Criminal Related Insights & Resources

Hospice fraud is a serious enforcement priority for Medicare, and federal regulators are under pressure to police sham entities, abusive billing, and suspect ownership structures and healthcare fraud. Recent reporting and criminal enforcement actions, particularly in California, have added to that pressure. But aggressive enforcement creates a second danger: regulators...

In federal court, some of the most important battles happen after trial—on appeal—where the focus shifts from emotion and witnesses to law, precision, and strategy. I recently argued a federal criminal appeal before the United States Court of Appeals, and the issues at stake highlight just how critical appellate advocacy...

Memphis, Tennessee – The verdict returned this week in United States v. Sanjeev Kumar closed a federal trial that bore little resemblance to the case the public was first told it was witnessing. What began as a sensational prosecution framed around sexual misconduct and human trafficking ultimately narrowed into a...

Dr. Lonnie Joseph Parker, a Texarkana physician, was recently convicted in federal court of unlawfully prescribing opioids – a so-called “pill mill” prosecution. He received a 7-year sentence after a jury found him guilty on four counts of distributing controlled substances outside the usual course of professional practice. Notably, the...

Federal criminal defense attorney Ronald W. Chapman II, together with the rest of Dr. Kumar’s dedicated healthcare fraud defense team, successfully secured the dismissal of the majority of the healthcare fraud federal charges brought against Dr. Kumar, a respected OBGYN practicing in Memphis.

If you think the John Bolton case is just another “classified‑documents” brawl, you haven’t read the charging paper. This is not a storage‑unit saga; it’s a diary‑to‑family indictment with compartments like HCS and SI splashed across the pages, an alleged Iran‑linked hack of a personal AOL account (yes, AOL), and...

The federal system has long recognized that juveniles who come into contact with the criminal justice process deserve a degree of protection and privacy that is not typically extended to adult defendants. Central to this protection is the confidentiality of juvenile records, which reflects a rehabilitative philosophy: a belief that...

As the trial of Sean “Diddy” Combs approaches, the spotlight shifts from headlines to hard evidence. While the charges carry the weight of serious federal crimes, the case may be weaker than it first appears. A first-time federal judge, a media-saturated jury pool, and a prosecution strategy that leans heavily...

The United States airline industry, once the crown jewel of American ingenuity, is now on the brink of collapse—not because of war, terrorism, or technological stagnation, but because of unchecked greed. In 2025, the illusion of safety has finally unraveled. Behind the glossy terminals and frequent flyer perks lies a...

The Ninth Circuit's ruling in USA v. Holmes highlights a troubling trend in criminal trials—courts dismissing improper expert witness testimony as "harmless error." In Elizabeth Holmes' appeal, the court acknowledged errors in admitting expert-like testimony but upheld her conviction anyway. This article explores why relying on speculative harmless error rulings...

The legal authority of federal judges to dismiss indictments at a prosecutor’s request is limited. Federal Defense Attorney Ronald Chapman explores the differences between dismissal with prejudice and dismissal without prejudice, and the implications for high-profile cases like Mayor Eric Adams’ indictment. Learn how Rule 48(a) governs judicial oversight and prosecutorial...

Houston adult entertainer Chanel Nicholson takes her racial discrimination case against Houston area strip clubs all the way to the Supreme Court. Using an ancient civil rights statute that guarantees equal rights to black workers, she sued the clubs claiming that they improperly applied a quota to strippers at the...

The epic tale of Ross Ulbricht and Silk Road is not yet over. Donald Trump pardoned Ross on day 1 of his presidency. But why? What are Trump’s plans for Ulbricht. Ron Chapman explores the libertarian ideals that fueled his federal charges, the FBI’s high-stakes bust, and the ongoing battle...

As Donald Trump inches toward a potential second act in the White House, he’s also the star of another ongoing drama: his seemingly endless legal battles. From courtrooms in New York to federal judges in Florida and Washington, the ex-president and president-elect faces an array of cases that would...

Ron Chapman is a Federal Defense Attorney and Author of Unraveling Federal Criminal Investigations. He’s spent a career beating the DOJ’s most difficult cases for his clients. Ron Chapman argued United States v. Campbell in the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals before Judges Davis, Clay and White. Ron argued that...

Donald Trump’s plan to use the Foreign Enemies Act for deporting undocumented immigrants has revived questions about presidential power in immigration. Passed in 1798, the Act lets the president expel nationals from enemy states in wartime, but today’s robust immigration laws make such a move seem excessive. Critics highlight that...

Michael Jeffries the CEO of Abercrombie and Fitch was indicted for sex trafficking. But amidst the P. Diddy, Weinstein, Epstein, and Cosby prosecutions, are we entering an era of post-truth prosecutions where we spend time reinventing the truth to make up for our past indiscretions? Federal Defense Attorney Ronald Chapman...

P. Diddy, AKA Sean Comb's sex trafficking and RICO indictment is a stretch. Vague allegations of sex trafficking, sexual abuse, and violence stemming from "freak-offs" sex parties run by Diddy seem more like the opulent excess of a hip hop star and not that of an organized criminal. Federal Criminal...

In Betro v. United States, the Federal 6th Circuit Court of Appeals upheld federal healthcare fraud convictions despite improper comments that appealed to class bias, jury deliberations and use of co-conspirator plea agreements.

Physician petitions the Supreme Court challenging the ambiguous standards of the Controlled Substances Act 841. This pivotal case impacts physicians prescribing opioids, addressing circuit splits and evolving legal interpretations crucial to medical practice and patient care.

The Supreme Court ruled that Donald Trump was immune for official acts, but they went even further to discuss which acts should be considered official acts. What’s next for the Trump Prosecution?

Can you be prosecuted for a HIPAA violation? Yes but rarely. David Haim, a Texas physician at Texas Children's Hospital, was indicted for violations of HIPAA after purportedly leaking protected health information to a reporter, City Journal editor Christopher F. Rufo. He was indicted by the Department of Justice and...

Federal criminal defense attorney Ronald Chapman and white collar advice founder Justin Paperny sit down for an in-deph conversation regarding federal criminal plea’s, proffers, prosecutors and the decision to go to trial.

Trump’s Supreme Court brief underscores the motive behind Jack Smith’s January 6th Prosecution of Donald Trump. Standing in Jack’s way is a rich tapestry of cases from Marbury v. Madison to Fitzgerald clearly rejecting his theory. The Separation of Powers demands that presidents be immunized from their official acts. Federal...

Joe Biden's mental capacity is in question, but did special prosecutor Robert Hur do his due diligence to answer the most important questions of his investigation? Ronald Chapman II, federal criminal defense attorney, talks about the implications Robert Hur's investigation outcome and its impact on modern-day justice.

Robert Hur, special counsel sat down with Congress after producing a transcript of Joe Biden’s classified records interview with the DOJ. Hur’s report claims that Biden is too old to prosecute and a jury would not convict. Was Biden’s failing memory a defense tactic? Or should Joe Biden face prosecution...

Special Counsel Weiss responds to Hunter Biden’s claims of selective prosecution alleging that Biden Feigned a conspiracy when he realized the nature of his plea agreement. Hunter Biden was indicted for tax fraud as well as a gun charge and has admittedly used prostitutes and smoked crack cocaine.

Sorting through Donald Trump’s trial schedule while he is the frontrunner for the Republican nomination is challenging. Neil Cavuto of Fox News asked Ron to break down Trump’s trial calendar and a host of issues involving Trump’s cases in Fulton County Georgia, Miami, D.C. with Fani Willis and Jack Smith.

One word in the Supreme Court order hints at their immunity decision. The Supreme Court granted Trump's. The case is set for a decision in May or June which may impact Jack Smith’s trial date before Judge Tanya Chutkin in the District of Colombia. Jack Smith must conclude the trial...

Health care fraud defense attorney Ronald W. Chapman II, notable for his significant health care fraud acquittals discusses rising prosecutions in Michigan, Florida, Texas and increased sentences for medicare fraud.

Kendall Hansen was acquitted by a Kentucky federal jury of drug distribution and conspiracy to distribute drugs out of his interventional pain practice. The case of the alleged pill mill was prosecuted by the ARPO strike force and is the second loss by this office against Ronald W. Chapman in...

Jack Smith’s January 6th prosecutions of Donald Trump and 500 other defendants are in jeopardy. Supreme Court granted certiorari in Fischer v. United States a case to determine if the Sarbanes Oxly statute criminalizing obstruction of an official proceeding, 18 U.S.C. 1512 requires a tangible item. The Supreme Court will...

A federal court held that a list containing names of associates, witnesses, investigators and even victims can be revealed. It will not include the names of minor victims who did not consent. The Court gave time for an appeal to keep the records private.

Donald Trump’s First Amendment Defense Federal criminal defendants seeking precedent can make unlikely bedfellows. Charlotte Anita Whitney, a member of the Communist Labor Party, was convicted under the California Criminal Syndicalism Act for allegedly helping to establish an organization that advocated the violent overthrow of the government. Whitney argued that...

First Amendment protections in federal criminal cases have a long history of spirited litigation. The Supreme Court has delivered mixed results in federal criminal cases. Learn about first amendment defenses from winning federal criminal defense attorney Ronald W Chapman II. 

Legal scholars are beginning to argue that former President Donald Trump cannot be convicted in Jack Smith’s January 6th federal indictment because the Double Jeopardy Clause of the U.S. Constitution prevents a trial after an acquittal of the same offense. Federal Defense Attorney Ronald W. Chapman II breaks down this...

Federal Criminal Defense Attorney Ronald W. Chapman II explains Trump’s Fulton County Booking procedures that he hand the other 19 defendants can expect to face.

When facing healthcare fraud charges your career, reputation and freedom is on the line. For this nationally known Rheumatologist who was facing a healthcare fraud investigation, the battle was over before it started. Cleared of all potential charges he can resume practice unimpeded by the Department of Justice.

Hunter Biden to plead guilty to two misdemeanor tax violations and will receive pre-trial diversion for a federal gun charge. Was this a sweetheart deal? What is pre-trial diversion and when is it offered? Federal criminal defense attorney Ronald W. Chapman II sits down with Scripps news to discuss.

In Jones v. Hendrix the Supreme Court barred the use of a 2241 petition to avoid the prohibition on successive 2255 petitions where there was a subsequent change in statutory interpretation. This causes a major hurdle for defendants where there is a subsequent change in the law post conviction and...

Donald Trump has been indicted and here is everything you want to know. Will Trump go to jail? Where will the case be tried? What are the charges? Federal criminal defense attorney Ronald W. Chapman II breaks down the charges.

Federal criminal defense attorney Ronald W. Chapman II secured dismissal of 20-year mandatory minimum death charges for a Georgia Doctor - Thomas Sachy. Dr. Sachy walked out of court a free man after beating charges that he unlawfully distributed drugs and ran a pill mill leading to the death...

The unlawful retention and dissemination is a serious offense often earning defendants significant jail time. Jack Teixeira a National Guard Airman was charged with two counts under the Espionage Act for disclosing classified material on a discord server. He has not yet been charged with treason which could land him...

Read the Trump Indictment Intent. It's what separates garden variety false statements from fraud. What separates an error on your taxes and tax fraud. Or routine prescribing from federal drug charges. It's a vital and important component of our legal system. When a person is accused of a criminal offense,...

Since United States Watts Federal district courts have used acquitted conduct at sentencing to increase the guidelines of a federal defendant over the objection of a federal criminal defense attorney. Soon, the doctrine will be eviscerated either by the Supreme Court of the United States or the United States Sentencing...

Banks created a boneheaded fraud scheme that was unsuccessful. This didn’t stop the government from securing a 104 month sentence based on his “intended” amount of fraud. The 3rd Circuit disagreed with the Government finding that the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines clearly relate to the “actual” loss and not the intended...

The Supreme Court Set to Determine “GOOD FAITH” in Physician Opioid Prescribing – United States v. Ruan. Overview – United States v. Ruan and “Good Faith” The Supreme Court will decide the first cases regarding opioid prescribing since 1975: United States v Ruan and United States v. Kahn and likely United States v. Naum and determine...

The Supreme Court will hear Ciminelli v. United States this term. Ciminelli is a case in which the Supreme Court will determine if the federal wire fraud statute is violated where the victim is deprived of the right to control assets.

President Biden announced a three-step plan for addressing prior marijuana convictions. Federal Defense Blog answers your burning questions about this development.

Federal forfeiture and seizure in federal drug prosecutions is the quickest way for federal prosecutors to secure victory before the case starts. Federal drug seizure and forfeiture laws permit nearly unfettered seizure of property. This article describes how to fight back.

Ruan v. United States was a landmark decision by the Supreme Court increasing the standard needed to convict physicians of unlawful prescribing. Three months post Ruan, we are seeing a mixed bag of District Court decisions. Here is a breakdown of these trial court and appellate decisions.

A Puerto Rico physician was cleared of healthcare fraud charges after prosecutors dismissed charges before trial fearing an acquittal. Ronald Chapman II and Safe Harbor Group were responsible for the victory. The client is cleared and has returned back to practice as an emergency department physician.

Securing acquittal in opioid prescribing or “pill mill” cases is a daunting task. Federal criminal defense attorney Ronald Chapman is

In the unanimous Supreme Court decision, Ruan v. United States, the Supreme Court struck down the application of objective standards as a vehicle for opioid prosecutions against physicians accused of unlawful prescribing. The Supreme Court paves the way for a more tailored approach to measuring physician conduct.

In Shinn v. Ramirez the Supreme Court led by Justice Thomas held that a state court defendant is barred from access to federal courts if his state court claim is procedurally barred even where his counsel is ineffective. A salty dissent pointed out that innocent people will be imprisoned or...

The 2016 CDC Guideline for Prescribing Opioids is undergoing well needed change. The AMA released public comments applauding the CDC’s efforts to make some changes while declaring that it has not gone far enough to protect pain patients, prescribers, and the public.

In Arizona v. Youngblood the Supreme Court determined that a defendant is only entitled to dismissal based on destruction of evidence where it can show “bad faith” on the part of the police officers. ContraFed breaks down decisions since Youngblood and an approach for a successful “bad faith” spoliation argument.

Joe Exotic AKA Joseph Maldanado received relief from the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals that sent his case back for re-sentencing. His case reveals an endemic flaw in the US Sentencing Guidelines.

The top pick on President Biden’s very short Supreme Court nomination list goes to Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson a former public defender, advisor to the sentencing commission, and D.C. District and Circuit Judge.

Thousands of federal prisoners to remain out at the conclusion of the COVID-19 pandemic on home confinement according to a recent Department of Justice Policy memo.

Two Supreme Court Justices on opposite sides of the ideological spectrum raise concerns over the lack of action of the United States Sentencing commission in resolving an important guidelines dispute.

97% of federal defendants throw themselves at the mercy of the court and plead guilty only to proceed to a federal sentencing hearing unprepared and unaware of what actually occurs and how to achieve the lowest possible federal sentencing. Let’s change that. A federal sentence is determined based on a...

Ever taken a hit of a joint? Passed one to a friend? Yep that's right, you’re a felon. 40,000 inmates are in federal prison right now for marijuana related convictions. Federal law still punishes the possession, manufacture, and distribution of Marijuana by up to 20 years in prison. But the...

Learn how the FBI took over an encrypted messaging company and systematically shut down encrypted messaging platforms to drive traffic to its honeypot.

Mayo Clinic trained physician Joseph Oesterling was acquitted of all counts of drug trafficking for allegedly running a pill mill in Caro Michigan. He was represented by Federal Criminal Defense Attorney Ronald W. Chapman II.

FDA Warning Letter vs. FDA Form 483: The Difference Can Decide What Happens Next One of the most common questions companies ask after an FDA inspection is this: What is the difference between a Form FDA 483 and an FDA warning letter? The short answer is that a 483 is generally...

Release Pending Appeal in Federal Court By Ronald W. Chapman II Last reviewed: April 2026 Release pending appeal in federal court is possible, but it is difficult. Once a defendant has been convicted and sentenced to imprisonment, the presumption shifts sharply toward detention. Federal law requires more than a promising issue...

Can You Appeal After a Guilty Plea in Federal Court? By Ronald W. Chapman II Last reviewed: April 2026 Yes, you can sometimes appeal after a guilty plea in federal court. But the appeal is usually narrower, more technical, and more dependent on the exact plea record than clients expect. A...

Appeal Waivers in Federal Plea Agreements By Ronald W. Chapman II Last reviewed: April 2026 An appeal waiver in a federal plea agreement is powerful, but it is not magic. It can narrow appellate options dramatically, but it does not answer every question by itself. The exact wording matters. The Rule...

Petition for Rehearing and Rehearing En Banc in a Federal Criminal Appeal By Ronald W. Chapman II Last reviewed: April 2026 Losing a federal criminal appeal does not always mean the next move is over. In some cases, the right response is a petition for panel rehearing, rehearing en banc, or both. But...

Supreme Court Review After a Federal Criminal Appeal By Ronald W. Chapman II Last reviewed: April 2026 After a federal criminal appeal is denied, some cases are candidates for Supreme Court review. Most are not. The Supreme Court does not function as a general error-correction court for every adverse circuit decision....

What Happens After a Federal Criminal Appeal Is Denied? By Ronald W. Chapman II Last reviewed: April 2026 A denied federal criminal appeal is not always the end of the case, but it is a major decision point. The next step may be panel rehearing, rehearing en banc, a petition for...

 FDA Authority vs. Medical Practice Executive Summary: In drafting this article, I find that FDA authority over peptides centers on their status as drugs/biologics – the FDA regulates their manufacturing, importation, and distribution, but not the practice of medicine (i.e. a physician’s decision to prescribe or administer). As FDA guidance...

A major federal appellate decision may significantly change how the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) prosecutes pharmacies for controlled-substance violations. In Neumann’s Pharmacy, LLC v. DEA, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit rejected the DEA’s long-standing interpretation of two key Controlled Substances Act regulations governing pharmacists: 21 C.F.R....

Criminal Prosecution Under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) Federal criminal prosecutions for FDA adulteration and misbranding charges have become one of the most aggressive—and least understood—frontiers of modern white-collar enforcement. Conduct that was once addressed through inspections, warning letters, or civil remedies is now increasingly charged as...

What the New Enforcement Model Means for Physicians, Clinics, and Regulated Businesses The Department of Justice has quietly—but decisively—changed how it enforces FDA-regulated conduct. What was once episodic and largely administrative has evolved into something far more consequential: a permanent, prosecutor-driven enforcement model that treats FDA matters as criminal cases...

Defense Strategies for FDA Adulteration, Misbranding, and FDCA Prosecutions Federal criminal cases involving the Food and Drug Administration are among the most aggressive and technically complex prosecutions in the white-collar enforcement landscape. These matters are not routine regulatory disputes. They are felony criminal cases—often driven by expansive statutory theories, scientific...

Answers to Common Questions About FDA Adulteration, Misbranding, and FDCA Prosecutions – FDA Criminal Defense FAQ What is an FDA criminal case? An FDA criminal case is a federal prosecution brought under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FDCA). These matters are pursued by the government when it alleges...

Introduction Cryptocurrency has become a new frontier in federal asset forfeiture. In recent years, federal agencies have aggressively pursued pre-trial seizure of digital assets – meaning they can take control of your cryptocurrency before any criminal trial or conviction. As a result, ordinary citizens and even defense attorneys often find...

What To Do If FDA or the U.S. Attorney Contacts You The Situation—Why Detroit Shops Are Getting Scrutiny Since 2024, the FDA Center for Tobacco Products (CTP) has ramped up enforcement against unauthorized flavored and disposable e-cigarettes, issuing waves of warning letters, civil money penalty (CMP) complaints, and coordinating with...

How to File a Federal Asset Seizure Claim Form When the government seizes your property—money, vehicles, or other assets—it begins what’s called an administrative forfeiture. To contest that seizure and protect your rights, you must act quickly and properly. Failing to file a claim on time means you lose your...

Federal Appeals Lawyer Ron Chapman II When a federal trial ends, it does not have to mean the end of the fight. A conviction or harsh sentence is not always the final word. In the federal system, appeals exist to correct errors, enforce constitutional protections, and ensure justice when the...

Cell Phone Search Warrants and Privilege Filter Protocols Probable Cause and Warrant Requirements for Cell Phone Searches The Supreme Court’s decision in Riley v. California established that police must obtain a warrant supported by probable cause before searching the digital contents of a seized cell phone .  Cell phones are...

Complete Forfeiture and the Excessive Fines Clause: Federal Standards and Case Law Introduction The Eighth Amendment’s Excessive Fines Clause declares that “excessive fines” shall not be imposed, but what counts as “excessive” has been a subject of evolving judicial interpretation. In recent years, American governments have increasingly relied on fines,...

Overview of the Advice of Counsel Defense The advice of counsel defense is an affirmative defense that negates criminal intent by demonstrating that the defendant relied in good faith on legal advice. The defense is commonly asserted in white-collar crimes, including fraud, securities violations, and tax evasion cases​. Legal Standard...

I travel the country defending individuals entangled in the federal legal system, and I’ve seen the Supreme Court’s processes both enchant and frustrate clients and lawyers alike. Today, I’d like to walk you through the essentials of drafting a Supreme Court petition and seeking that almost mythical certiorari grant. We’ll...

Can You Get Bail After a Federal Indictment? Being federally indicted is a terrifying experience. You’re suddenly facing serious charges, possible prison time, and the overwhelming power of the U.S. government. One of the first questions many defendants ask is:   Can I get bail after a federal indictment? The...

Federal investigations are typically long and thorough, often lasting months or years before charges are filed. Knowing what triggers a federal investigation and what steps to take is crucial. 1. Common Triggers for Federal Investigations Whistleblower Complaints – Employees or associates report suspected illegal activities. Suspicious Financial Transactions – Large...

Federal Criminal Defense Guide Federal Investigation Process Federal Target Letters Federal Indictments Inside the Federal Grand Jury Federal Arraignment & Pretrial Detention Cooperation & Proffer Agreements Pre-Trial Diversion Federal Crimes Federal Immunity Sentencing & Appeals

Unraveling Federal RICO Indictments Federal RICO and Racketeering Offenses From Federal Defense Attorney Ronald W. Chapman II RICO has had a resurgence since the Diddy, Abercrombie and Trump indictments. It’s broader now and more dangerous. Did you know? The FBI created a honeypot-encrypted cell phone service and collected tens of...

Are Your Emails Safe? From Federal Defense Attorney Ronald W. Chapman II Government searches of email accounts and how to defend them? Did you know? The FBI created a honeypot-encrypted cell phone service and collected tens of thousands of private communications. It was called Operation Trojan Shield and you can...

A Comprehensive Guide to Federal Criminal Defense (2025) Relief for Pardoned January 6th Defendants Relief for Pardoned January 6th Defendants Seeking a Lawsuit The sweeping pardons granted by President Donald Trump in 2025 to numerous January 6th defendants have raised questions about how those defendants might obtain additional relief beyond...

Understanding Compassionate Release: Navigating New Opportunities for Early Prison Release Introduction The concept of compassionate release enables certain inmates in federal prisons to seek early release under specific, extraordinary circumstances. This provision, primarily designed to address severe medical conditions or significant changes in family circumstances, aims to balance justice with...

A Comprehensive Guide to Federal Criminal Defense (2025) This article is an excerpt from: By: Ronald W. Chapman II   Federal Immunity in Federal Criminal Cases One of the most famous cases involving the use of immunity in a federal criminal trial is that of Salvatore “Sammy the Bull” Gravano,...

Understanding Federal Crimes in the United States The landscape of American criminal law is intricately divided between federal and state jurisdictions, each with its own set of rules, procedures, and offenses. This article delves into the nuances of federal crimes, exploring their distinction from state offenses, the roles of the...

  A Comprehensive Guide to Federal Criminal Defense (2025) This article is an excerpt from: By: Ronald W. Chapman II   Decoding Federal Target Letters: A Guide to Navigating Uncharted Waters When the mail arrives with a distinctive Department of Justice (DOJ) envelope, or that letter is handed to you...

A Comprehensive Guide to Federal Criminal Defense (2025) This article is an excerpt from: By: Ronald W. Chapman II Navigating the Labyrinth of Federal Investigations: Am I Under Federal Investigation? As a seasoned federal criminal defense attorney, I’ve witnessed the anxiety and uncertainty that often accompany the prospect of a...

A Comprehensive Guide to Federal Criminal Defense (2026) Wire Fraud Basics Explained by a Federal Wire Fraud Defense Attorney Ronald W. Chapman II What is Wire Fraud? Wire fraud is a federal criminal offense in the United States, charged under 18 U.S.C. § 1343. It involves the use of interstate...

Federal Indictments What Happens Next and How to Fight Back Handling a Federal Indictment First Steps Stop talking to agents. You don’t “talk your way out” of a federal case—ever. Politely invoke your right to counsel. Do not text, DM, or post about the case. Assume everything is preserved (and...

How to Cross A Government Expert Witness A Battle of the Experts Federal white-collar criminal cases, when properly tried, boil down to one thing – a battle of the experts. The Government scours the country looking for a highly credentialed expert who is willing to testify and the defense scours...

Arraignment in Federal Court: A Vital Step When a federal defendant has been charged with a federal crime by a federal prosecutor, they will proceed to arraignment. Arraignment is a critical stage in any federal criminal case and must be treated seriously. Mistakes at this point can be hard to overcome and may have drastic...

How the Government Reviews Attorney Client Privileged Information Using a Filter Team After seizing material that is potentially privileged through the attorney client privilege, federal agents send the information to a “filter team” previously called a “taint team” to sift through the information and separate privileged and potentially privileged materials...

 The truth about Federal Plea Agreements What is a Federal Plea Agreement? Before we dive into plea agreements, let’s clear up some common misconceptions. Federal defendants plead guilty and most do so pursuant to a Rule 11 plea agreement. Most defendants think that in order to plead guilty they have...

 Understanding Federal Sentencing What are the Sentences for Federal Charges? Federal sentences vary based on the type of offense, severity of the offense, and prior criminal history of the defendant. Some federal sentences carry a mandatory minimum while others require the judge to determine the sentence based off of the...

Understanding Federal Charges: A Practical Guide by Ronald W. Chapman II Facing a federal criminal case is daunting. I wrote this guide to give you a clear map—what makes a case federal, how the process unfolds, where the government’s leverage really lies, and how an aggressive, informed defense changes outcomes....

Fight the Feds Book Notes List Fight the Feds Footnotes Here you will find all of the cases, documents, and resources linked in Fight the Feds: Unraveling Federal Criminal Investigations. [1] McVeigh later expedited his death sentence and was quickly executed despite the Justice Department notifying defense counsel that it...

Selecting a federal criminal defense attorney: what to evaluate when facing a federal investigation or charges. Selecting the right federal criminal defense lawyer requires preparation, research, and patience which is a tall ask when a client is faced with the myriad of life-altering decisions. Trust Google and you’ll only find...

A Comprehensive Guide to Federal Criminal Defense (2026) This article is an excerpt from: By: Ronald W. Chapman II Inside the Grand jury investigation Determining the “Target” of a Federal Investigation A federal criminal investigation touches many people, all with a different role in the investigation. While not every person...

A fishy Case of OVER-CRIMINALIZATION In 2007, John Yates was on the hunt for red grouper off of the coast of Cortez, Fla. His boat was boarded by John Jones, a state Fish and Wildlife officer who, at the time, was working on behalf of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric...

By former federal prosecutor Ronald Chapman II. The Origins of Federal Prosecution To understand the motivations of the modern prosecutor we need to take a little detour into the origins of federal prosecution. In the seventeenth – and eighteenth- century in England, a system of private prosecution prevailed. Unlike...

The Federal Criminal Justice System Explained The first and most obvious place to begin your journey in understanding federal criminal defense and molding a strategy to effectively defend a criminal case is understanding the federal judicial system. The federal system can be daunting and intimidating. The vast resources by federal...

Understanding federal drug laws The Controlled Substances Act (CSA) The Controlled Substance Act, 21 U.S.C. 801 et. seq., placed all substances into one of five schedules. The schedules in order of potential for abuse. Schedule I drugs are drugs that are considered to have no medical use and are illegal...