Criminal defense

Know Your Rights

Published on: June 11, 2025 | By Conaway & Strickler, P.C.

When you’re approached or arrested by law enforcement, it’s natural to feel scared, overwhelmed, or tempted to explain your side. But one of the most powerful tools you have is silence. Under the 5th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, you have the right to remain silent and avoid self-incrimination. This right is reinforced by your Miranda Rights, which police are required to read to you during a custodial interrogation. If you’ve heard the phrase, “You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law,” that’s your cue to stop talking and protect yourself.

Many people unknowingly waive their rights by speaking too soon or too freely. Even innocent statements can be twisted or taken out of context. That’s why one of the smartest things you can do is to invoke your right to remain silent and request legal counsel. Simply say, “I am invoking my right to remain silent. I would like to speak to an attorney.” Then stay quiet. You are not being difficult—you are being smart.

At Conaway & Strickler, we understand that early legal representation is crucial. Our experienced defense attorneys are here to protect your rights, guide you through the legal process, and fight for the best outcome possible. If you or a loved one is facing an investigation or has been arrested, don’t speak to the police first—speak to us. Contact Conaway & Strickler today for a free confidential consultation.

Tax Evasion

Published on: June 6, 2025 | By Conaway & Strickler, P.C.

Tax evasion is a potential criminal charge. Tax avoidance is perfectly acceptable.

26 U.S.C. § 7201 defines what is tax evasion. It states in relevant part that any person who willfully attempts in any manner to evade or defeat any tax imposed by this title or the payment thereof shall, in addition to other penalties provided by law, be guilty of a felony and, upon conviction thereof, shall be fined not more than $100,000 ($500,000 in the case of a corporation), or imprisoned not more than 5 years, or both, together with the costs of prosecution.

Federal prosecutors might also add additional charges beyond tax evasion. Those charges could include conspiracy charges, under 18 U.S.C. § 371, or tax fraud under 26 U.S.C. § 7206. The United States Sentencing Commission (USSC) recently released its Tax Fraud Report for fiscal year 2023. It states that off the 64,124 cases reported to the Commission in fiscal year 2023, 363 involved tax fraud (down 27% since FY 2019). It is unclear if this downward trend will continue.

Collateral Consequences of a Physician’s Arrest

Published on: January 17, 2025 | By Conaway & Strickler, P.C.

Physicians who are arrested face a multitude of other issues. They will face possible termination from their job. But, also they will face issues with the Georgia Composite Board. It is very important to understand that those who are arrested may hire a firm like us and enter into an informal resolution to avoid formal proceedings, additional costs, and potentially more severe sanctions with the Composite Board. It is important to be aware of other possible consequences of such stipulations, including the following:

NPDB Reports. Licensing boards are generally required to report such these informal agreements involving physicians to the National Practitioners Data Bank (“NPDB”). (See45 CFR § 60.8). Hospitals and other entities are required or permitted to check the NPDB during the physician credentialing process. An NPDB report can permanently tarnish a physician’s record and career, unless it is removed, and it may also result in the additional actions outlined below.
Reciprocal Actions by Other State Licensing Boards. Many if not all state licensing boards automatically impose reciprocal sanctions against providers who were sanctioned in another state; thus, the action in one state may result in similar actions in other states in which the provider is licensed. That, of course, compounds the physician’s problems.

White Collar Crime at a Crossroads: The Implications of Kousisis on Federal Fraud

Published on: December 16, 2024 | By Conaway & Strickler, P.C.

This month, the Supreme Court heard oral arguments in Kousisis v. United States, a case that could have significant implications on the future of federal white-collar prosecutions. Specifically, the Court is considering the boundaries of federal fraud statutes in scenarios where deceptive practices are employed without causing direct financial harm to the victim.

Kousisis comes before the Court after a Philadelphia-area government contractor was found guilty of fraud after it failed to comply with a contract provision intended to promote diversity. Stamatios Kousisis and Alpha Painting and Construction Co., Inc. (Alpha) secured two substantial contracts with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT). These contracts mandated a certain percentage of work to be allocated to Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs). Kousisis and his company misrepresented their compliance with this requirement by using a DBE as a mere pass-through entity, thereby falsely claiming adherence to the DBE participation goals. Despite this deception, the contracted work was completed to PennDOT’s satisfaction, and no direct financial loss was incurred by the department.

Federal prosecutors charged Kousisis and Alpha with wire fraud, conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and making false statements. The prosecution’s argument was based on the “fraudulent inducement” theory, suggesting that the defendants obtained the contracts through deceptive promises, even though PennDOT did not suffer a financial loss. Ultimately, Kousisis was sentenced to 70 months’ imprisonment for the multi-million dollar fraud he perpetrated following a jury trial in 2018.

Nursing License Defense FAQs

Published on: October 25, 2024 | By Conaway & Strickler, P.C.

As a nurse, your license is one of your most valuable assets. Yet, complaints or accusations against you could jeopardize your ability to practice. At Conaway & Strickler, P.C., we understand the gravity of these situations and are here to help. Attorney Meg Strickler is experienced license defense attorney who has handled these issues for years. Below are some questions and answers that will help you navigate any issues you might having with the Nursing Board.

Question: What types of issues come before the State of Georgia Nursing Board?

Answer: Below are some common issues the Board handles. Many of these issues may overlap, as most of this conduct also constitutes a crime.

Criminal Consequences for Unruly Airline Passengers: The FAA’s Push for Prosecution

Published on: October 5, 2024 | By Conaway & Strickler, P.C.

In recent years, unruly behavior on flights has become a growing concern, prompting the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to escalate its enforcement efforts. Since 2021, the FAA has referred over 310 cases of severe incidents to the FBI for criminal prosecution. These cases involve dangerous acts like physical assaults, attempts to breach the cockpit, and sexual misconduct, all of which have serious legal consequences.

The FAA’s zero-tolerance policy, implemented in 2021, marked a shift from warnings to immediate enforcement. With incidents like physical assaults on passengers and crew members, the FAA has consistently referred the most egregious cases to the FBI. The FAA can impose civil penalties up to $37,000 per violation, but when these cases are referred for criminal prosecution, offenders face much harsher outcomes.

In 2023, over 1,240 incidents of unruly passenger behavior were reported. Of those, 43 cases were referred to the FBI for criminal prosecution due to their severity. These cases often involve physical altercations or inappropriate behavior that pose a threat to the safety of everyone on board. The FAA’s clear stance on holding individuals accountable shows that passengers who engage in such behavior will face serious repercussions.You can read more about the FAA’s referral process and efforts in their official statement and in further detail from FAA’s unruly passenger policy page.

When Can Law Enforcement Search my Cell Phone?

Published on: September 14, 2024 | By Conaway & Strickler, P.C.

Cell phones are everywhere today and thus play a significant role in criminal investigations.

What reports are generated from my devices?

Cellebrite reports provide information about phone calls and text messages; but now it also provides a report on the data stored on these devices such as voicemails, images, and browsing history. From GPS location data to social media activity, cell phones can provide a treasure trove for law enforcement agencies to use to build their cases.

Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs): What Triggers Them and How to Respond

Published on: September 13, 2024 | By Conaway & Strickler, P.C.

In the world of banking and finance, the term “Suspicious Activity Report” (SAR) may sound intimidating—especially if you’ve been notified that a bank has filed one concerning your transactions. For individuals and businesses alike, it’s essential to understand what a SAR is, what activities can trigger these reports, and the potential legal consequences that may follow.

What is a Suspicious Activity Report (SAR)?

A Suspicious Activity Report (SAR) is a document that financial institutions are legally required to file with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) when they detect potentially suspicious behavior involving financial transactions. Once filed, these reports are sent to FinCEN, a division of the U.S. Department of the Treasury, which shares the information with law enforcement agencies for further investigation if necessary.

The Truth Behind the TikTok “Free Money Hack” Trend: What You Need to Know

Published on: September 13, 2024 | By Conaway & Strickler, P.C.

In the age of social media, viral trends come and go at lightning speed. Some are harmless and fun, but others can lead people into serious legal trouble. One of the most alarming trends recently circulating on TikTok is the so-called “free money hack.” This trend falsely promises easy money through exploiting banking loopholes, but what many don’t realize is that following such advice could land you in serious legal trouble.

What is the “Free Money Hack”?

The trend usually involves TikTok users claiming they have found ways to manipulate the financial system, offering viewers methods to “hack” or exploit bank accounts, cash apps, or credit systems to obtain free money. Some of these schemes involve:

The Georgia Composite Medical Board & Professional License Defense

Published on: September 9, 2024 | By Conaway & Strickler, P.C.

The Georgia Composite Medical Board is the state organization that monitors physicians and other medical professionals through its licensing and disciplinary policies. The purpose of the Board is to safeguard public health by ensuring proper licensing procedures and regulating healthcare professionals.

Who makes up the Composite Board? The Board is made up of fifteen members appointed by the Governor. Thirteen of those members are physicians, and two of those members are public representatives who have no ties to medicine. Each Board member typically serves a four-year term.

What does the Board do? The Board’s functions include screening candidates for licensure, issuing licenses to qualified professionals, developing rules and guidelines for healthcare practice, and disciplining licensees when necessary. In Georgia, the Composite Board licenses and monitors healthcare professionals including the following: Medical doctors (MDs), Doctors of osteopathic medicine (DOs), Physician assistants (PAs), Anesthesiologist assistants (AAs), Acupuncturists, and pain management clinics. However, the Composite Board does not license or regulate podiatrists, chiropractors, dentists, marriage and family therapists, social workers, professional counselors, physical therapists, registered nurses, or licensed practical nurses – those professions are regulated by the Office of the Secretary of State.