“My clients know that I do the work. I do not cut corners when it comes to a federal case or a white collar case. The government may come in with agents, endless documents, and significant resources, but none of that stops me from exploring every possible avenue of success for my clients—whether through motions, trial, negotiations, or other forms of mitigation. Communication is absolutely key, because this is the client’s life and future. I take on the burden of getting them the best result, but the client remains an integral part of their own defense.” – David Tarras, Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer

In this video, South Florida federal criminal defense attorney David Tarras, founder of Tarras Defense, explains his philosophy in representing clients facing serious federal charges, white collar crime allegations, and government investigations.

David emphasizes the importance of:

• Doing the work and leaving no stone unturned in federal cases
• Challenging government resources, documents, and agents with strategic motions and trial preparation
• Using negotiation, trial advocacy, and mitigation strategies to secure the best outcome
• Maintaining open and consistent client communication at every stage of the defense
• Building trust and collaboration with clients, making them integral to their defense strategy

At Tarras Defense, every client receives personalized representation, strategic precision, and relentless advocacy from a nationally recognized trial lawyer. David believes that communication and collaboration are critical to building a strong defense, especially in high-stakes cases involving fraud, money laundering, healthcare investigations, wire fraud, PPP loan fraud, cryptocurrency enforcement, and other complex white collar matters.

“Right out of law school in New York, I came down to South Florida and joined the Palm Beach County Public Defender’s Office. You are thrown right into the fire there—handling appeals, learning objections and the black letter of the law, and then moving directly into the trial division. I was trying cases on a weekly basis, from domestic violence to homicide. That experience was invaluable to developing my litigation skills, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.” – David Tarras, Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer

In this video, South Florida federal defense attorney David Tarras, founder of Tarras Defense, shares how his early years as a trial lawyer shaped the relentless approach he brings to today’s high-stakes federal cases. David explains that his career began with:

• Appeals work, mastering objections and legal fundamentals in just three months
• Trial division experience, trying multiple cases per week across the criminal spectrum
• Handling serious cases, ranging from domestic violence and theft to complex homicides
• Managing high caseloads, learning to prepare and advocate under intense pressure

From there, David transitioned into private practice, where he now represents clients in major federal criminal and white collar cases. His current practice includes:

• Large-scale drug trafficking and cartel cases
• Healthcare fraud and Medicare fraud investigations
• Securities fraud, Ponzi schemes, and investment fraud
• Wire fraud, mail fraud, and financial crimes
• Money laundering and cryptocurrency enforcement
• Conspiracy charges across all federal crime categories
• Cyber crime and technology-driven federal offenses
• “Whether I am defending a client in a drug cartel case, a securities fraud Ponzi scheme, or a healthcare fraud indictment, I approach every case the same way: from a trial-forward perspective. By looking ahead to trial and working backward, I ensure that every motion is filed, every detail is covered, and every angle is considered. No stone is left unturned, and the client receives a complete, holistic defense,” David explains.

“The Department of Justice and its agencies are changing regulations on a daily basis. Even companies and individuals who believe they are perfectly compliant under one set of rules may find those rules change tomorrow—whether due to a new administration or a new Attorney General.” – David Tarras, Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer

In this video, David Tarras, founder of Tarras Defense, explains why compliance is critical for businesses and individuals navigating federal regulations and modern financial markets.

David highlights that:

• DOJ regulations and enforcement priorities can change overnight
• Companies should not wait until there is an investigation to involve an attorney
• Proactive compliance reviews of financial transactions and cross-border activity are essential
• Cryptocurrency and digital asset transfers create new risks that must be evaluated
• Having a knowledgeable lawyer issue compliance opinions early can prevent liability later

As David explains: “If you do the compliance from the get-go, and if you have an attorney who understands the modern trends, then you don’t have to worry about the bad stuff later on. Focusing on compliance—even if you fully believe you’re compliant—is the right thing to do from the start.”

The Department of Justice is not just bringing traditional money laundering cases anymore. Federal prosecutors rely primarily on Title 18 U.S.C. § 1956 and 18 U.S.C. § 1957, statutes that prohibit the use or concealment of unlawful proceeds. While those laws have been in place for decades, today they are being applied in modern and complex ways—especially in cases involving cryptocurrency, cross-border transfers, and sanctioned countries.” – David Tarras, Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer

In this video, South Florida federal defense attorney David Tarras, founder of Tarras Defense, explains how money laundering cases are evolving and why defending them requires both legal skill and technological knowledge.

David highlights:

• Money laundering statutes: 18 U.S.C. § 1956 and 18 U.S.C. § 1957
• How laundering charges often connect to fraud cases (wire fraud, healthcare fraud, PPP loan fraud)
• Traditional “cleaning money” concepts applied to modern financial systems
• The DOJ’s renewed focus on overseas transactions and sanctioned countries
• The rise of cryptocurrency money laundering as federal enforcement priority
• How foreign actors collaborate with domestic individuals to move unlawful funds into the United States

“The statutes are the same as they’ve been for decades—it’s still about disguising money—but today we’re seeing them used in new and inventive ways. Cryptocurrency, overseas transfers, and sanctions violations are at the forefront of federal money laundering prosecutions,” David explains.

For individuals and businesses facing money laundering allegations, early representation by an experienced federal criminal defense lawyer is critical. These cases often involve asset seizures, forfeiture actions, parallel fraud charges, and international investigations.

There are a variety of different charges that can fall under the category of cyber crime. These can be financial cases, wire fraud involving the internet, cross-border transactions, identity theft, money laundering, drug-related cases, and even misconduct charges. The Department of Justice has made cyber crime one of its major enforcement priorities, because they are still figuring out how to regulate this ever-expanding cyber world we live in—including AI, hacking, and cross-border digital threats.” – David Tarras, Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer

In this video, South Florida federal criminal defense attorney David Tarras, founder of Tarras Defense, explains the rise of cyber crime charges and how the DOJ is aggressively pursuing them. He highlights how today’s cyber prosecutions involve not just traditional online identity theft, but also sophisticated hacking operations by domestic actors and foreign governments like North Korea and China, often using artificial intelligence (AI) to exploit vulnerabilities.

David emphasizes that defending cyber crime cases requires more than courtroom skill—it requires deep knowledge of technology. A successful defense depends on understanding:

• How AI systems and tools are being leveraged by hackers and investigators
• Metadata, digital footprints, and how information travels online
• IP addresses, servers, and cross-border jurisdictional issues
• The way federal agencies build cyber crime cases through surveillance and digital forensics

“Cyber crime is a broad topic, but it is certainly a major enforcement goal, if not the predominant enforcement goal, of the Department of Justice right now,” David explains.

For individuals and companies facing cyber crime allegations—whether involving financial fraud, cryptocurrency, money laundering, or hacking—early representation by an experienced federal defense lawyer is essential.

Getting on board early in an investigation is crucial. A lot of the best work that federal criminal defense attorneys can do, especially white collar specialists like myself, comes at the early stages. The way the feds build cases is on a rolling basis—one witness leads to another, which leads to bank records, and eventually they’ve created their own story of why your client deserves to be charged. Coming in early allows us to change that narrative before it hardens.” – David Tarras, Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer

In this video, South Florida federal criminal defense attorney David Tarras, founder of Tarras Defense, explains why early representation in a federal investigation is often the most important step a client can take.

David emphasizes that:

• Federal cases start small—with a complaint or a single witness—and grow into a larger theory built by prosecutors and agents
• Every new witness, bank record, or document adds momentum to the government’s narrative
• Without intervention, the government often builds its case without ever hearing the defense’s perspective
• Early intervention gives the defense a chance to shape the story, present alternative narratives, and prevent prosecutors from locking into a one-sided theory
• Once the government’s theory is established, it is much harder (though not impossible) to roll back
• “Getting in early allows us to stop the government’s narrative, or at least keep it on a proper track. Once the ball gets rolling, it is very difficult to unroll,” David explains.

For individuals or businesses who learn they are the subject of a DOJ, FBI, SEC, IRS, DEA, or other federal agency investigation, hiring a defense lawyer immediately can make the difference between charges being filed—or avoided altogether.

“When a client comes in and they’re facing the federal criminal justice system, yes, freedom is paramount, but there are so many other collateral consequences that come along with a criminal prosecution: their reputation, their livelihood, their ability to earn an income, their ability to continue supporting their family. Winning a case does not solve all the problems. You have to take a holistic approach, because an indictment or criminal charge brings with it so many other issues—loss of licensure, loss of income, and long-term damage if you wait too long to prepare.” – David Tarras, Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer

In this video, South Florida federal defense attorney David Tarras, founder of Tarras Defense, explains why collateral consequences of federal charges must be addressed from the very beginning of a case.

David emphasizes that:

• Freedom is only one piece of the puzzle in federal defense
• Indictments and convictions can cause loss of professional licenses (medical, financial, legal, real estate, etc.)
• Criminal charges often lead to job loss, income disruption, and financial instability
• Reputational harm can affect future career opportunities, business relationships, and community standing
• Family and dependents often suffer if consequences are not proactively managed
• A holistic defense strategy prepares clients for both the courtroom and the broader impact on their lives

“Clients need to start preparing early—not just for trial or sentencing, but for the collateral consequences that follow an indictment. That’s where we focus on protecting their families, their careers, and their futures,” David explains.

What should you do if federal agents or prosecutors contact you? According to federal criminal defense attorney David Tarras, the biggest mistake people make is speaking to the feds, turning over documents, or trying to “explain themselves” without a lawyer present.

In this video, David explains:

• Why you should never talk to federal agents without counsel
• The dangers of handing over documents before consulting an attorney
• Why hiring a lawyer does not make you “look guilty”
• How an experienced federal defense lawyer can communicate with investigators while protecting your rights
• Why there are always options, even if the feds show up at your home, work, or serve you with a subpoena
• The reality: Anything you say can be used against you—but exercising your right to counsel cannot. Federal agents often prefer when attorneys are involved, because it ensures communication is clear and rights are not violated.

Money laundering prosecutions are shifting rapidly, and the Department of Justice is tying more cases to national security concerns instead of traditional financial crime theories. In this video, federal criminal defense attorney David Tarras explains how money laundering enforcement is evolving, why cryptocurrency is now central to major investigations, and what individuals need to understand if they are contacted by federal agents or pulled into an international money movement case.

Tarras outlines how DOJ’s priorities have expanded beyond domestic financial schemes to include conduct connected to foreign adversaries, cartels, and international actors operating in Mexico, Colombia, Venezuela, China, North Korea, and other regions of concern. The federal government is increasingly focused on Americans who move, convert, or transmit funds for individuals abroad, especially when cryptocurrency is involved.

This video covers:
— How national security priorities are influencing money laundering prosecutions
— Why DOJ is targeting U.S. based individuals who transact with foreign actors
— How cryptocurrency has transformed the way agents investigate financial crime
— The rise of dedicated FBI, IRS CI, and interagency crypto task forces
— How foreign organizations use U.S. exchanges, both regulated and unregulated
— Why tracing cryptocurrency now requires examining mixers, exchanges, cross chain transfers, and complex digital pathways

Cryptocurrency and money laundering:
— How digital currency created new opportunities for both legitimate and illicit transactions
— How foreign actors are using crypto to move funds into and out of the United States
— Why cases now involve allegations of converting unlawful crypto into U.S. dollars through exchanges
— How DOJ analyzes activity on platforms like Coinbase, Kraken, and other exchanges
— What mixers are, how they operate, and why they are receiving heightened scrutiny
—- The difference between illegal mixers and legitimate centralized platforms
—- How mixing can disguise sources of funds and complicate federal tracing efforts

Understanding the core money laundering statutes:
— 18 U.S.C. 1957: spending more than ten thousand dollars in unlawful proceeds
— 18 U.S.C. 1956: concealment, disguising funds, and using proceeds to promote further unlawful activity
— Why 1956 charges carry significantly higher penalties
— How bank records and transaction histories form the backbone of traditional cases
— How cryptocurrency is forcing prosecutors to adapt their investigative methods

Current DOJ trends:
— Less focus on attaching money laundering charges to every white collar case
— More focus on individuals who move funds connected to foreign adversaries or criminal organizations
— Fewer add on charges for professionals already accused of complex fraud schemes
— More small scale domestic actors being tied to much larger international networks
— How geopolitical priorities now influence which money laundering cases are brought

Tarras explains how these major shifts create both new risks and new opportunities for defense strategies. Cryptocurrency cases, in particular, involve technical issues, tracing challenges, and evolving legal theories that experienced counsel can leverage to a client’s advantage.

If you are contacted by federal agents, subpoenaed for records, or believe you may be connected to an international financial transaction under review, you should seek counsel immediately. Early legal advice can significantly affect the outcome of a money laundering investigation.

Wire fraud and health care fraud are two of the federal government’s most aggressively charged offenses, and both carry serious penalties. In this video, federal criminal defense attorney David Tarras breaks down the most common misconceptions, the legal elements prosecutors must prove, the defenses that are often overlooked, and current enforcement trends shaping federal investigations nationwide.

Tarras explains why many people assume that once they are charged with wire fraud or health care fraud, they have no defenses. In reality, both statutes require proof of criminal intent, and that standard creates meaningful opportunities to challenge the government’s case.

This video covers:
— The most common misunderstanding about wire fraud and why sending an email or text is not enough to make someone guilty
— The key legal element prosecutors must prove: intent to defraud
— How good faith, mistake of fact, non materiality, and lack of intent can serve as strong defenses
— Why people mistakenly believe they must immediately negotiate a plea
— How the government attempts to stretch minor communications into federal wire fraud charges

Wire fraud elements explained:
— Use of the wires (email, text, electronic communication)
— Across state lines or internationally
— A scheme to defraud
— Knowing and intentional participation
—- Tarras explains why this intent requirement is often the most powerful defense theme

Health care fraud trends and enforcement focus:
— How health care fraud prosecutions have evolved across the country, especially in South Florida
— The progression from sober homes to DME, to genetic testing, to COVID era schemes
— Why wound care and skin substitute products are now a major DOJ and CMS focus
— How Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement patterns drive federal enforcement priorities
— Why wound care prosecutions are increasing rapidly and what providers need to watch for

Billing issues and the line between sloppy billing and fraud:
— Why changes in Medicare and Medicaid rules create confusion and risk
— How improper billing becomes criminal when prosecutors believe there was intent
— The role of coders, billers, labs, and DME companies in federal investigations
— Why knowledge and intent remain the center of every health care fraud case

How DOJ builds health care fraud cases:
— The role of FBI and HHS OIG in early investigations
— How agents target lower level employees first to pressure cooperation
— Why the government’s strategy is to “start small and move up the chain”
— What executives and frontline employees must understand when they are approached by agents

Tarras illustrates how federal health care investigations often begin with subpoenas, interviews, or surprise contact by agents, and why early legal counsel is critical. He also explains why many individuals mistakenly assume they are trapped once charges arise, when in reality the government still must prove specific intent and materiality beyond a reasonable doubt.

If you are under investigation, received a subpoena, were contacted by federal agents, or have been charged with wire fraud or health care fraud, you should seek experienced federal counsel immediately. The decisions you make early can shape the entire outcome of your case.

Federal conspiracy is one of the most powerful tools federal prosecutors use to turn limited conduct into sweeping criminal exposure. In this in depth video, federal criminal defense attorney David Tarras explains how conspiracy charges are built, why they are so dangerous, and what individuals need to understand if they find themselves under investigation.

Drawing on extensive experience defending clients in complex fraud, money laundering, healthcare, financial crime, and multi defendant matters, Tarras breaks down exactly how the government uses conspiracy statutes to cast a wide net, pressure smaller players, and build cases against main targets.

In this video, David Tarras covers:
— How federal conspiracy law works and why prosecutors rely on it
— Why people with small roles can be charged alongside major actors
— The core legal elements of conspiracy
—- An unlawful agreement or partnership in crime
—- A criminal purpose or objective
—- At least one overt act
—- Knowing and willful participation
— How individuals can be held responsible for acts carried out by others
— Why prosecutors do not need evidence of a formal agreement, handshake, or explicit statement
— How the government uses cooperators to build conspiracy cases
— Common misconceptions that lead people to believe they have no defense
— How cooperating witnesses can be impeached and their credibility challenged
— Defense strategies that focus on intent, agreement, and the government’s burden of proof
— Risks and possible benefits of communicating with codefendants
— How joint defense agreements can help or create risk depending on the situation
— How decisions about cooperation, negotiation, or trial should be evaluated with experienced counsel

Tarras explains why conspiracy charges often feel overwhelming. The statute allows prosecutors to treat even minimal participation as evidence of a broader criminal partnership, but the law still requires proof that a person knowingly and voluntarily joined a criminal plan. Understanding this distinction is critical for anyone navigating a federal investigation or indictment.

If you are being investigated, contacted by federal agents, or charged with conspiracy, speak with qualified counsel immediately. Early guidance can shape your options and protect your future.