“Better that ten guilty persons escape than that one innocent suffer.”
~ Sir William Blackstone
Mr. Mancano represents companies and individuals at all stages of the criminal process, from the initial search warrant or grand jury subpoena through trial and appeal. His clients turn to him because he is an aggressive advocate with the background and expertise to craft creative defenses, strategies, and solutions. He adapts his approach to the specific needs of each client with the objective of delivering the best possible result. Often, he resolves his client’s legal problems quickly without charges or fanfare. However, when litigation is unavoidable, he brings decades of experience and success as a trial lawyer to the courtroom.
The subject matter of his criminal defense practice is extensive, encompassing a broad spectrum of offenses brought by federal and state governments.
Antitrust
Mr. Mancano began his career as a prosecutor with the Antitrust Division, U.S. Department of Justice, and has handled antitrust matters for more than 40 years. The distinct advantage to his clients is that he understands every issue that arises in the investigation and prosecution of criminal antitrust matters. He aggressively represents corporations and their officers and employees in price-fixing and bid-rigging matters involving a wide range of industries. In representing his clients, his is acutely aware of the global nature of modern antitrust enforcement and the challenges that it raises.
Bank Fraud
Ever since the savings and loan crisis of the 1980s and 1990s, bank and financial institution fraud has been an enforcement priority for the government. More recently, the implosion of the housing market prompted the government to target real estate brokers, mortgage bankers and brokers, title companies, and attorneys, to name a few. This heightened interest in financial institution fraud has led to enormous penalties for violations.
Mr. Mancano routinely represents individuals and businesses in all types of matters involving bank and mortgage fraud, beginning with the grand jury investigation through trial.
He understands the high stakes in these cases and his combination of experience and skill gives his clients a clear advantage.
Insurance Fraud
Mr. Mancano has extensive experience in representing both individuals and businesses in all types of insurance fraud schemes alleged by the government. Examples of the insurance fraud allegations his clients have faced involve automobile collisions, theft losses, life insurance claims, workers compensation, fire losses, personal injury, and residential and commercial property claims. He is adept at handling these matters in both federal and state courts.
Money Laundering
Allegations of money laundering often accompany other criminal charges brought by the government, such as securities fraud, tax evasion or drug trafficking.
Mr. Mancano regularly represents clients in money laundering cases alleging the use or investment of illegal proceeds. He has also represented individuals charged with structuring bank deposits to avoid currency reporting requirements.
Public Corruption
Federal and state enforcement authorities view public officials as attractive targets for prosecution. Mr. Mancano is sensitive to the unique set of issues and concerns surrounding the representation of public figures.
His clients include high-ranking public officials and former military officers in matters alleging official corruption, including theft of honest services. Typically, his objective is to avoid criminal charges and the accompanying public attention. However, when litigation is inevitable, he has the skill and experience to achieve success at trial.
Securities Fraud
The implosion of the financial markets heightened the government’s securities industry enforcement activities. Mr. Mancano has represented clients in securities fraud investigations conducted by the U.S. Department of Justice and the Securities and Exchange Commission. His clients include individuals and businesses suspected of insider trading and conducting Ponzi schemes to defraud investors. Mr. Mancano also devotes his attention to the civil consequences that accompany securities fraud prosecutions.
Tax Crimes
Mr. Mancano has experience in representing clients that are under investigation or facing federal or state charges for all manner of tax offenses including tax evasion, filing false returns, failure to file or pay income tax, conspiracy to defraud the United States, and evading state income, sales or other taxes.
General Criminal Defense
Mr. Mancano’s criminal defense practice is not limited to representing clients charged with white collar crimes.
He routinely handle many other types of criminal cases involving offenses against persons and property, and possessing and trafficking in controlled substances and other contraband.