You should contact a white collar defense attorney immediately after federal agents search your home or business. When Mathew Bowyer was raided by the FBI, IRS Criminal Investigation, and Homeland Security Investigations, I met with him quickly, contacted the U.S. Attorney’s Office, took over communications with the government, and began developing a strategy that continued through sentencing.
His case demonstrates why white collar defense should begin at the investigation stage, rather than after an arrest or indictment.
I represented Mathew from the federal raid through the conclusion of his case. The matter eventually received international attention because of its connection to the gambling investigation involving Shohei Ohtani’s former interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara.
My responsibility was to look beyond the headlines and protect my client at every stage. That meant understanding what the government wanted, reducing uncertainty where possible, preparing for formal charges, addressing cooperation, and building the sentencing strategy early.
What happened after federal agents searched Mathew Bowyer’s home?
I was introduced to Mathew through a mutual friend shortly after federal agents searched his home.
The search involved several federal agencies, including:
- The FBI
- IRS Criminal Investigation
- Homeland Security Investigations
Agents seized cash, casino chips, records, and other property they believed could be connected to the investigation.
When I first sat down with Mathew and his family, many questions remained unanswered. Federal investigators had already gathered evidence, but the full scope of the case and the next procedural steps were still developing.
That period immediately after a federal raid is critical.
Many people believe they have no choice except to wait for agents to return. I do not approach federal cases that way. The government has already started building its case, which means the defense needs to begin working immediately.
My first priorities included:
- Reviewing what happened during the search
- Identifying the agencies involved
- Evaluating the possible criminal allegations
- Learning what agents seized
- Establishing myself as Mathew’s attorney
- Contacting the U.S. Attorney’s Office
- Determining what prosecutors wanted from him
- Preparing for possible charges and a court appearance
Why did Mathew need an experienced white collar defense attorney immediately?
White collar investigations often begin long before the person under investigation learns about them.
By the time agents arrive with a search warrant, they may already have:
- Bank records
- Tax returns
- Business records
- Electronic communications
- Surveillance
- Statements from associates
- Gambling or payment records
- Grand jury evidence
- Financial analysis
- Information from cooperating witnesses
A federal raid may be the first time the client realizes an investigation exists, but it may represent months or years of government work.
That imbalance makes early representation important. A white collar defense attorney can begin identifying the suspected offenses, preserving favorable evidence, communicating with prosecutors, and preparing for the government’s next move.
Why did I contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office?
I contacted the U.S. Attorney’s Office because I did not want Mathew sitting at home waiting for an unexpected arrest.
Once prosecutors knew that he had retained counsel, they could communicate through me. That gave me an opportunity to seek information, protect him from direct questioning, and discuss how the case would move forward.
Early communication may allow me to:
- Confirm that I represent the client
- Ask that agents and prosecutors communicate through me
- Determine whether charges are imminent
- Request advance notice of a filing
- Discuss a summons or voluntary appearance
- Prepare for federal release conditions
- Understand whether prosecutors want cooperation
- Prevent the client from giving an unprotected statement
Contacting prosecutors does not mean agreeing with the government’s allegations. It means approaching the case strategically rather than allowing uncertainty to control every decision.
Can early representation help someone avoid an unexpected arrest?
Sometimes I can negotiate a controlled appearance, voluntary surrender, or summons instead of an unexpected arrest. The government does not have to agree, and no attorney can guarantee that outcome.
Prosecutors and the court may consider:
- The nature of the alleged offenses
- The client’s criminal history
- Community and family ties
- Employment
- International travel
- Citizenship or immigration status
- Perceived flight risk
- Public safety concerns
- Whether the client has retained counsel
- Whether the client agrees to appear voluntarily
In Mathew’s case, my early communication helped create a more controlled process. Instead of leaving him to wonder whether numerous agents or U.S. Marshals would return without warning, I could begin addressing the next stage directly with the government.
That is one reason to call a white collar defense attorney before an indictment arrives.
How does federal bond work in a white collar case?
Federal release often works differently from the commercial bail system people recognize from California state court.
A federal court may consider:
- Release on personal recognizance
- An unsecured appearance bond
- Bonds signed by family members or other sureties
- Property offered as security
- Cash deposited with the court
- Passport surrender
- Travel restrictions
- Electronic monitoring
- Home detention or a curfew
- Restrictions related to finances or business activity
In a gambling, tax, or money laundering case, release conditions may also limit:
- Gambling
- Bookmaking
- Financial transactions
- Business operations
- Contact with certain people
- Access to particular accounts
- International travel
I want to anticipate these concerns before the initial appearance. A prepared release proposal is usually stronger than a rushed response made after a surprise arrest.
What did strategic defense involve in Mathew Bowyer’s case?
Strategic defense involved many connected decisions. It did not begin and end with one hearing.
Establishing representation before an arrest
I contacted federal prosecutors and made clear that Mathew was represented.
That reduced the possibility of direct communication between agents and my client and gave me the opportunity to discuss how any formal appearance would occur.
Understanding what the government wanted
The government wanted Mathew to cooperate in its broader investigation.
Cooperation may involve:
- Providing information
- Participating in interviews
- Producing documents
- Identifying other people
- Testifying
- Assisting investigators over an extended period
Before advising a client to cooperate, I need to understand:
- What information the client actually knows
- What prosecutors expect the client to provide
- Whether the client faces additional exposure
- What protections are included
- Whether the information is useful
- How cooperation could affect sentencing
- Whether the client can satisfy the government’s expectations
Cooperation can be an important part of a white collar case, but it must be approached carefully. A client should never begin providing information without understanding the risks and potential benefits.
Evaluating the charges and plea strategy
Mathew ultimately agreed to plead guilty to operating an unlawful gambling business, transactional money laundering, and subscribing to a false tax return.
Before advising any client about a guilty plea, I evaluate:
- The available evidence
- The elements of each charge
- Possible defenses
- The federal sentencing guidelines
- Acceptance of responsibility
- Cooperation obligations
- Restitution
- Forfeiture
- Tax consequences
- Supervised release
- The long-term effects of a conviction
A plea affects much more than whether the client goes to trial. It can affect incarceration, finances, reputation, travel, business opportunities, and life after the case.
Addressing forfeiture and restitution
White collar cases often involve significant financial consequences.
Federal prosecutors may seek:
- Cash
- Bank funds
- Vehicles
- Real estate
- Casino chips
- Business assets
- Luxury goods
- Property allegedly purchased with criminal proceeds
Mathew’s case included forfeiture and restitution owed to the IRS.
When I handle a financial case, I examine:
- Whether the seized property is actually connected to an offense
- Whether the government can establish a basis for forfeiture
- Whether family property may be affected
- How the government calculated tax loss
- Whether restitution figures are accurate
- Whether payments have already been made
- How financial obligations may affect the client’s family
A strategy focused only on prison exposure may ignore consequences that last for years.
Why did I begin mitigation early?
Mitigation is the process of showing the court who my client is beyond the charges.
I began developing Mathew’s mitigation before the sentencing date because meaningful mitigation takes time.
It can include:
- Family and personal history
- Employment and business background
- Gambling or addiction issues
- Mental and physical health
- Acceptance of responsibility
- Cooperation
- Restitution efforts
- Treatment
- Rehabilitation
- Community support
- Character letters
- Plans for the future
The government’s filings focus on the alleged crimes. My sentencing presentation must explain the full person standing before the judge.
You can read more about my approach in my article onwhy mitigation in federal court should begin early.
What was the outcome of Mathew Bowyer’s federal case?
The court sentenced Mathew to one year and one day in federal prison. He also received a term of supervised release and was ordered to pay restitution to the IRS.
The case involved serious allegations, financial consequences, and meaningful sentencing exposure. The outcome came after representation that began at the raid and continued through government communications, cooperation decisions, plea negotiations, forfeiture, restitution, and mitigation.
No attorney can promise that another client will receive the same result. Every white collar case involves different facts, prosecutors, judges, evidence, and sentencing calculations.
The lesson from Mathew’s case is about preparation and timing. Strategic defense began immediately and continued through each stage of the federal process.
What should you do while federal agents search your property?
Stay calm and do not physically interfere with the agents.
You may politely ask for:
- A copy of the search warrant
- The name of the lead agent
- A property receipt or inventory
- Contact information for the investigating agency
Avoid answering questions about the investigation. Clearly state that you want to speak with an attorney before answering.
Do not consent to additional searches beyond the authority granted by the warrant.
When possible, take note of:
- Which agencies are present
- Which rooms or locations are searched
- Which items are taken
- Whether employees or relatives are questioned
- The approximate start and end time
- Any damage to the property
- The documents agents leave behind
After the search, preserve every warrant, receipt, business card, subpoena, and inventory.
Do not delete records, alter files, move money, or tell anyone else to destroy information.
What should you do after the agents leave?
Your first call should be to an attorney with meaningful federal white collar experience.
Then:
- Preserve the warrant and property inventory.
- Photograph any property damage.
- Make a list of seized items.
- Identify everyone who spoke with agents.
- Preserve electronic and financial records.
- Avoid public statements or social media posts.
- Do not contact witnesses to coordinate explanations.
- Do not call the agents to explain yourself.
- Tell your attorney about any planned travel.
- Begin gathering family, employment, and financial information.
A person often wants to explain that the government misunderstood ordinary business or financial activity. That explanation should be developed with counsel, not improvised during an agent interview.
Why are money laundering allegations common in white collar investigations?
Money laundering cases focus on what happened to money allegedly connected to another crime.
The government may claim that a transaction was intended to:
- Conceal the source of money
- Hide the owner
- Promote unlawful activity
- Move criminal proceeds
- Avoid reporting requirements
- Make money appear legitimate
Money laundering allegations may be connected to:
- Illegal gambling
- Fraud
- Drug crimes
- Tax violations
- Embezzlement
- Structuring
- Conspiracy
- Other financial offenses
A transaction that appears suspicious to an investigator may have a lawful business explanation. I examine the source of the funds, the client’s knowledge, the purpose of the transaction, and whether the government can prove criminal intent.
Mymoney laundering defense practice addresses these complicated financial and evidentiary issues.
What should families do after a federal raid?
Family members can become important to both the immediate defense and the release plan.
I may ask them to help:
- Gather the warrant and seizure records
- Identify who spoke with agents
- Preserve financial and electronic documents
- Verify the client’s address
- Document employment
- Identify possible bond signers
- Gather property information
- Collect medical and treatment records
- Begin gathering mitigation materials
- Prepare for contact from Pretrial Services
Family members should avoid discussing the allegations publicly or contacting witnesses to influence their statements.
They should also understand that a federal case may move quickly once prosecutors file charges.
Questions people ask when seeking a Southern California white collar defense attorney
Do I need an attorney if I have not been arrested?
Yes. The investigation stage can be one of the most important periods in the case. Counsel may communicate with prosecutors, prepare for charges, preserve evidence, and prevent damaging statements.
Does a federal raid mean I will be indicted?
No. A search warrant does not guarantee an indictment. It does show that a federal judge found probable cause to authorize a search for specified evidence.
Why did I contact prosecutors in Mathew Bowyer’s case?
I wanted to establish representation, understand the government’s position, discuss how the case would proceed, and reduce the risk of an unexpected arrest.
Can early defense make federal charges disappear?
Sometimes early advocacy affects charging decisions, but no lawyer can promise dismissal. Early work can still protect options, clarify exposure, and prepare the client for each stage.
Does cooperation guarantee a lower sentence?
No. Cooperation may help in some cases, but its value depends on its truthfulness, usefulness, timing, and the government’s assessment.
When should mitigation begin?
Mitigation should begin as early as possible. Treatment, restitution, rehabilitation, and supporting documentation take time to develop.
What does Mathew Bowyer’s case teach us about strategic defense?
Mathew’s case demonstrates that a white collar defense strategy needs to address the entire federal process.
That process may include:
- The federal search
- Government communications
- Possible arrest
- The initial appearance
- Release conditions
- Cooperation
- Charging decisions
- Plea negotiations
- Forfeiture
- Restitution
- Mitigation
- Sentencing
Each stage affects the next.
A decision made immediately after a raid may influence what happens during charging or sentencing. Early strategic work can preserve options that might disappear if the client waits.
Speak with a Southern California white collar defense attorney early
If you or someone you love is facing a federal financial investigation, do not wait for agents to return or for an indictment to arrive.
As a white collar defense attorney, I can review the warrant, contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office, communicate with federal agencies, evaluate possible charges, prepare for court, develop a release plan, and begin building the long-term defense.
Mathew Bowyer’s case shows why this work should begin immediately. I represented him from the federal raid through sentencing and treated every stage as part of one coordinated strategy.
Reach out through mycontact page to discuss the investigation and what may happen next. Early representation can help you protect your rights, avoid damaging mistakes, and regain some control over the process.