Practice Areas

Over the last three and a half decades of legal work, we have handled a wide variety of legal matters.

White Collar Criminal Defense and Securities Enforcement

We represent clients at all stages of white-collar criminal investigations and prosecution in federal and state courts.  Pence Hensel advises targets of grand jury investigations and witnesses who are required to testify before them. We know how to respond to grand jury subpoenas for documents and testimony and how to react to search warrants. Our most gratifying work often comes from representing an individual or company who is not indicted following an investigation.  However, should a client face charges, we are fully prepared to represent the client in all phases of the prosecution, including indictment, pretrial, trial and appeal.  Pence Hensel also is prepared to negotiate fair and equitable resolutions on behalf of our clients with the state or federal government.

Pence Hensel has substantial experience in a wide variety of matters, including security fraud, mail and wire fraud, RICO, conspiracy, tax fraud, environmental crime, mortgage fraud, health care fraud, antitrust violations, government contract fraud, bankruptcy fraud, insurance fraud, bid rigging, bank fraud and public corruption and theft of trade secrets.

We have worked with multiple local, state and federal agencies and investigatory bodies.  Federal authorities we have worked with include the Department of Justice, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Secret Service, a variety of federal inspector generals offices, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Department of Homeland Security.  State and local agencies we have dealt with include the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, the Indiana State Police, the Indiana Inspector General, a substantial number of county prosecutors’ offices, the Attorney General’s office and the Indiana Department of Environment Management.

Internal Investigations and Consultation

Many times, our clients have been the victims of criminal conduct.  For example, rogue employees have embezzled company funds sold illegal narcotics on company property, taken kickbacks or otherwise violated criminal laws causing damage to the client.  In those instances we are able to conduct internal investigations to determine the scope of the alleged wrongdoing, who is responsible for the improper conduct, and provide advice on how to handle the situation.

When illegal conduct has occurred, we may be required to work with the state or federal prosecutors and regulatory authorities to report the conduct and ensure that the government understands the facts and the client is treated fairly.

If there is a criminal investigation, we are also able to prepare any witnesses who are required to testify and ensure that each executive and employee is competently represented.

Complex Business Civil Litigation

Civil litigation can involve a relatively minor matter that can be handled quickly.  It can also be literally a “break the bank” or matter of life and death of a business.  We strive to provide our clients with advice that assists them through the range of legal disputes they may encounter.

The list of civil disputes we have handled is far too numerous to identify in their entirety, but we have dealt with cases involving civil RICO, fraud, corporate and shareholder disputes, contract disputes, labor and employee disputes, discrimination, franchise disputes, insurance fraud, mortgage and banking fraud, securities fraud, environmental clean-ups, intellectual property and patent disputes, First Amendment/free speech matters, qui tam actions and government contract cases.

Pence Hensel knows how to effectively conduct discovery, take depositions, obtain relevant evidence, and take a case to trial.

Professional Licensing and Disciplinary Proceedings

Many of our clients have included doctors, lawyers, nurses, corporate officers, securities dealers, real estate and mortgage agents, appraisers and other professionals who face disciplinary or license revocation proceedings. 

Those facing such life-devastating situations require guidance and counseling.  They need objective, competent counsel that can speak on their behalf before the critical boards and judges who will determine their cases.