Hope C. Lefeber

Hope C. Lefeber is an aggressive criminal defense lawyer who brings more than three decades of experience in federal criminal defense matters to work in vigorously defending her clients against the government. Ms. Lefeber has a national reputation as one of the top federal criminal defense lawyers. She represents individuals and corporations accused of fraud, money laundering, tax evasion, securities violations, conspiracy, racketeering, internet crimes and drug offenses and appeals.

As a former enforcement attorney with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, Ms. Lefeber knows how to prepare the best defense and leaves no stone unturned in fighting for her clients' constitutional rights at every stage of the case. Ms. Lefeber has won numerous acquittals in federal court because of her unique approach and strategy. She has a reputation for achieving the best results and personally handles every case from start to finish.

Ms. Lefeber's clients include lawyers, doctors, Fortune 500 company executives, businessmen and women, securities traders, educators, corporations and people from all walks of life who have been charged or investigated by the government.

She is experienced in defending cases under investigation by numerous agencies, including:

·         Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

·         Internal Revenue Service (IRS)

·         Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)

·         United States Securities & Exchange Commission (SEC)

·         Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

·         United States Postal Inspection Service (USPS)

·         Office of Inspector General (OIG)

·         Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

·         Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF)

·         U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

·         Office of the Attorney General of Pennsylvania

Among Ms. Lefeber's recent notable cases is her successful defense of Jacqueline McCusker, who was charged in a $14.4 million mortgage fraud and money laundering scheme. Judge Mary McLaughlin sentenced Ms. Lefeber's client to probation despite the government's arguments for a 10-year sentence. In granting Ms. Lefeber's plea for a probationary sentence, Judge McLaughlin acknowledged the novel arguments of "first impression" that Ms. Lefeber raised and denied virtually all of the sentencing enhancements that the government sought. Judge McLaughlin further recognized the vigorous defense presented by Ms. Lefeber and held that the government failed to prove its case regarding the amount of loss. As a result of Ms. Lefeber's trial strategy and comprehensive attack on the government's theories of loss, Ms. Lefeber was able to achieve this extraordinary victory for her client.

In another recent important case, Ms. Lefeber's client, Wilbur Ross was found not guilty on all charges by a federal jury in a money laundering, tax structuring and wire fraud case. This case involved at least 40 wiretapped conversations, an informant and complex issues regarding tax structuring and money laundering. Ms. Lefeber's devastating cross-examination of the government's expert from the U.S. Department of the Treasury (FINRA) caused the expert to admit to the jury that the defendant's actions did not constitute a crime. The jury found Mr. Ross NOT GUILTY on all counts.

Ms. Lefeber prides herself on her intense preparation, her strong courtroom presence and her vast knowledge of federal criminal law. She works tirelessly for her clients and is always accessible to them.  Over thirty years of practicing federal criminal law, Ms. Lefeber has developed trust and respect amongst prosecutors, Judges and the criminal bar. These relationships enable her to navigate through the difficult path of a federal criminal case to achieve the best results for her clients.