The Bell Firm LLC

Government Investigations

We represent individuals and businesses in government investigations, whether in a grand-jury investigation, or before a regulatory agency, like the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (“CMS”), the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”), the Small Business Administration ("SBA"), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”), and the Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”).

We have successfully helped many clients show the government that no criminal charges were appropriate, while also working closely with our client to efficiently and effectively confront the investigation's demands. We advise members of the board of directors and executives on a range of corporate governance and compliance issues. And counsel companies on how to investigate allegations or suspicions of wrongdoing and navigate those investigations through resolution.

Recent cases:

• The FBI showed up at the client's front door, handing client a grand-jury subpoena and telling him he was the target of a grand-jury investigation for fraud. Result: No charges.
• The SBA showed up at the client's house, seeking to interrogate client about conspiracy to commit PPP-loan fraud. Result: No charges. Government client considered client a victim, not a defendant.

White Collar Defense

We know these cases. We've won these cases. 

We have extensive experience handling complex criminal litigation, often involving multiple federal agencies. We regularly help clients navigate government investigations and prosecutions in federal and state courts, both at trial and on appeal. We regularly represent clients who are facing accusations of:

• Wire fraud
• Mail fraud
• Bank fraud
• Embezzlement
• Tax evasion
• Federal-funds bribery
• Government-contractor fraud

Recent results:

• Client accused of wire fraud and government-contractor fraud for falsely certifying small-business status in government contracts. Result: At trial, court dismissed the charges at the end of the government's case - finding no reasonable jury would convict client.
• Client accused of mail fraud and misbranding drugs. Result: After six-week jury trial, jury finds client not guilty of all charges.

Appeals

The trial is not the end of the fight. Harnessing our litigation experience, our attorneys scrutinize the trial records to spot issues that others may miss. We then convert those issues into case-winning arguments in state and federal appellate courts - all the way to the United States Supreme Court. Often, the choice of which issues to present - and how to present them - can make all the difference in a client's case. We know how to pick the right issues. And how to turn them into winners.

Innocence Cases

Hope for the hopeless.

We are passionate advocates for justice and truth, dedicated to representing individuals who have been wrongfully convicted. We understand the devastating impact a miscarriage of justice can have on innocent lives and their families.

With a meticulous and unwavering approach, we work to uncover the facts, challenge flawed convictions, and present compelling evidence that sheds light on the truth. Whether it involves scrutinizing forensic errors, uncovering witness misidentifications, or exposing systemic injustices, our team is committed to navigating every legal avenue to secure freedom for our clients.

Justice delayed does not have to mean justice denied. If you or a loved one has been wrongfully convicted, we are here to stand by your side, fight for your rights, and restore hope in your future.

Recent cases:

• Client, a law-enforcement officer, convicted of making false statements to the FBI. Result: After switching lawyers, court found prior lawyer ineffective and overturned conviction. Government dropped all charges.
• Client convicted of double murder, sentenced to life in prison. Result: Nearly 20 years later, proved client's innocence by showing crime was a murder-suicide that did not involve client. Client freed from prison.