White Collar Defense & Government Investigations

When state or federal authorities begin asking questions, the landscape of a business changes instantly. Whether it arrives as a formal subpoena, an unexpected visit from investigators, or a quiet inquiry from a regulatory body, the pressure is immediate and the stakes are high. At Stephens Reed & Armstrong, PLLC, we understand that for a business owner, executive, or public official, a white collar matter is not just a legal hurdle; it is a direct threat to your livelihood, your reputation, and your freedom.

Our approach to this unique area of defense is rooted in our core philosophy as a litigation firm. We do not simply wait for prosecutors to build a case. Instead, we engage early, investigating the facts with a trial-ready mindset to identify the most effective path toward a resolution that protects your future.

Request for your case evaluation today by calling us at (281) 677-3474 or you can also send us a message through our online form.

Key Contacts

Our defense team is comprised of seasoned litigators who understand the nuances of government investigations. To view individual attorney profiles and search by practice focus, please visit our attorney directory.

Managing the Weight of a Government Inquiry

The power of agencies at both the state and federal levels can be daunting. Unlike standard civil litigation, these investigations often involve massive amounts of data, complex financial trails, and the underlying threat of criminal prosecution. Dealing with this requires more than just a passing knowledge of the law; it requires a practical understanding of how regulators and enforcement officers think.

At Stephens Reed & Armstrong, PLLC, we recognize the personal and professional crisis a formal inquiry creates. Our goal is to move quickly to minimize the impact on your daily operations and personal life. We look for opportunities to persuade officials to forgo prosecution or decline charges entirely. If that path is not available, we are prepared to mount a vigorous defense in the courtroom, where our experience in high-stakes trials becomes your greatest asset.

Why Early Intervention Is Critical

In white collar matters, the most important work often happens before a single charge is ever filed. Decisions made in the first few days, how to respond to a subpoena, how to handle internal interviews, and when to engage with authorities, often determine the ultimate outcome.

We prioritize early intervention to help clients stay ahead of the narrative. By conducting our own internal investigations and responding strategically to agency inquiries, we work to address issues before they escalate into an indictment or a public enforcement action.

Comprehensive Defense Across Regulatory & Financial Matters

The reach of white collar law is vast, often intersecting with complex business operations and financial systems. Our attorneys handle a broad spectrum of investigations and prosecutions involving multiple layers of authority.

Financial & Corporate Fraud

Financial allegations often involve intricate paper trails and complex accounting. 

We provide a rigorous defense in matters involving:

• Securities and investment fraud
• Embezzlement and money laundering allegations
• Tax evasion and IRS investigations
• Insider trading and market manipulation
• Consumer financial protection enforcement

Healthcare & Procurement Fraud

Industries that interact with government funding face constant scrutiny. 

We represent clients in disputes involving:

• Medicare and Medicaid billing fraud.
• Anti-Kickback Statute and Stark Law violations.
• False Claims Act (Qui Tam) litigation.
• Public procurement fraud and bid-rigging allegations

Public Corruption & Integrity Inquiries

For public officials and government contractors, the margin for error is narrow. 

Our work includes defense against:

• Bribery and kickback allegations.
• Misuse of public funds or government property.
• Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) matters.
• Ethics and conflict of interest investigations.

Strategic Guidance Through the Grand Jury & Beyond

The Grand Jury process is often the most stressful phase of a white collar matter. It is a closed-door proceeding where the rules of evidence are different, and the risks are significant. We guide our clients through every step of this process, from responding to subpoenas to preparing for testimony.

Our experience extends to matters involving a wide array of entities, including the Department of Justice (DOJ), the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and the Texas Attorney General. We understand the specific nuances of how each office operates, allowing us to tailor our response strategy accordingly.

Internal Investigations & Corporate Counseling

Beyond defending against external threats, we help companies identify and resolve internal issues before they reach a crisis point. 

This includes:

• Independent internal investigations. Providing a neutral, thorough review of suspected rogue employee activity or vendor fraud.
• Corporate counseling. Reviewing codes of ethics and procedural safeguards to identify potential vulnerabilities.
• Redress for crime victims. Assisting businesses that have been the victims of embezzlement or theft to secure restitution and aid in prosecution.

Our Difference: Trial-Focused Defense

What sets Stephens Reed & Armstrong, PLLC apart is our dedication to being trial lawyers first. In white collar defense, the government’s greatest leverage is the fear of a trial. When you work with a firm that is built around courtroom litigation, that leverage shifts.

Every case we take on is prepared with the expectation that it may be decided by a judge or a jury. This disciplined approach means we investigate deeper, prepare more thoroughly, and develop strategies designed to control risk rather than react to it. Whether we are negotiating a declination with a prosecutor or presenting a defense to a jury, our mindset is always focused on the best available outcome for your specific business needs.

Direct, Partner-Level Involvement

In a crisis, you need access to the person making the decisions. We have intentionally structured our firm to provide direct, partner-level involvement in every matter we take on. The attorney responsible for your case remains actively engaged from the first meeting through the final resolution.

Schedule a Consultation with Our Team

If you have become aware of an investigation, or if you have received a subpoena from a government agency, the time to act is now. The decisions you make today will influence the legal landscape for years to come. At Stephens Reed & Armstrong, PLLC, we are prepared to take ownership of the matter and provide the steady, competent advocacy you need to deal with the pressure.

Reach out today by calling (281) 677-3474 and discuss your situation with a team that knows how to fight for your business.