White Collar Crime

Mr. Lock began his career in civil litigation and then opened the doors of The Law Office of Sam H. Lock in 2000. For more than 10 years, he has been serving citizens throughout the state of Texas, in cities like San Antonio, Seguin, Pecos, Waco, Austin, Del Rio, El Paso and Midland. His commitment to his clients is unmatched and his passion for justice shows in his dedication to his work and his community. Professional Memberships/Associations: Board of Directors, Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association Board of Directors, San Antonio Criminal Defense Lawyers Association Member, American Inns of Court William Session Inn Sam H. Lock has tried every type of criminal case, from murder to the most minor misdemeanor. He brings his legal knowledge, litigation skills and a personal touch to his representation of those accused of crimes. Largely because of his hands-on approach, Sam has been recognized four times by Texas Monthly as a "Rising Star" in the legal profession (2006, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011). He has also been recognized three times in Scene in S.A. Monthly as one of San Antonio’s Best Lawyers. Sam frequently lectures at continuing legal education seminars, educating other attorneys on developments in the law, evidence, procedure and consequences of criminal convictions. He represents people from all walks of life and is firmly committed to fighting for his clients in courts throughout Texas.

Stephen M. Komie, the esteemed founder of Komie and Associates, brings over four decades of robust experience in defending clients across state, federal, and international courts, including both trial and appellate levels. He is widely recognized for his role in several high-profile Illinois cases, including the defense of individuals such as Sandra Fabiano for child abuse charges, and Roland Breault and John Carroccia in notable first-degree murder trials. Throughout his illustrious career, Stephen has secured numerous favorable decisions for his clients in both criminal and civil courts across the United States. Among his notable legal victories is the 1995 landmark decision in the asset forfeiture case, U.S. v. $506,231.00. Further showcasing his adept legal skills, Stephen has represented clients in front of the Illinois Supreme Court on multiple occasions, securing important wins such as the 2017 People v. Ringland decision which challenged unlawful prosecutorial practices. Stephen's contributions to the legal field have been acknowledged through various honors and recognitions. Notably, he represented the legal community as an ambassador in the Rededication of the Magna Carta in Runnymede, England in 2015, marking the 800th anniversary of this foundational legal document. In 2006, he also participated as a delegate at The Hague Convention on International Child Abduction in The Netherlands. His expertise has earned him a place among the Top 100 Trial Lawyers by both The National Trial Lawyers and the American Trial Lawyers Association. To schedule your initial consultation with the Chicago Criminal Defense Lawyer, please contact us online or by calling 312-263-2800.

Jim Bergenn's practice is comprised of complex criminal and civil litigation, including white collar crime and government investigations, personal injury and wrongful death cases, and other trials involving significant consequences. With more than 40 years trial lawyer experience and a trial skills teacher at UConn Law for over 35 years, other lawyers and clients call Jim regularly to seek his trial skills, and experience with investigations and experts, in many different kinds of contested cases. Jim’s wide range of criminal cases includes representing targets of investigations, criminal defendants, grand jury and other witnesses, and crime victims. Because he handles personal injuries, he often helps victims during and after criminal cases are brought to obtain the right compensation for their harm. He works in cases prosecuted by all the various federal, state and local authorities, such as the US Attorney’s Office, The Chief State’s Attorney’s Office, State and Federal Grand Juries, the FBI, the State Police, the SEC, the DEA, the ATF, the DOD, the IRS, the FDA, the FTC, the Office of Inspector General for various Federal Agencies, state regulators such as the Attorney General, the DEP, the DOH, the DMR, the DCF, and the Office of Consumer Protection, and local police.

Do you need a relentless criminal defense? If you have been charged with a crime in Texas, you deserve the aggressive, detail-oriented, and cutting-edge defense that Attorney John L. Venza Jr. will provide. Based in Sugar Land, Texas, John L. Venza Jr. defends citizens accused of crimes throughout Southeast Texas, including the following counties: Fort Bend County, Harris County, Brazoria County, Wharton County, Matagorda County, Galveston County, and Montgomery County. From the time he was old enough to think about it seriously, John L. Venza Jr. aspired to be a criminal defense lawyer, and he began laying the groundwork for this goal early. When other children were reading the comics, John L. Venza Jr. was sitting at his parents' breakfast table, scouring the newspaper for stories about big trials and the lawyers who argued them. Later on, while other high school students busied themselves with typical teenage pursuits, John L. Venza Jr. took on a demanding schedule that involved honors classes, writing for the school newspaper, playing football, serving on the student council, and working at a pizza restaurant. Ultimately, John L. Venza Jr.'s dedication and hard work enabled him to graduate cum laude from Jesuit College Preparatory School in Dallas, Texas.Staying focused on his goal, John L. Venza Jr. enrolled in college at the University of Texas in Austin, where he majored in Government and minored in English. He concentrated on the system of government, the motivations behind it, and - most importantly - how the government could direct its power at its citizens through the court system. During those studies, John L. Venza Jr. developed an insider's understanding of the challenges people face when they are criminally accused by the government.After obtaining his undergraduate degree, John L. Venza Jr. enrolled at South Texas College of Law in Houston, Texas. In law school, John L. Venza Jr. excelled academically. He graduated in the top fifteen percent of his class and, based on his high grades, was honored with a position on the prestigious South Texas Law Review. While on Law Review, John L. Venza Jr. wrote two lengthy research papers on criminal law topics, one on capital punishment, and the other on Texas constitutional search and seizure law. A brilliant writer, John L. Venza Jr. volunteered for and was granted the honor of serving as an Assistant Articles Editor on the Law Review While Law Review and his studies enabled John L. Venza Jr. to assimilate an incisive understanding of the law, it was his tireless work in mock trial that John L. Venza Jr. believes best prepared him for the things to come. Like his other extracurricular pursuits, John L. Venza Jr.'s enlistment in mock trial was purely voluntary. He could have been at home at night watching television. Instead, he concentrated on evidence law, rehearsed opening statements, and crafted the first of what would later become his calling card: excruciating cross examinations. John L. Venza Jr. competed in a series of rigorous mock trial tournaments, which often went on late into the night. During these simulated trials, John L. Venza Jr. began to develop a keen understanding of the law of evidence, an awareness of how judges evaluate cases, and an appreciation of what juries want. For his total commitment to mock trial work, John L. Venza Jr. was recognized with several individual awards and a school-wide team championship. In addition to classes, homework, Law Review, and mock trial, John L. Venza Jr. also worked during law school as an intern for the Fort Bend County District Attorney's Office. In this capacity, John L. Venza Jr. was awarded a temporary bar card, which enabled him to prosecute actual criminal cases == while still only a law student. Also during law school, John L. Venza Jr. worked as a law clerk for a Houston law firm, which specialized in white collar criminal defense. His work at that firm included researching federal criminal issues and coauthoring articles, which were published statewide, on federal white collar crime. Both of these jobs, which John L. Venza Jr. held at the outset of his legal career, helped John L. Venza Jr. hone his understanding of the government, its powers and its ways.After graduating law school, John L. Venza Jr. went to work as a Do you need a relentless criminal defense? If you have been charged with a crime in Texas, you deserve the aggressive, detail-oriented, cutting edge defense that attorney John L. Venza Jr. will provide. Based in Sugar Land, Texas, John L. Venza Jr. defends citizens accused of crimes throughout Southeast Texas, including the following counties: Fort Bend County, Harris County, Brazoria County, Wharton County, Matagorda County, Galveston County and Montgomery County. From the time he was old enough to really think about it, John L. Venza Jr. aspired to be a criminal defense lawyer, and he began laying the groundwork for this goal early. When other children were reading the comics, John L. Venza Jr. was sitting at his parents' breakfast table, scouring the newspaper for stories about big trials and the lawyers who argued them. Later on, while other high school students busied themselves with typical teenage pursuits, John L. Venza Jr. took on a demanding schedule that involved honors classes, writing for the school newspaper, playing football, serving on the student council, and working at a pizza restaurant. Ultimately, John L. Venza Jr.'s dedication and hard work enabled him to graduate cum laude from Jesuit College Preparatory School in Dallas, Texas. Staying focused on his goal, John L. Venza Jr. enrolled in college at the University of Texas in Austin, where he majored in Government and minored in English. He concentrated on the system of government, the motivations behind it, and - most importantly - how the government could direct its power at its citizens through the court system. During those studies, John L. Venza Jr. developed an insider's understanding of the challenges people face when they are criminally accused by the government. After obtaining his undergraduate degree, John L. Venza Jr. enrolled at South Texas College of Law in Houston, Texas. In law school, John L. Venza Jr. excelled academically. He graduated in the top fifteen percent of his class and, based on his high grades, was honored with a position on the prestigious South Texas Law Review. While on Law Review, John L. Venza Jr. wrote two lengthy research papers on criminal law topics, one on capital punishment, and the other on Texas constitutional search and seizure law. A brilliant writer, John L. Venza Jr. volunteered for and was granted the honor of serving as an Assistant Articles Editor on the Law Review. While Law Review and his studies enabled John L. Venza Jr. to assimilate an incisive understanding of the law, it was his tireless work in mock trial that John L. Venza Jr. believes best prepared him for the things to come. Like his other extracurricular pursuits, John L. Venza Jr.'s enlistment in mock trial was purely voluntary. He could have been at home at night watching television. Instead, he concentrated on evidence law, rehearsed opening statements, and crafted the first of what would later become his calling card: excruciating cross examinations. John L. Venza Jr. competed in a series of rigorous mock trial tournaments, which often went on late into the night. During these simulated trials, John L. Venza Jr. began to develop a keen understanding of the law of evidence, an awareness of how judges evaluate cases, and an appreciation of what juries want. For his total commitment to mock trial work, John L. Venza Jr. was recognized with several individual awards and a school-wide team championship.

Attorney Darlina C. Crowder provides criminal defense representation for clients in the Plano, Texas area. She has been practicing law in the U.S. District Court’s Northern and Eastern Districts of Texas since 1999. Learn more here: https://www.crowdercriminalfirm.com/attorneys/darlina-crowder

Mr. Stroleny is a lifelong Coconut Grove resident whose family has been part of the community for more than a century. He attended MAST Academy and earned his bachelor’s degree from Florida International University, later continuing on to FIU College of Law. During law school, he gained early courtroom experience while working at a leading probate and guardianship firm, where he learned the value of dedication, preparation, and client-centered representation. He was elected class president, served as President of the FIU Trial Team, and led the team to a first-place national victory at the 16th Annual National White Collar Crime Mock Trial Invitational in Washington, D.C. After graduating with honors and receiving the Trial Advocacy Award, Mr. Stroleny joined the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office as an Assistant State Attorney. He handled thousands of matters, including traffic offenses, misdemeanors, domestic violence charges, DUI cases, and serious felony prosecutions. His time as a prosecutor provided a deep understanding of courtroom strategy, evidentiary challenges, and the realities of the criminal justice system. He also gained extensive experience in both trial and appellate work. Earlier, through his juvenile-division internship, he managed hundreds of juvenile misdemeanor and felony files, taking numerous cases to trial and earning strong results. Today, he brings this comprehensive background to his criminal defense practice, representing clients in matters involving domestic violence, DUI, and felony charges with diligence and respect. If you are seeking dedicated representation for a criminal, DUI, domestic violence, or felony matter, contact Mr. Stroleny at 305-615-1285 or complete the firm's online contact form to discuss your case.

Knoxville Tennessee Criminal Defense Lawyer Jeffrey Coller handles both state and federal charges including misdemeanors and felonies. He focuses on cases involving search and seizure, suppression of evidence, and standardized field sobriety testing. He knows and understands how critical your case is to you. To schedule a free consultation with Attorney Coller, visit his website, or call 865-281-1000.

John R. Teakell has over 30 years experience in criminal law as both a prosecutor and criminal defense attorney. Those charged with serious crimes seek John Teakell out for legal counsel because of his deep criminal law subject matter experience and firsthand knowledge of state and criminal court procedures. Teakell began his career as an Assistant District Attorney and worked as a Senior Trial Counsel for the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission where he prosecuted civil enforcement actions of fraudulent schemes in White Collar cases. Before going into criminal defense Mr. Teakell spent over 12 years in the U.S. Attorney’s Office as a federal prosecutor, most of which at the Northern District of Texas where he was designated as a bank fraud prosecutor. However, during this period Teakell also prosecuted all types of federal crimes in the Northern District of Texas including extraordinarily large drug trafficking and money laundering cases as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the District of Puerto Rico, as well as federal death penalty cases. Today Mr. Teakell represents defendants in criminal cases throughout the State of Texas in federal and state courts, as well as cases in federal courts throughout the United States including Puerto Rico. As a criminal defense attorney and trial lawyer, Mr. Teakell has successfully defended those charged with violent crimes, drug manufacturing and distribution, and white-collar crimes including money laundering, bank fraud, securities fraud, and violations of federal securities law.

Bill Nettles possesses an extraordinary, almost unparalleled depth and breadth of experience. You cannot find an attorney who will be better equipped to provide you with the high-quality representation you deserve. Mr. Nettles was appointed United States Attorney for the District of South Carolina by President Obama and was sworn into that office on May 3, 2010. As the US Attorney, he dramatically overhauled the office to focus on public corruption, fraud and white collar crime, while also greatly increasing resources to the extraordinarily important false claims whistleblower division. Under Mr. Nettles' leadership, the US Attorney's office made white collar crime and public corruption the highest priority of the criminal division's efforts He also earned national praise for the innovative and intelligent approach his office took to drug crimes. Mr. Nettles was the longest serving US attorney since the 1960's, ensuring he had an extraordinary impact on the personnel and the policies of that important office. Because of his service as the United States Attorney for the entire state of South Carolina he has worked with the heads of the Department of Justice to help shape policy for the last 5 and a half years. Before being appointed a US Attorney, Mr. Nettles graduated from The Citadel and earned his law degree at The Widener University School of Law, where he was on law review and was a member of the moot court honor society. After graduating, he began a career that has taken him into every corner of the legal system. Mr. Nettles began his career as a public defender in Columbia, providing criminal defense services to indigent defendants who could not afford attorneys. During that time, he ensured that the legal system would not leave the economically disadvantaged behind. From 1997 to 2005, Mr. Nettles worked in private practice as a sole practitioner. He continued his criminal defense work and became one of the region's most well-respected "white collar crime" lawyers. He also represented clients accused of drug crimes, handled several court-appointed capital cases, twice tried cases that were argued before the United States Supreme Court and worked in medical malpractice and other torts. Starting in 2005, he worked at Sanders & Nettles, LLC until being appointed the US Attorney. As you can see, Mr. Nettles is experienced in a wide range of case types. He understands both state and federal criminal procedures and has the respect of every judge and opposing lawyer in the area. When you choose Bill Nettles, you choose an attorney who has proven time and again that his clients receive the best possible aggressive legal representation.

Doug Murphy stands as a prominent figure in the legal realm of Houston, Texas, with a focus on Criminal Law and DWI Defense. His career, which began in 1999 with the establishment of Murphy & McKinney Law Firm, P.C., showcases a deep commitment to justice and legal proficiency. As President of the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association and a member of the Board of Regents for the National College for DUI Defense, Doug's role in the legal community is marked by leadership and advocacy. Recognized consistently in listings like Best Lawyers in America and as a Texas Super Lawyer since 2009, Doug's achievements highlight his dedication to his practice. His significant role in revealing flaws in the Houston Police Department's breath alcohol testing vans led to his receiving the Sharon Levine Unsung Hero Lawyer of the Year Award in 2012, demonstrating his commitment to fairness in legal practices. Lauded by the Houston Press as the “Drinking Driver’s Best Friend,” Doug's influence extends beyond individual cases to broader systemic change and advocacy for equitable legal standards. Doug's practice covers a wide range of criminal cases, with an emphasis on DWI defense. His approach melds a comprehensive understanding of the law with a compassionate grasp of his clients' situations, ensuring they receive not just robust legal representation but also respectful and dignified treatment. Beyond his practice, Doug is a leader in legal discussions, evidenced by his numerous speaking engagements and contributions to publications. Fluent in Spanish, he reaches a diverse clientele, focusing on inclusivity and accessibility. In essence, Doug Murphy is more than just a lawyer; he is a key figure in the Houston legal community, an advocate for justice, and a dedicated representative for his clients. His unwavering commitment to excellence in criminal law and DWI defense makes him a distinguished choice for legal representation in Houston, Texas.