How Federal Investigations Start

Federal investigations can begin in many ways. Agencies may receive a complaint from a private party, a tip from a former employee, billing data from Medicare or Medicaid, or information from another case. They may also launch an investigation after a routine audit or review. Agencies like the FBI, IRS, HHS, DEA, or DOJ may be involved depending on the type of allegation.

What is Healthcare Fraud?

Healthcare fraud happens when a person lies, hides facts, or submits false claims in order to get paid by Medicare or Medicaid. Fraud requires intent. In other words, the person must have known what they were doing. Billing mistakes or paperwork errors are usually handled as compliance issues, not criminal cases. To charge someone with fraud, the government must show that the person meant to receive money they were not entitled to.

Challenging the Evidence

A strong defense often begins with reviewing how the evidence was obtained. Federal agents must follow strict procedures when conducting searches, wiretaps, or seizing digital information. If your rights were violated at any point, such as through an unlawful search or an improperly executed warrant, your attorney can argue to have that evidence excluded. In some cases, this can lead to reduced or dismissed charges.

The penalties are steep. A conviction for money laundering under federal law can carry up to 20 years in prison and fines reaching $500,000 or more, depending on the amount of money involved. Beyond prison time and financial penalties, a conviction can also mean forfeiture of assets, loss of professional licenses, and long-term damage to your reputation and career.

Florida residents facing these charges may also encounter overlapping state and federal investigations. Federal prosecutors in the Southern District of Florida, for example, are known for working closely with agencies like the IRS, FBI, and DEA. This means that even a single allegation of suspicious financial activity can draw attention from multiple government bodies, making the stakes incredibly high.

This treaty is designed to ensure the prompt return of children wrongfully removed from their country of habitual residence and to protect their rights during cross-border custody disputes.

What Is the Hague Convention?

In Florida and across the U.S., federal cases follow the Federal Rules of Evidence, which govern how and when expert testimony can be used. Experts are typically called upon in areas such as forensic science, digital evidence, medical evaluations, financial crimes, and mental health assessments. For example, in a federal fraud case, a forensic accountant might testify about irregularities in financial records. In a drug trafficking case, a DEA agent could explain the logistics and patterns associated with organized distribution.

To be admitted in court, expert testimony must meet certain standards, most notably the Daubert standard, which is used in federal courts and in Florida. This standard ensures that the expert’s methods are scientifically valid and have been properly applied to the facts of the case. The judge acts as a “gatekeeper,” deciding whether the expert’s opinion is reliable and relevant.

What Is Post-Conviction Relief?

Post-conviction relief (also known as collateral relief) provides defendants an opportunity to challenge their conviction or sentence based on factors not raised during the original trial or direct appeal. These challenges are typically based on:

What Is a Federal Conspiracy Charge?

A federal conspiracy charge is based on two key elements: an agreement between two or more people to commit a federal crime, and at least one overt act taken in furtherance of that agreement. The crime itself doesn’t need to occur for charges to be filed. Simply being involved in the planning or taking a step—no matter how small—can be enough for a federal case.

Mr Cohen has handled many of these cases over the years,

The key to success in cases like this is to closely evaluate the defendant’s defenses and determine whether after reviewing the discovery and evidence in each matter whether the case is one in which a trial or a plea disposition is in the best interest of the client. Mr Cohen closely analyzes each of the facts in these types of cases and then makes a recommendation to the client who of course always reserves the final decision as to whether he wants to proceed to trial or resolve the case with a plea agreement

Federal immigration violations may include overstaying a visa, entering the country without inspection, or violating the terms of a visa or green card. These offenses can lead to removal (deportation) proceedings, detention, or a permanent bar from returning to the United States. For individuals applying for permanent residency or citizenship, these violations can cause long delays or even outright denials.

In Florida, the consequences can be even more complex due to cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities. For example, if someone is arrested for a state-level offense, their information might be shared with federal agencies, increasing the risk of immigration-related detention or deportation.