Our federal criminal attorneys have built a reputation for powerful defense of clients facing federal criminal charges throughout Atlanta. Lowther | Walker is renowned for a meticulous approach to securing pre-trial dismissals, winning federal appeals, and helping clients avoid criminal charges.
To respond to federal criminal charges, including wire fraud and healthcare fraud, call our Atlanta attorneys for a free consultation.
Legal Defense for Cases Involving the HHS, DEA, IRS, OIG, and FBI
No-obligation. Fully confidential.
Call Us Today: (404) 496-4052
From our location at 101 Marietta Street, we’re within walking distance of the North District of Georgia’s Federal Courthouse and near the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals. Our city of Atlanta is in the Northern District of Georgia. The majority of Northern District cases are prosecuted here at the Atlanta federal court, with others held in either the Gainesville, Rome, or Newman division of the Northern District.
If you’re facing federal investigations by the FBI, DEA, or IRS and searching for an experienced lawyer who can meet locally in the Atlanta metro area to urgently discuss your case, Lowther | Walker’s attorneys are available now. We can help explain your rights, build a federal defense roadmap highlighting the options at each stage, and prepare you for the actions the federal prosecutors may take.
Learning the process of criminal charges can help you understand the next phase in your case and determine how best to protect your rights as the case unfolds. The stages of a federal criminal case include:
During the preliminary phase of a federal case in Atlanta, law enforcement agencies such as the DEA, FBI, and IRS will undertake comprehensive fact-finding operations prior to formally pressing charges. These federal entities will employ various evidence-collection methods throughout their inquiry:
When government attorneys determine sufficient evidence exists, they will initiate formal accusations through either a criminal complaint or grand jury indictment. Grand jury proceedings mandate your court appearance. A criminal complaint represents a document created by federal prosecutors and submitted to a Federal Magistrate Judge to establish probable cause for a federal offense. The government maintains a 30-day window to present its case to a Grand Jury for proceeding with the filing.
After formal charges are brought, federal officers will arrest you for an initial court appearance where the judge will announce the accusations and inquire about your intended plea. The judge will also establish bail conditions during this hearing. For serious offenses, a judge might refuse bond if they view you as likely to flee. Your federal defense attorney will work to secure the most favorable bail arrangements possible during this proceeding.
This hearing determines if adequate evidence exists to justify proceeding to trial. Evidence presented includes witness statements, written documentation, and material proof. Your defense counsel will have opportunities to question witnesses and examine evidence.
Should the judge find the evidence adequate for trial, the case advances to the discovery stage. Your defense attorney will obtain access to prosecutorial evidence and can examine testimony from character references, expert consultants, and ordinary witnesses.
During this phase, you and your defense counsel may negotiate an agreement with prosecutors. Your attorney will assess the strength of the government’s case when evaluating potential benefits of such an arrangement. These agreements can result in reduced penalties or prison time in exchange for accepting responsibility.
Prior to the federal trial, your defense attorney will submit pre-trial requests challenging legal aspects of the prosecution. These requests may seek to exclude evidence, eliminate certain charges, or force prosecutors to provide additional information
During the trial phase of your Atlanta case, you will appear before a judge and twelve jury members. The jury establishes the facts while the judge handles legal matters, including whether evidence can be presented. Upon conviction, the judge will consider sentencing guidelines, constitutional limitations, and judicial authority when determining punishment.
You maintain the right to challenge the federal judge’s sentence by requesting the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit to examine the case for potential prosecutorial mistakes. Typical appeal grounds include improperly obtained evidence, evidence withheld from the defense, and jury member misconduct. Three Federal appellate judges will decide appeals and have final authority unless they send the case back to the original trial court in Georgia.
Our firm represents doctors, pharmacists, and healthcare professionals across Georgia under investigation for overbilling, drug diversion, and Stark Law or Anti-Kickback Statute violations. We’ve helped clients facing audits, grand jury subpoenas, and DEA license suspensions.
Federal authorities are closely monitoring Atlanta-area businesses for alleged PPP loan misuse, bank fraud, and wire fraud. We have successfully defended clients accused of inflating payroll, falsifying loan documents, and misapplying COVID-relief funds.
Facing a federal drug charge in Georgia? Whether it’s interstate trafficking, prescription drug offenses, or cultivation operations, we defend against charges brought by the DEA or the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
From tax evasion to mail fraud and embezzlement, our attorneys are known for creating powerful defenses for professionals, executives, and business owners across Atlanta and throughout Georgia.
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Lead attorney Murdoch Walker has experience investigating and prosecuting federal cases, with his background serving as a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Task Force Officer. This prosecutor’s experience is invaluable in predicting and responding to actions by investigators at the federal agencies.
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From landmark healthcare fraud acquittals to dismissed financial crime charges, our case results demonstrate our trial skills and strategic acumen in federal courtrooms. We’re known for our work successfully defending our clients in the largest healthcare fraud case the DOJ has ever prosecuted.
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Our federal criminal defense lawyers represent clients in each of Georgia’s federal courts, including the Gainesville, Rome, and Newnan divisions. We know the local judges and the procedural nuances specific to Georgia. Our broad local network includes access to experts such as forensic accountants and lab teams to support Atlanta clients in white collar cases or those facing healthcare fraud prosecution.
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Each minute that passes in a federal investigation is a lost opportunity to work on your case. With Lowther | Walker, we’re ready to offer local free consultations immediately to help answer your federal law questions and begin fighting for your legal rights. Whether you wish to meet at our offices in downtown Atlanta or begin with a free phone consultation, we can help you navigate the next step with confidence and clarity. Appointments are available 24/7.
If you’re facing federal criminal charges, call local defense lawyers Lowther | Walker for regional knowledge backed by nationwide criminal defense resources. Call now for a free, confidential consultation with our defense team.
Centennial Tower, 101 Marietta St NW Suite 3650, Atlanta, GA 30303, United States
No-obligation. Fully confidential.
Call Us Today: (404) 496-4052
Federal criminal cases in Atlanta are primarily heard at the Richard B. Russell Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse, which is part of the Northern District of Georgia. This courthouse handles the majority of federal matters for the metro area.
Atlanta federal investigations often involve the FBI, DEA, IRS, HHS-OIG, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Many white-collar and healthcare fraud cases also involve the Small Business Administration (SBA) or Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
Crimes that cross state lines, involve federal programs (like PPP loans or Medicare), or violate federal statutes are prosecuted in federal court. Atlanta is a hotspot for federal cases due to its size and presence of major federal agency offices.
Yes. Federal agencies may arrest you after a sealed indictment, often following months of investigation. If you receive a target letter or subpoena, it’s a serious sign that charges may be pending.
Unlike state cases, a bond in federal court is not guaranteed. A federal magistrate judge will assess whether you’re a flight risk or danger to the community. Skilled legal representation at this hearing is critical.
Absolutely. Federal criminal law is very different from Georgia state law. It involves unique rules, sentencing guidelines, and procedures. Only a federal defense attorney with experience in the Northern District of Georgia courts can properly represent you.
Yes. The DOJ and HHS-OIG have made Atlanta a focus city for healthcare fraud enforcement, particularly involving billing, opioid prescriptions, and kickback violations. Even honest providers may be caught in investigations.
If you’ve spoken with agents, even informally, contact a federal criminal defense attorney immediately. Anything said can be used against you. A lawyer may still be able to suppress evidence or mitigate damage.
