Governmental Investigations Attorney in Kansas City

You need someone in your corner who knows how to handle government agencies like the FBI, IRS, SEC, or local law enforcement, and will fight to protect your rights during an investigation. Sandage Law is right here in Kansas City to help you stand up to the government.

‍Our approach to government investigations

Every government investigation is different, with its own set of challenges. We carefully analyze your situation to create a defense strategy that meets your specific needs. Whether you’re dealing with federal, state, or local authorities, we work to reduce risks and protect what matters most to you. We offer complete legal support at every stage of the investigation, including:

‍Communicating with authorities

When you’re under government investigation, every word matters. Missteps in communication can escalate your situation and potentially lead to more severe consequences. At Sandage Law, we will manage your interactions with government agencies, to make sure you avoid unintentional self-incrimination. By controlling the flow of information, we ensure that your defense is not compromised by off-the-cuff remarks or incomplete disclosures.

‍Helping you maintain business operations

A government investigation can disrupt your business and lead to financial loss and operational challenges. Our role is to help you stay running while managing legal risks. We work closely with you to figure out what steps to take to comply with legal requirements without coming to a stop.

Suppose your company is under investigation by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for alleged violations related to Medicare billing practices. We would guide you through the process of auditing your billing procedures, implementing necessary changes, and communicating with your staff about the investigation. This allows your business to continue functioning, retaining client trust and minimizing disruptions, while we work to resolve the legal issues.

‍Managing public relations

An investigation can severely damage your reputation, affecting your standing with customers, investors, and the public. We help you manage both internal and external communications to protect your credibility and control the narrative surrounding the investigation. This includes crafting messages for employees, stakeholders, and the media that are truthful yet carefully worded to prevent misinterpretation or panic.

For example, if you’re facing an investigation by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for alleged insider trading, your public perception needs to be controlled. We would assist you in drafting public statements, social media posts, and responses to media inquiries that acknowledge the investigation without admitting guilt.

‍Common charges our clients face

We defend clients against a wide range of charges that can arise during government investigations, including:

Fraud (bank, tax, insurance, securities)
Embezzlement
Money laundering
Bribery and corruption
Health care fraud
Environmental violations
Tax evasion
Insider trading
Regulatory non-compliance

Agencies

We represent clients in investigations by numerous government agencies, such as:

U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ)
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA)
State Attorneys General
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)

Why Sandage Law?

At Sandage Law, we are dedicated to protecting your rights and defending your future. We understand the stress and uncertainty of a government investigation and will work with you to achieve the best possible outcome.

Let’s start on your inquiry today

Contact us to now discuss your investigation. We want to learn more about your situation, let you know the options you have, and let you know more about what we can do for you. Fill out our form or call today at (816) 753-0800. Don’t face the government alone, get Sandage Law on your side.

Frequenty Asked Questions

I haven’t been charged — should I still talk to a lawyer?

Yes, and in fact, this is one of the most important times to get legal advice. If you’ve received a subpoena, been contacted by investigators, or just have a gut feeling something’s wrong, speaking to a white collar crime defense lawyer early can make a big difference. In many Kansas City cases, we’ve helped clients respond carefully to investigators, avoid self-incrimination, and sometimes resolve the issue before charges were ever filed. The sooner you have representation, the more options you may have — and the better protected you’ll be.

What if I didn’t know I was breaking the law?

Intent is a major factor in white collar criminal cases. The government often has to prove that you knowingly and willfully committed fraud or made false statements. That’s not always easy, especially when financial records are complex or multiple people were involved in a transaction. You might have trusted a colleague, misunderstood a regulation, or made a mistake that looked worse than it was. A strong defense focuses on your intent — or lack of it — and can include expert witnesses, document analysis, and a clear narrative that shows you weren’t trying to break the law.

Will hiring a lawyer make me look guilty?

This is a common concern, but the reality is the opposite: hiring a lawyer shows that you’re serious about protecting your rights. Investigators and prosecutors are trained to build a case, not to protect you — which is why it’s so important to have someone on your side from the beginning. Whether you’re facing charges in state or federal court, or you’re just under investigation, a defense attorney with experience in Kansas City white collar criminal cases can help you navigate the situation without making costly mistakes. The earlier you act, the more control you have over the outcome.

How are federal white collar cases different from other criminal cases?

Federal white collar cases are often more complex, both legally and logistically. They usually involve long investigations, thousands of pages of financial records, and detailed laws about fraud, false statements, or misuse of funds. Sentencing in federal court also works differently — the judge will use a strict set of guidelines that factor in the amount of money involved, the number of victims, and whether there was a breach of public trust. If your case is being investigated by a federal agency or prosecuted in federal court, you need to work with a lawyer who understands the local federal system here in Missouri.

Can I keep my case out of the public eye?

In many cases, yes. Protecting your reputation is a key part of what we do. When clients come to us early, we can often resolve cases quietly — through negotiation, pre-charge settlements, or behind-the-scenes communication with investigators. Even after charges are filed, we look for ways to minimize public exposure, whether that’s by seeking sealed records or handling court proceedings discreetly. For professionals, business owners, or anyone in a sensitive position, privacy is not just a preference — it’s part of the defense strategy.

What should I bring to my first meeting with a white collar defense lawyer?

If you’ve received any paperwork — a subpoena, target letter, or court summons — bring that with you. It's also helpful to write down a basic timeline of events, including who was involved and what happened. Don’t worry if things are still unclear — our job is to sort through the confusion and help you understand what matters most. Whether you're facing charges in Kansas City or simply want to get ahead of an investigation, that first consultation is about clarity and control.

Is it possible to avoid a felony conviction?

Whether that’s through a reduced charge, a favorable plea deal, or a successful defense at trial, avoiding a felony is often a primary goal. For first-time offenders or those facing less severe allegations, diversion programs or probation may be on the table. A white collar defense attorney who knows how these cases are handled in the Kansas City courts can help identify the best approach to avoid long-term consequences like a felony record, loss of employment, or professional discipline.