The Faegre Baker Daniels white collar criminal, internal and government investigations practice group represents businesses and individuals who are targets, defendants, witnesses and victims in white collar matters. Our focuses include: 

• Representing clients in government investigations, criminal prosecutions and civil enforcement actions
• Conducting corporate internal investigations 
• Developing corporate ethics and compliance programs

White Collar Criminal Defense

Government investigations, criminal prosecutions and civil enforcement actions present the potential for damage to reputation, fines, debarment or other sanctions that can put a company out of business or an individual in jail. The experience, credibility and judgment of counsel may make the difference between a criminal indictment and an investigation being quietly closed with no publicity. Our white collar practice group has substantial experience representing clients through all phases of government investigations, criminal prosecutions and civil enforcement actions. 

Our lawyers include former state and federal prosecutors with experience conducting investigations and working with local and national law enforcement agencies. We develop strategies that focus not only on the ultimate outcome but also on minimizing business disruption, negative publicity and other collateral consequences of the criminal process.

Our professionals regularly represent clients in investigations involving allegations of fraud and violations of environmental, antitrust, and health care statutes and regulations, as well as international white-collar matters, such as alleged violations of export and customs laws and the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. Our lawyers regularly represent clients in grand jury investigations conducted by the U.S. Department of Justice and have represented clients in investigations and proceedings brought by other federal agencies, including the Department of Housing and Urban Development, Department of Defense, Department of State, Department of Agriculture, Department of Health and Human Services, the Securities and Exchange Commission, and the Environmental Protection Agency, as well as similar state-level government agencies.   

Internal Investigations

Our lawyers frequently assist corporations, audit committees and special committees in conducting internal investigations of known or suspected illegal or unethical activity. Having conducted investigations both as prosecutors and private counsel, we are able to identify critical documents, assess the credibility of witnesses, and determine what will matter most to government decision makers. We then assist the client in developing plans for remedial action, deciding whether to disclose the results of the investigation to government entities or enforcement authorities and minimizing adverse consequences to the client's ongoing business.

Corporate Compliance

In today's climate of vigorous enforcement of complex laws and regulations in many industries, a culture of compliance is critical. We regularly:

• Prepare and review corporate ethics and compliance programs
• Counsel clients on compliance with a variety of laws such as the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, securities laws and regulations, antitrust laws, and health care fraud statutes and regulations
• Conduct training to ensure that the compliance program is understood, implemented and followed.