With more than 20 years of legal experience, Steve Toland focuses on federal and state criminal defense, with an emphasis on federal white-collar defense and investigations. He represents individuals and companies in all phases of investigation and criminal prosecution and is particularly adept at advising and counseling those facing a governmental investigation with the goal of preventing prosecution.

Board certified in criminal law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, Steve has argued over 300 contested matters in federal court and tried 60 cases in state court. His strong relationships with government officials in nearly every major enforcement agency enable Steve to effectively identify persuasive arguments, narrow the scope of inquiries, limit corporate and individual exposure and negotiate favorable resolutions. In the event prosecution is unavoidable, he will go to trial and has obtained many favorable results for his clients.

Steve’s practice and expertise includes:

  • White Collar Criminal Defense/Investigation
  • False Claims Act/Health Care Fraud
  • Crisis Management and Strategic Response
  • Antitrust
  • Parallel Criminal and Civil Proceedings
  • Data Compliance/Regulation

Additionally, Steve has directed client strategy in the context of inquiries, investigations and enforcement actions by federal, state and local authorities including, but not limited to, DOJ, SEC, FTC, EPA, USSS, DHS, HHS, executive agencies, and state regulatory agencies.

Admitted to Practice

States:
State Bar of Texas

Education

St. Mary’s University School of Law, J.D.
UNAM Mexico City, Certificate of Legal Studies
Mississippi College, M.S. in Communications
Tulane University, B.A. in History

Recognition, Honors, and Achievements

Best Lawyers in America Selection, The Best Lawyers in America© (2024)– Criminal Defense: White Collar
Rated by Super Lawyers®

Professional Associations & Memberships

Austin Bar Association
Texas State Bar
Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys

Presentations and Published Writings

  • “Ethical Plea Negotiations”, CLE, Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers’ Association, Austin, Texas 2016
  • “Supervised Release”, CLE, Federal Bench Bar, Waco, Texas 2016
  • “Plea Negotiations”, CLE, Austin Bar Association, Austin, Texas 2012
  • “Strategies for Legal Research on the Web-Locating Persons and Finding Background Information”, Austin, Texas 2008
  • “Managing Discovery-Why E-Discovery Can Give You the Edge in Your Next Case”, Austin, Texas 2008
  • “Criminal Litigation Case Management”, Austin, Texas 2004
  • “Advanced Legal Drafting”, Austin, Texas 2003
  • “Basic Concepts in American Tort Law” (In Spanish), Universidad Panamericana de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, MX, 2002
  • “Business Tort Update”, State Bar of Texas Litigation Update Institute, 2003
  • “The Charade: Trying a Patent Case to All ‘Three Juries’”, Texas Intellectual Property Journal (Volume 8, Fall 1999)

Representative Matters

  • Represented an international produce company located in Mexico City investigated for violations of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and financial fraud. The matter concluded with no criminal charges being filed and no collateral consequences before United States Customs.
  • Represented a well-known restaurant and bar owner charged with twelve separate counts of tax fraud and money laundering. After two years of negotiations and criminal litigation the client received a non-custodial sentence and avoided significant restitution and fines.
  • Represented a doctor and his medical practice investigated for Medicare fraud by HHS. The matter concluded with no criminal charges being filed in exchange for a reduced fine and no collateral consequence to his medical license.
  • Served as lead counsel to a trucking company in a federal antitrust and illegal dumping investigation. Allegations included violations of federal and state environmental laws, price-fixing and bid-rigging in violation of the Sherman Act. After extensive negotiations, the trucking company, three targeted employees, and its board of directors avoided criminal prosecution in exchange for a fine and restitution.