Tarras Defense founding attorney David Tarras has published a new article in Law360 examining a significant shift in federal fraud enforcement and sentencing policy.
In Fraud Enforcement, Sentencing Face Unusual Convergence, Tarras analyzes how the federal government’s expansion of fraud investigations is unfolding alongside proposed changes to the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines that may reduce sentencing exposure in many white collar cases.
Tarras Defense founding attorney David Tarras was recently interviewed by WPEC-TV CBS12 News regarding a criminal case in Martin County that has generated significant public attention.
When incidents like this quickly become the subject of widespread media coverage, the public conversation often moves ahead of the legal process. Criminal cases move through a defined set of procedures that determine what evidence may be presented, what charges are appropriate, and how the case will ultimately be resolved in court.
Stablecoin Oversight and the Limits of Regulatory Clarity
Stablecoins have rapidly moved from a niche digital asset into a central component of the global cryptocurrency ecosystem. Their growing role in payments, liquidity management, and cross-border transactions has drawn increasing attention from lawmakers and enforcement authorities.
In a recent article for Bloomberg Law, Tarras Defense founder David Tarras examines how the emerging regulatory framework for stablecoins may shape future investigations involving fraud, sanctions evasion, and large-scale cryptocurrency laundering.
While new legislation provides structure for the market, Tarras explains that statutory clarity does not eliminate enforcement risk.
The U.S. Supreme Court’s recent unanimous decision in Barrett v. United States has important implications for federal criminal prosecutions and the limits of charge stacking.
In a new Law360 article, David Tarras examines how the Court reaffirmed core double jeopardy principles and rejected the practice of layering overlapping firearm charges arising from a single act. While the ruling focused on specific federal statutes, its reasoning reaches much further, reinforcing constitutional limits on cumulative convictions and prosecutorial leverage.
The decision arrives at a time of renewed emphasis on aggressive federal charging practices. As the Court made clear, overlapping statutes present prosecutors with a choice, not an invitation to stack charges.
Read article here.
David Tarras was live in studio with WPEC-TV CBS12 News today to discuss what comes next as Nicolás Maduro is set to make his first appearance in federal court on narcoterrorism charges.
As David put it, this is “truly an unprecedented situation.” The initial proceedings will include the formal reading of charges and advisement of rights, with significant litigation expected over head of state immunity and other legal challenges tied to how Maduro was brought to the United States.
Link to the full CBS12 segment.
David Tarras spoke with CBS 12 on the federal indictment involving Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
Cases like this raise complex legal issues that go beyond the headlines, including jurisdiction, sovereign immunity, and how U.S. prosecutors pursue international narcotics and national security cases.
Law360 published a new article by founding attorney, David Tarras, examining where crypto mixing enforcement is headed and what the Tornado Cash verdict reveals about the DOJ’s evolving priorities.
The piece outlines the shift away from charging technical violations and toward cases that turn on intent, knowledge, and post knowledge conduct. It also highlights the government’s continued focus on national security, large scale fraud, and the aggressive use of forfeiture in digital asset cases.
For lawyers, compliance officers, and anyone advising clients in the crypto space, this analysis offers a clear look at the enforcement trends that will shape the next chapter of digital asset prosecutions.
Read the full article here.
Law360 Article published in collaboration with Jay McCormack, Partner at Verrill Dana LLP on October 29, 2025
Federal enforcement agencies are intensifying their focus on Medicare and Medicaid billing for skin substitutes and amniotic wound care grafts — a sector that has seen explosive growth and mounting abuse. In 2025, the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced the largest healthcare fraud takedown in history, charging more than 300 defendants in schemes involving more than $14 billion in intended losses.
Founder David Tarras has been selected for the 2025 Lawdragon 500 X – The Next Generation guide — a national recognition of lawyers shaping the future of legal practice.
David’s inclusion reflects more than results. It speaks to the strategic approach he brings to every federal defense matter and his contributions to the evolution of the criminal bar.
At Tarras Defense, we focus on what’s next: emerging technologies, regulatory shifts, and the increasing complexity of federal enforcement.
When Congress passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act in March 2020, it put more than $2 trillion into the economy almost overnight.
The money came in many forms: Paycheck Protection Program loans for small businesses, Economic Injury Disaster Loan program working capital loans, Provider Relief Fund payments to healthcare systems and payroll support for airlines. The goal was simple: Keep businesses afloat and workers employed during lockdowns.
Attorney David Tarras provides legal insight for CBS12 News
When the Department of Justice brings federal charges tied to sports betting or gambling, the implications go far beyond the game.
In the recent case involving NBA player Terry Rozier and others accused in a sports betting conspiracy, CBS12 News turned to David Tarras for expert legal analysis on how these cases unfold and what defendants can expect as the investigation continues.
Watch David’s full commentary here.
The FBI Miami Field Office said it’s searching for Elaine Angene Escoe, 40, who is accused of masterminding a $34 million fraud scheme targeting federal COVID-19 relief programs. View video here.
David Tarras commented on criminal charges against Daniel Perry. View video here.
