Federal Case Results

Case: 
Client arrested for mail fraud >$250k.

Result: 
3 years federal probation. No jail time. $10,000 fine. Northern District of Texas. Amarillo Division.

Case: 
Client charged with Bank Fraud

Result: 
Jury found Wright not guilty. The jury’s verdict was the first full acquittal before U.S. District Judge Amos Mazzant of the Eastern District of Texas in his 7 years on the bench.

Case: 
Client receives a target letter from the FBI and US Attorney Office.

Result: 
After many meetings, the federal authorities decline to prosecute Client for anything. Dallas Division, US Attorney Office for Northern District of Texas..

Case: 
Client arrested for possessing a gun in DFW airport security zone.

Result: 
Grand Jury declines to indict. Case Closed. Dallas County, Texas.

Case: 
Client is contacted by United States Office of Inspector General regarding a fraud allegation.

Result: 
After several meetings with law enforcement the investigation is closed. Fort Worth Division, United States Attorney for Northern District of Texas.

Case: 
Client receives target letter from the US Department of Justice Tax Division.

Result: 
Client reaches agreement with the IRS and enters into a structured settlement with no criminal charges. Dallas Division, United States Attorney for Northern District of Texas.

Case: 
Client, indicted along with 25 other individuals indicted on conspiracy and bank fraud.

Result: 
Client sentenced to misprison of a felony and probation. Every other defendant in this case received substantial prison time. Eastern District of Texas.

Case: 
Client, accused of $2 million mortgage fraud.

Result: 
Pretrial Diversion Tarrant County, Texas Northern District of Texas

Case: 
Client, indicted for tax fraud and facing several years in prison.

Result: 
Shortly before trial, prosecution offers Client a short prison sentence, which he accepted. Eastern District of Texas.

Case: 
Client subject of two year federal investigation

Result: 
No charges filed. Dallas County, Northern District of Texas.

Case: 
Client, a physician, targeted for criminal fraud investigation.

Result: 
No criminal action taken. Case closed. Dallas Division, Texas.

Case: 
Client, a physician, receives a target letter from federal law enforcement re: fraud allegation.

Result: 
Case is closed, after a multi-year investigation without any charges being filed against client, and no administrative action. Dallas County, Texas. Northern District of Texas.

Case: 
Client indicted for computer fraud. Faced a 20 year federal prison sentence.

Result: 
Client sentenced to a year and a day in prison. Co-defendant received 12 years in prison. Northern District of Texas.

Case: 
Client: Oil & Gas Executive indicted for alleged $485 million ponzi scheme.

Result: 
21 months in prison. Eastern District of Texas.

Case: 
Client, a physician, indicted for federal conspiracy and various federal violations related to Controlled Substance Act.

Result: 
Client placed in pre-trial diversion program. Eastern District of Texas, Plano Division.

Case: 
Client indicted federally for allegedly smuggling and harboring illegal aliens for employment.

Result: 
Charge reduced to misdemeanor and Client placed on probation.

Case: 
Client, an executive (CFO) with a major international bank charged in an alleged $9 billion dollar Ponzi scheme.

Result: 
Client receives 5 years in federal prison. Co-defendant, Allen Stanford, receives a 120 year sentence.

Case: 
Client and wife indicted for money laundering. Government asked for 5 years in the pen.

Result: 
5 years probation. Note: Client and wife paid $2 million in restitution prior to sentencing, plus penalties and interest to IRS. Finn assisted by Attorney Bob Webster, Dallas, Texas. Northern District of Texas.

Case: 
Client is investigated by S.E.C. for alleged insider trading.

Result: 
No criminal charges filed. Fort Worth, Texas.

Case: 
Client, a lawyer, is contacted by the F.B.I. in connection with a federal bank fraud investigation.

Result: 
Client retains Mr. Finn, and cooperates with the federal investigation. Client testifies before the federal grand jury. Client testifies at subsequent trial of the indicted defendant. Defendant is convicted on all counts and faces a potential life sentence. Client is not charged with anything. Eastern District of Texas, Sherman Division.

Case: 
Client is contacted by the I.R.S. and F.B.I. for possible federal tax fraud. Client immediately retains Attorney Finn.

Result: 
Client cooperates with the investigation and is advised that she is not subject or target of investigation. Client testifies before federal grand jury. Client is not indicted on any charges. Northern District of Texas, Dallas Division.

Case: 
Client indicted in federal court on two counts of possession of stolen property shipped in interstate commerce.

Result: 
After a hard-fought week-long federal jury trial, the jury votes Not Guilty on one count, and hangs (8-4 in favor of Client) on the other. Each count involved an allegation of possession of stolen property shipped in interstate commerce. Northern District of Texas, Dallas Division.

Case: 
Client is stopped for an alleged traffic violation. During a search of client’s vehicle law enforcement find and seize $130,000 in U.S. currency.

Result: 
Approximately one week before trial regarding the seizure, the Government agrees to return $104,000 to claimant/client. Eastern District of Texas, Sherman Division. Note: Mr. Finn worked with New Jersey Attorney Jeffrey Ullman on this case.

Case: 
Client indicted along with twenty-three others in a 22-count Superseding Indictment alleging conspiracy to distribute MDMA “Ecstasy” across the U.S. The Pre-Sentence Report base Guideline offense level calls for a sentence of 15-20 years in prison.

Result: 
Client sentenced to 4 years in prison. Upon completion of intensive (500 hour) drug program, Client should be eligible for release after 3 years. Western District, Missouri.

Case: 
Client arrested on state conspiracy charges involving distribution of controlled substance. Federal authorities express an interest in taking the case federal.

Result: 
Client is released on bond and is not indicted on state or federal charges. Denton County, Texas & Eastern District of Texas.

Case: 
Client, along with seven other defendants, indicted for multiple bank robberies, conspiracies, gun counts, etc.

Result: 
Jury returns a verdict of Not Guilty on two counts, assault on a federal agent and a gun count. Client convicted on multiple other counts. Note: No other defendant in the two week federal jury trial was acquitted on any counts. Northern District of Texas, Dallas Division.

Case: 
Client, an attorney, is named as a subject/target in an extensive federal criminal investigation for fraud.

Result: 
Client is not indicted or prosecuted for any criminal wrongdoing. Northern District of Texas, Dallas Division.

Case: 
Clients, both physicians, receive federal target letters for alleged violations of C.S.A. and for allegedly being involved in a criminal conspiracy.

Result: 
After a lengthy investigation, neither Client is charged or prosecuted for any criminal violations related to the federal investigation. Northern District of Texas.

Case: 
Client, arrested and indicted for a major drug conspiracy. If convicted at trial and all of the conspiracy’s”relevant conduct”; is attributed to Client, his guideline calculation would be 151-188 months in prison.

Result: 
Client sentenced to 24 months incarceration. Northern District of Texas-Fort Worth Division.

Case: 
Clients operate a business which is raided by the FBI and ICE pursuant to search warrants. Extensive press coverage with allegations that Clients would be charged with smuggling, harboring, and tranporting illegal aliens. Such charges are felony offenses and are treated harshly under the Sentencing Guidelines.

Result: 
Clients are ultimately charged with a violation of 8 USC Section 1324a(1)(A)(i), a Class B misdemeanor, and placed on one-year of probation with a hefty fine. Eastern District of California, Sacramento Division.

Case: 
Client investigated by the FBI for alleged felony computer breach.

Result: 
Client is allowed to plead guilty to misdemeanor violation of 18 U.S.C. Section 2701(a), unlawful access to stored electronic communications. Client is placed on two years probation, including six months of home confinement (during which Client can continue to go to work), and ordered to pay restitution. Plano Division, Eastern District of Texas.

Case: 
Client is charged in federal court with embezzling approximately $140,000 from his employer over a four-year period. Initial presentence report calls for a sentence of up to 27 months in prison.

Result: 
Client is sentenced to 15 months in federal prison. Dallas Division, Northern District of Texas.

Case: 
Client accused of making a materially false statement to the Internal Revenue Service, an agency of the United States, in violation of Title 18 United States Code Section 1001.

Result: 
Pretrial Diversion. No conviction. Dallas Division, Northern District of Texas.

Case: 
Client indicted in federal court for Conspiracy to Conduct the Affairs of a Racketeering Enterprise, a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1962(d). Given the specific nature of the offense, the case was submitted to the Attorney General’s Capital Case Review Committee for consideration as a death penalty eligible offense. Initial PreSentence Report (PSR) finds criminal history category of V, and a total offense level of 42, which yields guideline range of 360 months to life. The PSR also includes the following ominous guideline language, “life imprisonment is the appropriate sentence if a sentence of death is not imposed.” Attorney Finn files several objections to the PSR which are accepted by the probation officer and adopted by the Court. The government files a 5K motion for downward departure for substantial assistance one day before sentencing date. At sentencing, the Court grants the government’s 5K motion and departs downward several additional levels due to the specific nature of the complex case.

Result: 
Client is sentenced to 20 years in prison. Northern District of Texas, Dallas Division.

Case: 
Client is indicted on 7 Counts of a 16 Count public corruption Indictment filed in federal court. Client is charged with conspiracy, bribery, aiding and abetting, money laundering, impeding an official proceeding, and there is a forfeiture allegation. If convicted on all Counts, Client faced a federal sentence of approximately 20-25 years in prison.

Result: 
Two weeks before trial, the Government offers to dismiss all charges if Client accepts a Class B misdemeanor which is punishable by up to 180 days in jail and/or a $2,500 fine. In the plea agreement, the Government agrees that it will not oppose a request for probation. Client accepts the Government’s offer and enters a guilty plea to the misdemeanor. All felony charges to be dismissed at sentencing. Client sentenced to one-year of misdemeanor probation. The remaining two defendants went to trial, were convicted on all counts, and sentenced to 11 years in prison and forfeiture of $ 1 million. Dallas Division, Northern District of Texas.

Case: 
Client arrested for bank fraud. Initial Pre-Sentence Report calls for a sentence of 70-87 months in prison. Attorney Finn files various objections to the Report, two of which are accepted by the U.S. Probation officer assigned to the case. The Sentencing Guideline calculation drops to 46-57 months in prison. At sentencing, the Government files a 5K Motion for substantial assistance and cooperation.

Result: 
Client sentenced to 5 years of probation and ordered to pay $212,432 in restitution. No prison time.

Case: 
Client, a prominent real estate developer, is contacted by the federal law enforcement regarding an ongoing federal investigation. Client retains Mr. Finn, who speaks with the AUSA handling the investigation. Mr Finn learns that Client is a subject, but not yet a target, of the investigation. Client cooperates with the investigators and, along with Mr. Finn, he meets with federal agents several times pursuant to a proffer agreement.

Result: 
16 Defendants are named in the Indictment. Client is not indicted or charged with anything.

Case: 
Client indicted for conspiracy to commit mail fraud and health care fraud. Client pleads guilty. The Pre-Sentence Report calculated restitution figure to be $1 million, and called for a prison sentence of 41-51 months.

Result: 
Client placed on 5 years probation and ordered to pay $333,000 in restitution. Note: The facts of this case were very unusual and Client had no criminal history. Attorney Finn was assisted by Dallas Attorney Steve Baer.

Case: 
Client is arrested by the FBI and EPA and indicted in federal court for allegedly improperly removing asbestos from a building. Client goes to trial with another lawyer and the jury finds him guilty. The initial PreSentence report calls for a prison sentence of approximately 5 years. Client discharges trial counsel and hires Attorney Finn, who brings Attorney Clint Broden on to the sentencing team.

Result: 
Client sentenced to 15 months incarceration. Northern District of Texas, Dallas Division.

Case: 
Client investigated by I.R.S. and United States Attorney’s Office for possible criminal tax fraud.

Result: 
Criminal Investigation and Case Closed. No prosecution. September 2006, Western District of Texas.

Case: 
Client is investigated by the FBI and United States Attorney’s Office for possible criminal mail and wire fraud. Client and Attorney meet with the federal prosecutor and federal agents to discuss the allegations.

Result: 
Client is not indicted or charged with any offense. Midland Division, Western District of Texas.

Case: 
Client receives a trial subpoena to be a witness in a federal jury trial. Client hires Attorney Finn who confers with the federal prosecutor handling the trial.

Result: 
Finn advises prosecution that Client will take the 5th. Government releases Client from subpoena. Client is not prosecuted. Northern District of Texas.

Case: 
Client is indicted in a major federal conspiracy case involving many defendants. Client is later named in an amended, superseding, conspiracy Indictment. If convicted of the allegations contained in the amended Indictment, Client faces approximately 20 years in federal prison (no parole). Approximately two weeks prior to trial, the government agrees to dismiss both Indictments if Client would waive indictment and enter a plea on money laundering.

Result: 
Client receives a 21-month prison sentence for money laundering. The two Indictments are dismissed. Northern District of Texas.

Case: 
Client, a physician, is accused of sexual assault of a child. Client passes a number of polygraph examinations and the defense investigation reveals that she was not even in the state when the incident was alleged to have occurred. Finn shares results of his investigation and the polygraph results with the police.

Result: 
Client is not arrested or indicted. Police close the investigation. Cook County, Illinois.

Case: 
Client arrested by the FBI and indicted in federal court for allegedly violating copyright laws and aiding and abetting others in doing same.

Result: 
After a hard-fought trial the jury finds Client NOT GUILTY. Northern District of Texas, Dallas Division.

Case: 
Client arrested and charged in federal court with interference with commercial flight crew. The flight had to be diverted due to Client’s alleged behavior. Client accepted responsibility and entered into a plea agreement with the government.

Result: 
Sentenced by the Court to probation with home confinement. Northern District of Texas, Dallas Division.

Case: 
Dallas Attorneys David Finn and Clint Broden appealed a federal sentence from the Northern District of Texas. Finn had handled the sentencing, made objections, and preserved what he perceived to be legal errors. He then brought Clint Broden on-board because he knew Broden is an exceptional appellate lawyer. They worked together as a team. Initially the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled against them, and affirmed the sentence. But Finn and Broden did not quit. They appealed that ruling to the United States Supreme Court. The United States Supreme Court then remanded the case back to the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals to re-examine the issues preserved and raised in light of the recent Booker Supreme Court decision.

Result: 
With the benefit of the Booker decision, the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals Vacated and Remanded the case back to the trial court for resentencing. We don’t yet know whether the sentence will be reduced, but at least there is hope.To read the opinion please click here. Northern District of Texas.

Case: 
Client indicted for theft and conspiracy in federal court.

Result: 
One week prior to the federal jury trial the case is DISMISSED, and Client is placed in diversion program with no conviction and no probation. Northern District of Texas, Dallas Division.

Case: 
Client indicted in federal court for drug conspiracy. Initial exposure is up to 25 years if convicted at trial. Client enters into plea bargain agreement. Initial Pre-Sentence Report calculation calls for a fifteen year sentence.

Result: 
Client is sentenced to 7 years. Northern District of Texas, Dallas Division.

Case: 
Client indicted in federal court for bank fraud, wire fraud, and conspiracy.

Result: 
After lengthy plea negotiations and many objections to the Pre-Sentence Report, Client is sentenced to 3 years of supervised release, including 6 months of home detention/electronic monitoring, and NO JAIL TIME Northern District of Texas, Dallas Division.

Case: 
Client charged in a federal conspiracy indictment with 9 other defendants. 7 defendants plead guilty prior to trial and receive lengthy prison sentences. 3 defendants go to trial.

Result: 
After a two-week jury trial, the jury returns guilty verdicts against 2 of the defendants. Mr. Finn’s client is found NOT GUILTY on all charges. Case Closed. United States District Court, Eastern District of Texas, Sherman Division.

Case: 
Client indicted in federal court for conspiracy to obtain/use fraudulent INS documents. Client faced a range of punishment of up to ten years in federal prison. Three weeks before the scheduled jury trial date, and after extensive investigation and preparation by the Defense, the Government offered Client a twelve-month PRE-TRIAL DIVERSION. Client accepted offer.

Result: 
Case to be dismissed upon successful completion of the Diversion program with no record of conviction. United States District Court, Northern District of Texas, Dallas Division.

Case: 
Client indicted in federal court for allegedly knowingly transporting a loaded firearm on a commercial airline that discharged, injuring a baggage handler. The federal prosecutor offered client pre-trial diversion. The offer was rejected.

Result: 
Two weeks before the case was scheduled for a federal jury trial the Government DISMISSED all charges. Case Closed. United States District Court, Northern District of Texas, Fort Worth Division.

Case: 
Client is indicted on felony fraud case in federal court.

Result: 
Client receives PROBATION, no fine. United States District Court, Northern District of Texas, Dallas Division.

Case: 
Client, a member of law enforcement with a high federal security clearance, is informed that he is being investigated for a possible violation of Texas Penal Code Section 39.06, Misuse of Official Information. Mr. Finn investigates the allegations, makes an Open Records request for various records, and shares his findings.

Result: 
No action taken against Client. Case Closed. Undisclosed County in North Texas.