
― FEDERAL CRIMINAL DEFENSE
Federal defense, wherever your case is filed.
Federal charges. A focused defense team.
Attorney Adam Burke and our team defend serious federal matters from investigation through trial. We build the defense around the charges, evidence, and court handling your case.
Federal matters can move quickly. Speaking with counsel early can help you understand what comes next.
― FEDERAL CRIMINAL DEFENSE
Federal defense, wherever your case is filed.
Clear answers when the stakes are high.
Speak with our attorneys about the allegations, the federal process, and the decisions ahead. You should understand the plan for your case and who will be handling it.
Federal matters can move quickly. Speaking with counsel early can help you understand what comes next.
― FEDERAL CRIMINAL DEFENSE
Federal defense, wherever your case is filed.
Prepared for the court handling your case.
Federal defense demands close attention to the court, the evidence, and the government's case. Our attorneys work together to prepare each stage of the defense.
Federal matters can move quickly. Speaking with counsel early can help you understand what comes next.
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
- Criminal Defense Since 2008
- U.S. District Court — Southern District of Ohio
- U.S. Supreme Court Admission
- CALI Excellence for the Future Award — Criminal Law
- Federally Licensed- State and Federal Court
- Significant Jury Trial Experience

Jason Helmstetler
Criminal Defense Attorney
- Capital University Law School
- Joined Attorney Adam Burke LLC in 2024
- Former Columbus City Attorney's Office — Prosecutor Division
- Former Franklin County Public Defender Office
- Federally Licensed — State and Federal Court
- Significant Jury Trial Experience

Michael J. Lerner
Criminal Defense Attorney
- 20+ Years of Legal Experience
- 7,000+ Clients Represented Across Ohio
- J.D., The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law (2003)
- Cum Laude, Ohio University — Political Science
- Licensed in All Ohio State Courts
- Federal Court — Southern District of Ohio
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
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.
If federal investigators want to speak with you, consider obtaining legal advice before participating in an interview or providing information.
- ✓Review what investigators are asking
- ✓Evaluate your status in the investigation
- ✓Communicate with investigators where appropriate
- ✓Begin assessing potential defense issues
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.
Wire fraud, mail fraud, bank fraud, healthcare fraud, securities fraud and tax fraud are commonly charged under federal statutes. These cases often turn on intent, financial records and electronic evidence.
HOW WE HELP
How Our Defense Team Can Help
UNDERSTAND WHAT'S HAPPENING
We identify where the federal matter currently stands.
ASSESS THE GOVERNMENT'S CASE
Review allegations, evidence, investigative activity and legal issues.
BUILD THE DEFENSE STRATEGY
Identify available defenses, challenges and strategic options.
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
Decades of focused criminal defense work in state and federal courts.
3,000+
CASES HANDLED
Firm-wide criminal matters — a volume that informs case assessment and strategy.
Federal + State
COURT EXPERIENCE
Experience in both federal district court and state court proceedings.
Former Prosecutor
EXPERIENCE ON THE TEAM
A former-prosecutor perspective on how the government builds a case.
Criminal Defense
FOCUSED PRACTICE
The firm's practice is focused on criminal defense, not divided across practice areas.
Team Approach
COLLABORATIVE DEFENSE STRATEGY
Our attorneys collaborate on legal issues, strategy and case preparation when appropriate.
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.
- Ohio Office
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
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

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.
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