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MEET THE FEDERAL DEFENSE TEAM

Meet the Federal Defense Team

Federal criminal defense requires preparation, analysis and collaboration. Our attorneys work together to protect the people who trust the firm with serious criminal matters.

Adam G. Burke

Founder & Criminal Defense Attorney

Jason Helmstetler

Criminal Defense Attorney

Michael J. Lerner

Criminal Defense Attorney

CREDENTIALS

Federal Defense Credentials

Verified admissions, licensure and recognition — not marketing language.

Admitted

United States District Court — Southern District of Ohio

Admitted

Supreme Court of the United States

Licensed

State of Ohio — Supreme Court of Ohio

Criminal Defense

Practice focused on criminal defense since 2008

Legal Education

Capital University Law School

Criminal Law

CALI Excellence for the Future Award

Attorney Adam Burke LLC

Federal & Criminal Defense

30+ Years

Combined Experience

3,000+

Cases Handled

Firm-wide criminal matters

Federal + State

Court Experience

Former Prosecutor

Experience on the Team

WHAT ARE YOU FACING

What Are You Facing Right Now?

Choose the situation closest to yours. Selecting a card updates your case review request.

WHAT THIS MAY MEAN

If federal investigators want to speak with you, consider obtaining legal advice before participating in an interview or providing information.

HOW WE CAN HELP
  • ✓Review what investigators are asking
  • ✓Evaluate your status in the investigation
  • ✓Communicate with investigators where appropriate
  • ✓Begin assessing potential defense issues
DISCUSS THE INVESTIGATION

YOUR FEDERAL MATTER

What Type of Federal Matter Are You Facing?

Fraud & White Collar

Federal fraud investigations may involve financial records, electronic communications, business transactions and multiple federal agencies.

HOW WE CAN HELP
Evidence review Investigation analysis Federal charging issues Pretrial litigation Trial preparation
DISCUSS A FEDERAL FRAUD CASE

HOW WE HELP

How Our Defense Team Can Help

01

UNDERSTAND WHAT'S HAPPENING

We identify where the federal matter currently stands.

02

ASSESS THE GOVERNMENT'S CASE

Review allegations, evidence, investigative activity and legal issues.

03

BUILD THE DEFENSE STRATEGY

Identify available defenses, challenges and strategic options.

04

PREPARE FOR WHAT COMES NEXT

Prepare for negotiations, litigation, hearings or trial as appropriate.

WHY US

Why Attorney Adam Burke LLC?

30+ Years

COMBINED CRIMINAL DEFENSE EXPERIENCE

3,000+

CASES HANDLED

Federal + State

COURT EXPERIENCE

Former Prosecutor

EXPERIENCE ON THE TEAM

Criminal Defense

FOCUSED PRACTICE

Team Approach

COLLABORATIVE DEFENSE STRATEGY

THE FEDERAL PROCESS

Where Are You in the Federal Process?

WHAT THIS MAY MEAN

Federal agents investigate, often before you know a case is being built.

WHAT THE DEFENSE TEAM CAN DO

We can assess your status and help manage contact with investigators.

YOUR NEXT STEP

Speak with counsel before speaking with agents.

OUTSIDE OHIO

Federal Case Outside Ohio?

Federal matters may arise in U.S. District Courts throughout the country. Attorney Adam Burke is based in Ohio and may be available for select federal matters outside Ohio where permitted, including through appropriate court-admission procedures and local-counsel arrangements when required.

Attorney Adam Burke LLC

625 City Park Ave, Suite 200A Columbus, Ohio 43206

(614) 350-1958

QUESTIONS

Federal Defense — Frequently Asked

You have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. Politely decline to answer questions until you have spoken with a federal criminal defense attorney. Anything you say can be used against you, and statements made during a ‘pre-interview’ can become evidence.

A target letter is a formal notice from a federal prosecutor informing a person that they are a target of a federal grand jury investigation. It often invites the person to testify or indicates that charges may follow. Receiving one is a clear signal to retain counsel immediately.

Yes. Many of the most important decisions in a federal case are made before charges are filed. Early counsel can help you navigate contact with agents, grand jury proceedings, and whether to cooperate — and may affect whether charges are brought or how a case develops.

After indictment, the case proceeds through arraignment, discovery, pretrial motions, and potentially trial. Strict deadlines and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines apply. Early preparation of a defense strategy is critical.

 

A grand jury subpoena may require you to testify (subpoena ad testificandum) or to produce documents (subpoena duces tecum). How you respond can significantly affect your legal position, so consult counsel before responding.

 

Federal cases are prosecuted by U.S. Attorney’s offices in federal district court under federal statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines. State cases are prosecuted by local prosecutors under state law. Federal cases often involve federal agencies, broader investigations, and typically more severe sentencing exposure.

 

Attorney Burke is based in Ohio and may be available for select federal matters outside Ohio where permitted, including through court admission procedures and local counsel arrangements when required. Contact the firm to discuss your jurisdiction.

 

Federal fraud and white collar crime, federal drug offenses, conspiracy, money laundering, RICO and racketeering, and computer/cyber-related federal charges, among others. If you don’t see your charge listed, contact the firm to discuss it.

 

Bring any documents you have received — target letters, subpoenas, indictments, court notices, or correspondence from investigators — along with a timeline of events. Do not bring anything you’re unsure about until you’ve spoken with counsel.

As soon as possible. Federal matters can move quickly, and early decisions can significantly affect the outcome. If you have been contacted by investigators or received any federal notice, contact the firm today.

FEDERAL CRIMINAL DEFENSE

Facing the Federal Government? Start Building Your Defense.

Whether you have been contacted by investigators, received a target letter, subpoenaed by a grand jury, arrested or indicted, speaking with a criminal defense attorney early can help you understand what comes next.

Request a Confidential Federal Case Review

Speak with our criminal defense team about a federal investigation or criminal case.

Your information is submitted directly to the firm for intake review. Submitting this form does not create an attorney-client relationship. Do not submit confidential information until an attorney-client relationship has been established. Privacy Policy

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625 City Park Ave, Suite 200A

Columbus, Ohio 43206

(614) 350-1958

The information on this page is for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Contacting the firm or submitting information through this website does not create an attorney-client relationship. Past results do not guarantee future results.

© 2026 Attorney Adam Burke LLC. All rights reserved.

Contact Us For A Free Consultation

Over 30 Years Combined Experience

Our Firm has Successfully Handled 3000+ Cases

Proven Track Record of Excellent Results

Attorney Adam Burke Llc

ADDRESS

625 City Park Ave, Suite 200A
Columbus, Ohio 43206

PHONE

+1 614 280 9122

FAX

614.556.4988

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