracting officials know exactly how to negotiate with the agencies that are now investigating you.
Common Charges: – False Claims Act violations – Bid rigging and procurement fraud – Cost mischarging and billing fraud – Product substitution – Certification fraud
How to resolve or minimize kickback and billing investigations without losing your medical license or shutting down your practice. We understand both the clinical and business sides of healthcare operations, giving us unique insight into building your defense. Healthcare fraud investigations often begin with data analytics that flag unusual billing patterns. By the time you’re contacted, the government may have years of evidence. Our healthcare fraud defense attorneys and white collar crime lawyers understand both the clinical and business sides of healthcare operations.
Common Charges: – Medicare and Medicaid fraud – Kickback violations (Anti-Kickback Statute) – Stark Law violations – False Claims Act healthcare cases – Telemedicine fraud
How to prove legitimate business need and avoid the ‘easy target’ trap that’s sending business owners to prison. We know the CARES Act requirements, SBA affiliation rules, inside and out, and can demonstrate your compliance. The government is aggressively pursuing PPP loan fraud cases, often targeting businesses that received significant funding. These cases frequently involve complex financial analysis and require federal white collar criminal defense attorneys who understand both the CARES Act requirements and federal fraud statutes.
Common Charges: – PPP loan application fraud – Economic Injury Disaster Loan fraud – Employee Retention Credit fraud – Bank fraud related to relief programs
How to challenge the government’s ‘favorite charge’ and avoid the conspiracy trap that can turn a simple business dispute into a federal case. We know how to separate you from co-defendants and minimize your exposure. Wire fraud is the government’s favorite charge because it’s broad and carries severe penalties. When combined with conspiracy charges, prosecutors can target multiple individuals and extend the scope of their investigation.
Common Charges: – Federal wire fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1343) – Mail fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1341) – Conspiracy to commit fraud – Money laundering – RICO violations
Securities fraud investigations can destroy a company’s reputation overnight. Whether you’re facing insider trading allegations, accounting fraud charges, or SEC enforcement actions, you need a white collar crime lawyer who understands both the criminal and civil implications.
Common Charges: – Insider trading – Market manipulation – Accounting fraud – False statements to investors – Ponzi schemes
Bank fraud investigations often involve complex financial transactions and require attorneys who understand both banking regulations and federal criminal law. These cases frequently involve parallel civil and criminal proceedings.
Common Charges: – Bank fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1344) – Financial institution fraud – Loan fraud – Check fraud – Credit card fraud
When facing allegations of financial crimes at the federal level, having an experienced financial crime lawyer can make the difference between conviction and a strong defense. At Watson & Associates, LLC, we represent executives, business owners, and professionals accused of high-stakes offenses such as money laundering, wire fraud, securities fraud, embezzlement, and large-scale bank fraud cases. Federal prosecutors pursue these cases aggressively, often with the backing of extensive investigations and forensic accounting. Our attorneys understand how to dissect the government’s evidence, expose weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and build a strategic defense designed to protect your freedom, assets, and reputation.
Financial crime cases often involve complex regulations, overlapping statutes, and the risk of severe penalties—including prison time, fines, and asset forfeiture. Our financial crime lawyers focus on tailoring defenses for clients caught in federal investigations involving banks, corporations, or government programs. Whether the case involves allegations of misappropriated funds, unlawful transfers, or international transactions scrutinized under federal anti-money laundering laws, we stand ready to challenge the accusations head-on.
We offer a risk-free consultation on your case and are here to help you understand your legal options and how our lawyers can help you. Our lines are open 24/7, day or night, to help you. Our goal is to avoid jail time or damaging your business reputation when the media and news get involved. Contact our High-Profile Defense Attorney, Theodore Watson at 1.866.601.5518, to discuss this further. Ask to speak directly with Theodore Watson, or leave a message for his immediate attention.
The best course of action is to seek legal help from federal white collar crime lawyers. He or she can guide you through the legal process and create realistic expectations with guidance on how to protect your rights. Do not speak to law enforcement or your employer without your defense attorney present.
If you are accused or investigated for a federal white collar crime, be sure to document all relevant information and evidence that may support your case. Do not guess at what your attorney may or may not want to see. Instead, preserve all evidence.
You can certainly defend yourself against federal white-collar crime charges, but it is not advisable. However, you can represent yourself pro se. Common legal defenses in white collar cases include a lack of intent to commit the crime or proving that you were unaware of the illegal activities.
Here’s what makes Watson & Associates different: We’re not just federal white collar crime lawyers. We’re former federal prosecutors and government employees who’ve been on the other side of these government actions and agency investigations. We know how the government builds cases because we used to build them.
When you hire us, you’re not just getting lawyers. You’re getting legal minds that have been on the other side who can:
As a general rule, and depending on the charges against you, you have common legal defenses against white-collar crimes.
Show Lack of Intent: Most white-collar crimes, such as fraud or embezzlement, require proof that the defendant acted with intent to deceive or commit a wrongful act. If your white collar crime attorneys can demonstrate that you lacked the intent to commit the alleged crime, the charges may be reduced or dismissed.
You Acted Under Duress: If you were forced or threatened into committing a white-collar crime by another party, this can be used as a legal defense. For example, if someone threatened you with harm unless you participated in fraudulent activities, you might be able to claim that you acted under duress.
Illegal Search – Fourth Amendment Violation: Evidence obtained through illegal searches can be suppressed.
Insufficiency of the Evidence: If the evidence against you is weak or circumstantial, your white collar crime lawyers can argue that there is not enough to convict. This might involve challenging the quality or reliability of the documents, testimony, or digital records the government is using against you.
What our federal white collar crime lawyers realize is that the corporate CEOs and companies find themselves being charged, indicted, and ultimately convicted in procurement fraud or healthcare fraud cases because the local defense attorneys are not intimately familiar with the various underlying laws that the government attorneys allege that they have violated.
We represent government contractor fraud clients in civil or criminal cases for:
Federal white collar prosecutions carry severe consequences that extend far beyond potential jail time:
Criminal Penalties: – Substantial federal prison sentences – Massive fines and restitution – Forfeiture of assets – Supervised release and probation
Civil Consequences: – False Claims Act treble damages – Debarment from government contracting – Professional license suspension or revocation – SEC enforcement actions
Business Impact: – Loss of government contracts – Damage to business relationships – Negative media coverage – Shareholder lawsuits
Personal Consequences: – Destruction of professional reputation – Family financial security threatened – Social and community standing damaged – Future business opportunities eliminated
The government’s resources are virtually unlimited. Your defense should be equally sophisticated and well-funded.
Politely decline and contact our nationwide white collar crime lawyers immediately. Even if you believe you’re innocent, speaking to federal agents without an attorney present is extremely dangerous. Agents are trained to elicit incriminating statements, and anything you say can be used against you later.
Federal white collar investigations can take months or years to complete. The government often investigates quietly for extended periods before making contact with targets. This is why early legal representation is crucial.
In most cases, yes, but you must be extremely careful about document preservation and employee communications. Our national federal white collar crime lawyers will help you develop protocols to protect your business while complying with legal obligations.
Your status can change as the investigation develops, which is why experienced representation is essential regardless of your initial classification.
Cooperation can sometimes lead to reduced charges or sentences, but it’s also extremely risky. The decision to cooperate should only be made with experienced counsel after careful analysis of the government’s evidence and your potential exposure.
We represent executives and organizations in federal courts across the United States. No matter where your case is being investigated or prosecuted, we have the experience and resources to defend you effectively. Hiring a federal white collar criminal defense attorney? Our SEC CID investigation attorneys can provide legal defense in most states including Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas financial crime lawyer, California white collar crrime lawyers, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida white collar criminal defense lawyer, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois white collar criminal defense lawyer , Indiana, Kansas white collar crime lawyers, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland white collar crime lawyers, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, federal New Hampshire white collar crime lawyer, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, medical fraud lawyers in Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina white collar criminal defense lawyer, Tennessee, Texas, U.S. Virgin Islands financial crime lawyer, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Washington DC SEC white collar crime lawyers, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
Cities in which our federal White Collar Crime defense attorney help corporations include Anchorage, AK; Atlanta, GA; Austin white collar crime lawyer, TX; Chicago, IL; Colorado Springs, CO; Baltimore white collar crime lawyers, MD; Dallas white collar crime lawyers, TX; Denver, Colorado; Indianapolis, IN; Las Vegas, NV; Los Angeles White Collar Criminal defense lawyers; Dayton financial crime attorneys, CA; Miami white collar criminal defense lawyer, FL; Fort Lauderdale SEC fraud lawyers, Houston white collar crime lawyers and fraud attorneys, Philadelphia, PA; San Antonio, TX; San Diego, CA; San Francisco financial crime lawyers, CA; San Jose, CA; Santa Clara, CA; and Tampa financial crime lawyer, FL.
Every day you wait gives federal prosecutors more time to build their case against you. Every day you delay could be the difference between freedom and prison, between saving your business and losing everything.
You have two choices:
Call 1-866-601-5518 and speak directly to Theodore Watson. Our lines are open 24/7 or leave a message for his immediate attention. We answer around the clock because we understand that federal investigations don’t wait for business hours.
CALL 1-866-601-5518 NOW – Lines Open 24/7 – Ask to Speak Directly with Theodore Watson
Prepare to Fight for Your Company’s Revenues. Without This Preparation You Could Lose.With short deadline to act and millions at risk, this bid protest checklist keeps you organized and charging ahead with your mind towards the merits and not being unprepared.
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Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes; this is attorney advertising only. All information on this website has been prepared for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While this information may constitute attorney advertising in some jurisdictions, reading this information does not create an attorney-client relationship. Your MUST engage with an attorney to create a legal relationship. Every case is different, any prior result described or referred to herein cannot guarantee similar outcomes in the future in any type of case. All visitors to this Website are informed that Watson & Associates, LLC works with affiliated lawyers (referred to as “Local Counsel”) in various cities and states across the United States. These Local Counsel may assist the Firm on a case-by-case basis, operate their own respective law firms, are independent of Firm, and are not partners, owners, of counsel, or employees of Firm. Clients and prospective clients should be aware that when referencing to Firm’s experience, this experience may combine the knowledge and experience of both Firm and its frequently used Local Counsel in the aggregate.
Specifically, if and when Firm cooperates with Local Counsel, Firm will disclose the details to the client in writing for their approval. In some cases, pursuant to Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct and the equivalent in other jurisdictions, a case is referred to a Local Counsel, the Firm will not participate in the representation. In such a case, a client will sign an engagement exclusively with the Local Counsel. Watson &. Associates, LLC is headquartered in Denver, Colorado and it only maintains a fully equipped office in Denver and Washington DC. References to a particular city or state other than Denver, Colorado and Washington DC, in any article or anywhere on this website does NOT mean that Firm maintains an office in that location, and it does NOT mean that Firm has attorneys physically located in that city or state. Firm’s lawyers are only licensed to practice state law in the states mentioned in their respective biographies. With few case-by-case exceptions, Firm’s practice is limited to matters and questions of federal law and federal procedure. Firm’s engagement letter and Firm’s website disclaimers provide additional details.
Our government contracts attorney services cover all states regarding legal and non-legal matters. We assist federal small businesses and large DoD contractors in Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, U.S. Virgin Islands, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Washington, DC, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
Cities in which our government contracts attorneys assist federal government contractors include:
Anchorage, AK; Atlanta, GA; Austin, TX; Chicago, IL; Colorado Springs, CO; Dallas, TX; Denver, Colorado; Indianapolis, IN; Las Vegas, NV; Los Angeles, CA; Miami, FL; Philadelphia, PA; San Antonio, TX; San Diego, CA; San Francisco, CA; San Jose, CA; Santa Clara, CA; and Tampa, FL.
Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes; this is attorney advertising only. All information on this website has been prepared for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While this information may constitute attorney advertising in some jurisdictions, reading this information does not create an attorney-client relationship. Your MUST engage with an attorney to create a legal relationship. Every case is different, any prior result described or referred to herein cannot guarantee similar outcomes in the future in any type of case. All visitors to this Website are informed that Watson & Associates, LLC works with affiliated lawyers (referred to as “Local Counsel”) in various cities and states across the United States. These Local Counsel may assist the Firm on a case-by-case basis, operate their own respective law firms, are independent of Firm, and are not partners, owners, of counsel, or employees of Firm. Clients and prospective clients should be aware that when referencing to Firm’s experience, this experience may combine the knowledge and experience of both Firm and its frequently used Local Counsel in the aggregate. Specifically, if and when Firm cooperates with Local Counsel, Firm will disclose the details to the client in writing for their approval. In some cases, pursuant to Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct and the equivalent in other jurisdictions, a case is referred to a Local Counsel, the Firm will not participate in the representation. In such a case, a client will sign an engagement exclusively with the Local Counsel. Watson &. Associates, LLC is headquartered in Denver, Colorado and it only maintains a fully equipped office in Denver and Washington DC. References to a particular city or state other than Denver, Colorado and Washington DC, in any article or anywhere on this website does NOT mean that Firm maintains an office in that location, and it does NOT mean that Firm has attorneys physically located in that city or state. Firm’s lawyers are only licensed to practice state law in the states mentioned in their respective biographies. With few case-by-case exceptions, Firm’s practice is limited to matters and questions of federal law and federal procedure. Firm’s engagement letter and Firm’s website disclaimers provide additional details.
Our government contracts attorney services cover all states regarding legal and non-legal matters. We assist federal small businesses and large DoD contractors in Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, U.S. Virgin Islands, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Washington, DC, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
Cities in which our government contracts attorneys assist federal government contractors include Anchorage, AK; Atlanta, GA; Austin, TX; Chicago, IL; Colorado Springs, CO; Dallas, TX; Denver, Colorado; Indianapolis, IN; Las Vegas, NV; Los Angeles, CA; Miami, FL; Philadelphia, PA; San Antonio, TX; San Diego, CA; San Francisco, CA; San Jose, CA; Santa Clara, CA; and Tampa, FL.
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