T.P. was the target of a federal investigation focused on allegations of wire fraud and theft in obtaining millions of dollars in residential mortgages for a vast condominium project. The wide-ranging investigation centered on documentation obtained through subpoenas and search warrants. It was obvious to anyone involved that the Feds were looking to arrest and charge whomever they could.
The prosecution alleged that the evidence consisted of thousands of pages of mortgage applications, correspondence, and loan documents—filling dozens of banker’s boxes. In addition, certain employees of T.P.’s company provided incriminating statements implicating T.P. and his family in multiple years of alleged misconduct.
What could be done? T.P. had no lawyer because he wasn’t aware he was being investigated. An internet search of the best White Collar criminal defense attorneys in Tampa allowed him to zero-in on Matassini Law, with hundreds of 5-star Google reviews and A+ Better Business Bureau rating.
Attorney Nicholas Matassini immediately got on board and scheduled a meeting with the prosecution team and case agents to find some common ground. Out of custody and with time to prepare, T.P. hired expert witnesses and was able to mount an aggressive defense, finding evidence that his employees were making fraudulent transactions for their own benefit while implicating him in the process. This, of course, completely discredited and undermined the prosecution team’s key witnesses, something they had not foreseen.
There was simply too much on the line to admit to something he didn’t do. T.P. dug in his heels and rejected the prosecution’s suggestion for a plea agreement and offer of leniency. After weeks of defense presentations and final approval by supervisors, Nicholas received a letter from the prosecution team declining to file charges. T.P. ‘s career and life were saved. Had he not sought a Board Certified Criminal Trial Lawyer, T.P.’s outcome may not have been so rosy.