Practice Area
White-Collar Defense
When a federal investigation begins, the stakes could not be higher. Khalil Kinchen brings federal prosecutorial and defense experience, measured strategy, and a proven record of outcomes that protect individuals, executives, and businesses.
Overview
Federal Investigation Is Not the End of the Road
Our lawyers have stood on both sides of the courtroom in the Southern District of Texas and beyond — as federal prosecutors and federal public defenders — which means we understand how the government builds its cases, and how to dismantle them. Khalil Kinchen represents individuals and businesses under investigation by the Department of Justice, SEC, IRS, EPA, CFTC, FERC, and the Texas Attorney General. Our work spans the full spectrum of federal criminal and quasi-criminal exposure—from grand jury subpoenas to trial, appeal, and post-conviction relief.
We also advise on civil matters with significant criminal implications, including False Claims Act cases, anti-kickback statute violations, Medicare fraud, and sanctions investigations for companies operating in restricted jurisdictions.
Our clients come from across the economy: energy, health care, financial services, construction, and engineering. Whatever the agency, whatever the charge, we bring disciplined strategy and courtroom-tested skill
Areas of Federal Criminal Defense
Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) violations
Tax fraud and IRS criminal investigations
Environmental crimes and EPA enforcement
Commodities trading and CFTC matters
Antitrust and price-fixing investigations
Bankruptcy and mortgage fraud
Health care fraud and anti-kickback violations
Immigration-related criminal charges
Securities fraud and SEC enforcement
Compassionate release under the First Step Act
Federal pardons and post-conviction relief
False Claims Act / qui tam defense
How We Approach Federal Defense
Our Method
Early Intervention & Investigation
We engage at the earliest possible stage—often before charges are filed—to assess exposure, control the flow of information, and build a strategic defense. Proactive engagement with prosecutors can change outcomes before indictment ever occurs.
Sentencing Mitigation
When conviction occurs, the fight is not over. We have secured sentences dramatically below federal guidelines—from 20-year guideline ranges to 10 months, and from 4–5-year ranges to probation—through rigorous sentencing advocacy.
Negotiation & Pre-Trial Resolution
When the facts support it, we engage directly with federal prosecutors and agency counsel to seek declinations, civil resolutions, or favorable plea agreements. Many of our best results never go to trial.
Appeals & Post-Conviction Relief
We pursue every available avenue of relief: direct appeal, habeas corpus, compassionate release, and presidential pardons. Our Fifth Circuit experience and First Step Act track record are extensive.
Trial-Ready Advocacy
When trial is the right path, we are ready. We build the case from day one, develop the narrative, and try the case with precision. Our federal acquittals and dismissals reflect the strength of that preparation.
Sector-Specific Intelligence
Defense strategy is sharpest when it is informed by industry context. We bring deep familiarity with the energy, health care, financial services, and construction industries that are most frequently subject to federal scrutiny.
Notable Client Outcomes
Track Record
FCPA Declination
FCPA Multinational Energy Corporation
Successfully defended multinational energy corporation against alleged violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA).
Felony Declination
Macondo Oil Spill – Transocean
Successfully defended Transocean in a two-year criminal investigation by the DOJ related to the Macondo oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.
Felony Dismissal
Federal Sports Betting Prosecution – Las Vegas
Obtained dismissal of all felony counts against prominent Las Vegas sports bettor.
Acquittal/Dismissal
Federal Election Fraud – Businessman
Represented businessman accused of election fraud in two-month federal jury trial (14 felony counts ultimately reduced to a single misdemeanor).
Declination
FCPA – CEO of Multinational Corporation
Successfully defended CEO of multinational corporation against alleged violations of the FCPA.
Non-Prosecution Agreement
FCPA – International Businessman
Successfully obtained declination of federal charges against international businessman accused of FCPA violations.
No Charges Filed
Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act – Food Manufacturer Executive
Obtained successful resolution for executive of prominent food manufacturer in federal criminal investigation.
Presidential Pardon
Obtained Pardon of 20-Year Sentence
Secured a presidential pardon for Charlton Esekhigbe, reducing a 20-year federal sentence to time served.
No Charges Filed
Environmental Crimes – Refinery Owner
Successfully obtained declination of federal environmental criminal charges against owner of oil and gas refinery.
Dismissal
Houston Hotel Fraud Case
Persuaded DOJ that evidence was insufficient to proceed. Government filed its own motion to dismiss the indictment before trial.
Speedy Trial Act Dismissal
FCPA / Appeal - Fifth Circuit
Persuaded the Fifth Circuit to affirm Speedy Trial Act dismissal of all FCPA and money laundering charges.
Sentencing — Below Guidelines
$36M Gas Theft — 10 Months vs. 20 Years
Client charged with $36M natural gas fraud received 10 months in prison where sentencing guidelines called for nearly 20 years.
Sentencing — Probation
JP Morgan Bank Officer — Probation vs. 5 Years
Long-time bank officer sentenced to probation despite guidelines calling for 4–5 years on bank and wire fraud charges.
Compassionate Release
Life Sentence — First Step Act Release
Won compassionate release for a federal inmate serving a life sentence for drug trafficking, citing mandatory minimum law changes under the First Step Act.
Dismissal — Immigration
IFCO Immigration Case — All Felonies Dismissed
Defended the VP of Human Resources in a high-profile immigration-hiring case. DOJ dismissed all felony charges against the client.
Client Experience
What You Can Expect from Khalil Kinchen
Why Khalil Kinchen
A Record That Speaks for Itself
Federal criminal defense is not a practice area where you want to experiment. The attorneys at Khalil Kinchen have spent careers building the exact expertise, relationships, and courtroom experience that produces results in these matters.
We have won acquittals, secured dismissals before trial, reduced sentences by years or decades, obtained presidential pardons, and pioneered First Step Act compassionate release in the federal courts—including matters before the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals.
8+
First Step Act Compassionate Releases Secured
Appellate Experience Including FCPA & Speedy Trial Victories
5th Cir.
Agencies Navigated — DOJ, SEC, IRS, EPA, CFTC, FERC
Multiple
Unparalleled First Step Act Experience
One of the few firms in Texas with a documented, multi-case track record of compassionate release under the First Step Act—both pre- and post-Covid.
Sector Intelligence
We represent clients in energy, health care, financial services, and construction—industries that federal agencies target most aggressively.
Proven Sentencing Advocacy
Guideline ranges of 20 years reduced to 10 months. Guidelines of 4–5 years resulting in probation. These outcomes reflect a rigorous, evidence-based approach to mitigation.
Civil & Criminal Intersection
We advise on matters where civil liability carries criminal exposure—False Claims Act, sanctions, and anti-kickback matters—providing a unified, risk-aware strategy.
News & Insights
From the firm.
Take The First Step
The Government does not wait. Neither should you.
Federal investigations move quickly. The earlier you engage experienced counsel, the more options you have.