Two Paths, One Team
Criminal matters follow two distinct tracks, and we handle both:
Federal Criminal Defense. Federal court is its own world, with different rules, different procedures, judges with lifetime appointments, and prosecutors with deep resources. Our federal practice covers the charges most often brought against professionals and business owners, including healthcare fraud, tax crimes, and white-collar and financial fraud, from the first grand jury subpoena through trial and appeal.
State Criminal Defense. State cases are won locally. Our attorneys handle criminal matters in all 55 counties of West Virginia and throughout Ohio and Pennsylvania — fraud and embezzlement, theft, drug offenses, and charges arising from professional and business practices — before judges and juries we know well.
Whichever track your matter follows, the same team handles it, with hundreds of cases tried to verdict and thousands more resolved through investigation and negotiation.
It Rarely Starts with an Arrest
Despite what television suggests, most criminal cases begin quietly: a concern that something illegal occurred, then an investigation to determine whether a crime happened, who was involved, and what evidence exists. Many investigations end without charges ever being filed.
But investigators hold powerful tools — subpoenas, document requests, witness interviews, online monitoring, and search warrants for computers and phones — and they benefit from surprise. It may not be clear whether you are a target or merely a witness. A request that seems routine can carry disastrous consequences if you answer without counsel. If you have even a small concern that you may be implicated, talk to a defense attorney first. We can assess your exposure, craft a response strategy — cooperating where it helps you, asserting your Fifth Amendment rights where it protects you — and handle the investigation while you focus on your work.
Why Maverick Litigation
Our attorneys — Mr. Ihlenfeld, Ms. Cook, and Mr. Nogay — are all former federal prosecutors. Between them, they have prosecuted high-profile federal cases, handled white-collar crime and fraud as state prosecutors, and counseled individuals and corporations in private practice, with expertise spanning the False Claims Act, securities and bank fraud, Controlled Substances Act violations, and billing irregularities.
Just as important, we know these courtrooms. Decades of regular appearances mean we understand the judges, the juries, and the prosecutors’ offices across West Virginia, Ohio, and Pennsylvania, and because of our reputations and relationships, we are often able to resolve matters before charges are ever filed. When a case must be tried, we build it to win.
Contact Us
We represent professionals, business owners, and individuals in state and federal criminal investigations — whether as targets or as witnesses. If you believe you may need an experienced criminal defense attorney, contact our firm today.