PRACTICE AREA
The most serious government investigations rarely begin with an indictment. They begin with a whistleblower complaint, an internal report, an employee allegation, a regulatory inquiry, or a government investigation that places an organization and its leadership under scrutiny.
At that moment, the stakes can extend far beyond criminal liability. A company’s reputation, leadership team, customer relationships, government contracts, regulatory standing, financing arrangements, and future growth may all be at risk.
Dorwart represents businesses, executives, directors, officers, financial professionals, nonprofit organizations, and individuals facing government investigations, internal misconduct allegations, regulatory scrutiny, and criminal prosecution.
Whenever possible, our objective is simple: resolve issues before charges are filed and before a crisis escalates.
Many of our matters never become criminal cases. We regularly conduct privileged internal investigations for boards of directors, audit committees, executives, and general counsel responding to allegations of fraud, executive misconduct, whistleblower complaints, corruption, conflicts of interest, and other sensitive matters. By helping clients establish the facts early, we often enable informed business decisions while reducing the likelihood of broader government scrutiny.
When litigation becomes unavoidable, we are fully prepared to defend our clients through trial and appeal.
Few firms can guide clients through the entire lifecycle of a white collar matter.
Dorwart helps clients build compliance programs that reduce risk, conducts privileged internal investigations when concerns arise, works with prosecutors and regulators to resolve matters whenever possible, and aggressively defends clients when criminal charges cannot be avoided. That continuity gives clients experienced counsel at every stage of the process.
The best investigation is the one that never occurs.
Dorwart helps organizations build practical compliance programs designed to prevent misconduct, identify problems early, and respond effectively when concerns arise. We advise clients on corporate compliance, internal reporting procedures, whistleblower response, investigative protocols, and related governance issues that reduce legal risk and strengthen organizational oversight.
The most important decisions in a white collar matter are often made before charges are filed.
Organizations and individuals need counsel who can investigate facts quickly, preserve privilege, communicate effectively with regulators and prosecutors, and develop strategies that protect both legal and business interests. Whether conducting a sensitive internal investigation, responding to government inquiries, or defending clients in criminal proceedings, Dorwart brings the judgment, discretion, and courtroom experience needed when the stakes are highest.
Dorwart represented a Tulsa attorney in one of Oklahoma’s most significant criminal matters in recent years.
The State charged him with ten felony offenses, including:
The charges exposed the client to potentially devastating criminal penalties and professional consequences. The prosecution also generated substantial public attention and threatened the client’s reputation and career.
Rather than accepting the State’s narrative, Dorwart challenged the legal and factual basis of the prosecution at every stage. Over six years of litigation and four separate appeals, the defense systematically attacked the viability of the State’s case.
The Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals ultimately dismissed the State’s final appeal. Not a single charge ever proceeded to trial.
The matter demonstrates the importance of aggressively challenging unsupported criminal allegations and holding the government to its burden of proof.
Conducted a sensitive internal investigation on behalf of a company’s board of directors regarding allegations of misconduct by its chief executive officer. Following witness interviews, review of communications, and analysis of documentary evidence, Dorwart provided the board with a comprehensive factual assessment that enabled leadership to make informed decisions regarding the company’s future direction.
Conducted a rapid investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct involving a chief executive officer during a company-sponsored trip. After interviewing witnesses and reviewing electronic communications, Dorwart presented the board with a detailed factual assessment that enabled decisive and informed action.
Investigated allegations surrounding the termination of a senior executive who subsequently asserted a Sarbanes-Oxley whistleblower claim. Dorwart developed evidence demonstrating legitimate grounds for the termination, resulting in the Department of Labor rejecting the claim.
Defended an individual indicted in federal court on charges alleging fraud in connection with the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). After conducting a thorough factual investigation and working proactively with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Dorwart demonstrated why continued prosecution was unwarranted. The government dismissed the indictment before trial, allowing the client to move forward without the burden of ongoing criminal proceedings.
Conducted an internal investigation on behalf of BOK Financial involving misconduct affecting multiple bank customers. Working closely with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Dorwart developed the factual record that led to the indictment and conviction of the responsible individual and helped the bank recover misappropriated funds.
Conducted a privileged internal investigation for a multinational company following whistleblower allegations that employees had paid bribes to government officials in Asia. After reviewing communications, interviewing witnesses in multiple countries, and evaluating the evidence, Dorwart concluded the allegations were unsupported, allowing management to make informed business decisions without unnecessary disruption.
Investigated allegations that executives in a foreign jurisdiction manipulated vendor-selection processes for personal benefit. Following a discreet investigation, Dorwart presented company leadership with factual findings and recommendations that enabled management to respond confidently to the allegations.
Defended a Tulsa Police Department lieutenant in a criminal prosecution that received significant public attention. Following trial, the jury returned a complete not-guilty verdict.
Experience and Insight for your most complex legal matters
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