DAN ECKHART LAW 2023: A YEAR IN REVIEW
Found below are the 2023 results for Dan Eckhart Law. As you can see, I was very busy with a number of federal cases and travel. It goes without saying that I owe huge thanks to everyone who helped me this past year including my clients, referring attorneys, friends, and family. We had a remarkable year and I’m looking forward to more challenges next year. Take care and have a great 2024!
Federal Criminal Cases in 2023-I defended a number of federal criminal cases or investigations in 2023. The majority of cases were in the Middle District of Florida. I also defended federal cases outside of the Middle District of Florida: 4 were in the Eastern District of Michigan, 2 were in the District of Columbia, 1 was in the Southern District of Florida, 1 was in the Northern District of Illinois, 1 was in the Northern District of Georgia and 1 was in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. Most of these cases were fraud-based or money laundering (investment fraud, bank fraud, wire fraud, mail fraud, identity theft, mortgage fraud, Medicare fraud and income tax evasion). I also handled several federal forfeiture actions.
-Filing a False Tax Return (MDFL)-client’s sentencing guidelines were 12-18 months, but the court applied a variance, and he was sentenced to probation.
-Money Laundering (DDC)-while the client and his family faced significant federal charges, I was able to negotiate a corporate plea to a misdemeanor.
-Identity Theft (MDFL)-client was sentenced below the sentencing guidelines because the court applied a variance. Because he had zero criminal history points, there is a pending motion to reduce his sentence under amendments to the sentencing guidelines that were made retroactive.
-Human Trafficking (EDPA)-client and her husband allegedly hired undocumented workers and made them work but the government opted not to file charges because there was insufficient evidence.
-Health Care Fraud (MDFL)-Nurse Practitioner allegedly conspired with a physician to prescribe controlled substances. After an extensive pre-charge investigation and meeting with the government no criminal charges were filed.
-Excessive Force (MDFL)-correctional officer at USP Coleman was named in a civil action by the estate of a deceased inmate. I was retained by the Department of Justice and got the case dismissed on qualified immunity.
-Covid 19 Relief Fraud (EDMI)-client was convinced by a promoter that he was entitled to government benefits. After a pre-charge investigation the government decided not to file charges.
-Wire Fraud (MDFL)-client’s spouse owned a business that she was not involved with. After a pre-charge investigation the government decided not to file charges against both.
-January 6 Case (DDC)-client was charged with two misdemeanors and the government attempted to join him with multiple defendants charged with several violent felonies. I filed an extensive motion in opposition and the court found that his defense would be unfairly prejudiced if the client was tried with the other defendants.
-Civil Forfeiture (SDFL)-client’s estranged husband was charged with a number of crimes arising from his association with the Venezuelan government. The government identified the client’s home as subject to forfeiture. The government eventually settled the case with the client providing payment which was only a fraction of the home’s appraised value. Thus, keeping her house.
-Civil Forfeiture (MDFL)-clients flew with their life savings to start a new business in Florida but were stopped at the airport and their cash was seized ($149,290.00). After demonstrating that the money came from legitimate sources and were not the proceeds of crime, the government returned all of the funds.
*These results are not guarantees of the outcome in future cases because every case has different facts and circumstances.
Abood Law Firm
I continued my role as “Of Counsel” for the Abood Law Firm with offices throughout Michigan https://aboodlaw.com/dan-eckhart My role is to provide assistance on federal cases filed in the Eastern and Western Districts of Michigan.
“Top 100 National Trial Lawyers”
I was again named to the “Top 100” by the National Trial Lawyers in in 2023. https://thenationaltriallawyers.org
State Cases in 2023- I defended state prosecutions filed in Florida where clients were charges with drug offenses, grand theft, sexual battery, and domestic violence. I was also hired to defend a rape case in Tennessee that is still pending.
-Domestic Violence (Orange County)-charges dropped due to insufficient evidence.
-Sexual Battery (Lake County)-client was a police officer and charges were dropped after pre-charge investigation severely questioned the credibility of the victim/girlfriend.
-Fentanyl (Orange County)-charges dropped due to insufficient evidence to prove the client had knowledge that drugs were in the trunk of the car he was driving.
-Grand Theft (Polk County)-after nearly one year, charges dropped after extensive investigation and discovery proving that the client (pool construction) fully intended to finish the jobs that were under contract.
*These results are not guarantees of the outcome in future cases because every case has different facts and circumstances. Compliance Services-Along with attorney David Haas we continued to provide compliance services for a religious organization based out of Orlando, Florida, on AML/BSA issues.
Lectures and Media in 2023
I was a panelist for the Orlando Federal Bar Association’s presentation entitled “Unique Challenges Representing January 6th Defendants.” The panel discussed how these cases were being handled differently by the Department of Justice and provided attendees with best practices. Along with co-counsel David Bigney, we defended three clients charged with crimes arising out of the disturbance at the Capitol on January 6th. One client, Adam Johnson (aka “the podium guy” or “the lectern guy”) was initially charged with afelony but we were able to negotiate a plea to a misdemeanor.
I appeared on the “Banfield” show on Newsnation commenting on various pending criminal cases in 2023.
I attended the “Offshore Alert” annual conference in Miami Beach in 2024.
Community Involvement
I volunteered on the Media Relations Committee for Florida Citrus Sports https://floridacitrussports.com/ at the Kickoff Classic featuring LSU v. FSU. I also continued my role as an at-large board member for the Orlando Federal Bar Association and continued to support the Skinner Strong Foundation by participating in its annual charity golf event. http://www.skinnerstrong.org/
