John J. Dowling III

White Collar Criminal Defense Attorneys Trusted Nationwide

John J. Dowling III
Mr. Dowling represents clients charged with white-collar crimes in state and federal courts across the country. He regularly interacts with federal law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, DEA, DOJ, Homeland Security, and the US Secret Service. His practice is based in Charlotte, North Carolina, and he has tried cases, represented clients, or argued federal appeals in New York, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Miami, Kentucky, California, and more.

His clientele includes a range of professionals, including business owners, doctors, law enforcement officers, lawyers, political personnel, engineers, tax preparers, bankers, as well as a judge.

By and large, Mr. Dowling represents individuals charged with (or under investigation for) fraud- related offenses, especially wire, mail, and bank fraud, as well as bribery, money laundering, identity theft, embezzlement, and conspiracy.

A large fraction of Mr. Dowling’s practice also involves representing physicians, pharmacists, and other licensed medical professionals in federal court charged with violations of the federal Controlled Substances Act and federal health care fraud. In a recent case, Mr. Dowling, along with two colleagues, represented a physician at trial in federal court in New York and assisted in obtaining verdicts of not guilty on nine felony counts—including three witness tampering counts. Mr. Dowling’s opening statement in that case was covered in Newsday—Long Island’s largest print newspaper.
Also recently, Mr. Dowling represented a government employee under investigation by the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for bribery and honest services fraud. Mr. Dowling persuaded the government to decline charges altogether. In another case, he represented a tax preparer under investigation by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the U.S. Secret Service for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP loan) fraud involving nearly $500,000. Again, he persuaded the government to decline charges altogether. In addition, recently, in a case investigated by U.S. Homeland Security, he defended at trial a senior vice president at Wells Fargo indicted for an organized crime related offense.

Mr. Dowling earned his law degree from Syracuse University College of Law where he served as chairman of the disciplinary committee for the Moot Court Honor Society. He has earned two awards for legal writing and his essays on federal sentencing have been published in criminal defense newsletters.

In law school, he spent two years interning at the Federal Public Defender’s Office for the Northern District of New York, helping those charged with a range of federal offenses including bribery, wire, bank, and social security fraud, international money laundering, death threats against public officials, identity theft, drug, and firearms offenses, and a capital punishment case.

Education

  • Syracuse University College of Law (J.D., 2020, Moot Court Honor Society)
  • Long Island University Post (B.A., 2017, Honors College & Merit Fellowship)

Honors

  • CALI Award (highest grade in class), Legal Writing in Criminal Litigation
  • CALI Award (highest grade in class), Legal Writing
  • CALI Award (highest grade in class), Commercial Real Estate
  • CALI Award (highest grade in class), Real Estate Transactions

Admissions

  • North Carolina
  • U.S. District Court, Western District of North Carolina
  • U.S. District Court, Middle District of North Carolina
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Second Circuit
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Third Circuit
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, Fourth Circuit

Organizations

  • National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
  • American Bar Association
  • White-Collar Crime Section, Mecklenburg County Bar Association
  • Charlotte Business Group
  • Charlotte Area Chamber of Commerce

Federal Criminal Defense Case Results


Countless Quiet Resolutions

188 Federal Acquittals

Federal cases successfully defended — often before any public filing or charge.

Federal case result dismissal

United States v. S. K.

Court dismissed most counts in superseding indictment pre‑trial; “sex‑act” counts and over‑aggregated FDA counts tossed; limited FDA/fraud counts remained.

W.D. Tenn. 2025 Majority Dismissed

Federal case result acquittal

United States v. K. H.

Jury acquitted 6 distribution counts; hung on 2; prosecution later dismissed remaining count

E.D. Ky. 2024 6 Acquittals

Led By Federal Defense Attorney Ronald Chapman II

Ron’s meticulous approach, combined with a relentless commitment to his clients, has led to precedent-setting victories that have reshaped federal healthcare fraud and white-collar criminal defense.

Leading White Collar & Federal Defense Attorney

Leading White Collar & Federal Defense Attorney

Record-setting trial victories in high-stakes federal cases have earned Ron national recognition among peers and clients alike. His results in complex white collar investigations demonstrate strategic mastery and courtroom precision. Learn more about Ronald Chapman II

Trusted Legal Analyst & Thought Leader

Trusted Legal Analyst & Thought Leader

Frequently featured on national media, Ron is a respected voice breaking down high-profile federal cases. His insight and clarity have made him a trusted analyst for complex legal and policy issues. See Ronald in the Media

Author of Two Legal Bestsellers

Author of Two Bestsellers

Ron is the author of two acclaimed books on federal defense and investigations — essential reading for attorneys and professionals navigating the federal justice system. Explore Ronald's Books

Ronald Chapman II founder of Chapman, Dowling & Mallek

Benefits for Our Federal Defense Clients

Federal charges demand a defense team built for high-stakes cases. Individuals and businesses nationwide rely on Chapman, Dowling & Mallek because our structure, experience, and focus create direct advantages for every client we represent.

1 National-Level Federal Case Experience

You’re defended by attorneys who understand how federal cases unfold in multiple jurisdictions, giving you broader strategic protection and a defense built on real-world results.

2 Focus on Federal & White Collar Defense

You receive representation from attorneys who live and breathe federal law, giving you a stronger, more focused defense than general criminal defense firms can provide.

3 Strategic Advantage with Former Prosecutors

You get a defense strategy informed by the very people who used to build and prosecute these cases, giving you a real edge in negotiations, investigations, and trial.

4 Rapid, Private, No-Cost Consultations

You’re not left wondering what comes next, you get answers and direction right away that help you in any state, which is crucial when dealing with the federal government nationwide.

Need Federal Defense Help?

Speak directly with a federal attorney — available 24/7 for calls or texts.

Detroit Premier Top Lawyers
Justia Lawyer Top Rating
Super Lawyers Top Rating
Avvo Top Attorney White Collar Crime Rating

Headquartered in Detroit, Michigan

Serving Clients Nationwide.

Chapman, Dowling & Mallek is headquartered in Detroit, Michigan and represents clients in federal investigations and criminal matters across the United States. Our attorneys handle complex federal cases nationwide while maintaining offices in Michigan and other states.

456 E. Milwaukee, Detroit, MI 48202

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