When the Government Comes Knocking

The Stakes Couldn’t be Higher

Defending Clients in White Collar Investigations, High-Stakes Criminal Defense, and IRS Tax Controversies.


Former Federal Prosecutor

Former DOJ Tax Trial Attorney

Former Biglaw Litigator

Dallas-Based. Nationwide Reach.

Serious Experience for Serious Cases.

When Your Freedom, Reputation, and Future Are at Risk

When the government investigates, indicts, or arrests, everything moves fast. Reputations. Careers. Freedom.

In those moments, experience matters.

Mendoza Defense draws on government experience to represent clients facing criminal investigations and prosecutions in federal and state court, from complex white-collar and tax matters to serious felony and other criminal charges. The firm also handles complex civil tax controversies.

Different matters require different strategies.

But every serious case shares one reality:

It can escalate quickly—and sometimes instantaneously.

And when a confidential investigation becomes a public litigation, the defense must be disciplined, courtroom-ready, and capable of managing investigations from the first subpoena or search warrant through verdict.

Ready when everything is on the line.

Prior Results Do Not Guarantee Similar Results

  • Federal Wire and Bank Fraud Case Dismissed

    Client faced a multi-million-dollar federal wire and bank fraud prosecution carrying a guideline range exceeding 10 years' imprisonment. Following early engagement with prosecutors, the government dismissed all charges against the client.

    *Work performed prior to Mendoza Defense

  • Federal Wire Fraud & Money Laundering Investigation: No Charges Filed

    Client was the target of a federal wire fraud and money laundering investigation involving alleged conduct arising from an industry-specific business practice. Following early engagement with federal prosecutors, the government determined not to pursue charges and reclassified the client as a witness rather than a target.

    *Work performed prior to Mendoza Defense

  • IRS Criminal Investigation: Case Closed Without Referral to the Department of Justice

    Client was the subject of a criminal investigation conducted by IRS Criminal Investigation. Following early engagement with IRS-CI, the investigation was closed without a referral to the Department of Justice for prosecution. No criminal charges were filed.

    *Work performed prior to Mendoza Defense

  • Federal Tax Shelter: Favorable Resolution

    Client faced a large-scale federal criminal tax-shelter prosecution involving an alleged eight-figure tax loss and substantial sentencing exposure. Secured a favorable plea to a single count, with the government agreeing to dismiss all remaining charges.

    *Work performed prior to Mendoza Defense

  • Federal Bank Fraud Restitution Reduced Nearly 80% More Than a Decade After Conviction

    More than a decade after a federal bank fraud conviction, the client remained subject to a six-figure restitution judgment. After demonstrating that the restitution amount was legally incorrect, obtained the government's agreement not to oppose relief and secured a court order reducing the restitution obligation by nearly 80%.

    *Work performed prior to Mendoza Defense

  • Teacher Cleared in Sexual Assault Investigation

    Client, a teacher, was accused of sexually assaulting a student. Following early intervention, the investigation closed without criminal charges, and the client retained their teaching position.

    *Work performed prior to Mendoza Defense

  • Federal Tax Refund Litigation: Contempt Sanctions Secured

    Represented a taxpayer seeking a multi-million-dollar federal tax refund in litigation against the United States. Successfully obtained contempt sanctions against an opposing party. The case resolved favorably for the client.

    *Work performed prior to Mendoza Defense

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Eddie R. Mendoza

Founder & Principal Attorney

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214.884.8759


Eddie R. Mendoza is a former federal prosecutor and DOJ Tax Trial Attorney who defends clients facing serious criminal exposure. He has secured the dismissal of federal charges, the closure of investigations without prosecution, and the reclassification of clients from target to witness in matters involving allegations of wire fraud, bank fraud, money laundering, honest-services fraud, conspiracy, and tax fraud.

Eddie’s practice focuses on federal criminal defense, white-collar investigations, criminal tax matters, grand jury proceedings, search warrants, fraud and money-laundering allegations, serious state criminal charges, and civil tax controversies. He has served as first-chair trial counsel in multiple federal and state jury trials and appeared as counsel in hundreds of federal criminal cases.

Before founding the firm, Eddie served as a Trial Attorney with the U.S. DOJ Tax Division in Dallas and as an Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) in the Western District of Texas. As an AUSA, Eddie led jury trials, prosecutions, and investigations involving agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and state and local law enforcement.

He draws on this experience to anticipate how the government builds its cases and to develop strategies tailored to each client’s circumstances. Clients work directly with Eddie, who is known for candid advice, careful preparation, and a calm, proactive approach during high-stakes matters.

Real People. Real Feedback.

“Eddie, this is amazing! I’m speechless . . . [We]e had pretty much given up hope on getting anyone else to care. We’re blown away!

— Former Client

“His written work is excellent; he has a knack for beginning his briefs with a quote or statement that grabs the reader’s attention . . . He has a stellar work ethic.”

— Senior DOJ Tax Attorney

Thank you for listening to me when others didn’t. Thank you[,] and if I have any troubles again[,] I will come to you. Not anyone else . . . .”

— Former Client

“Thank you very much. This is the first time we’ve ever been optimistic about being able to resolve this favorably. We look forward to hearing from you on the next steps.”

— Former Client

The Mendoza Defense Approach

(1) Consultation

The firm begins with a complimentary consultation to assess your situation and what is at stake. Whether you are responding to a federal or IRS investigation, have received a target letter, subpoena, search warrant, or summons, or have been arrested on state or federal charges, the firm outlines next steps and a tailored strategy. Fees and expectations are addressed clearly from the start.

The Firm’s three-step approach is designed to understand your facts, goals, and exposure. Clients work directly with experienced counsel, with strategies tailored to the facts, exposure, and objectives of each case.

(2) Your Defense

The firm reviews the facts, documents, and actual or potential charges to identify strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities. It then develops a tailored approach, which may include early engagement with prosecutors, pursuing a pre-indictment resolution, or preparing the case for trial. When appropriate, the firm also conducts an independent investigation to uncover critical facts, anticipate the government’s theory, and strengthen the defense.

(3) What Matters Most

Once a strategy is in place, the firm works to execute your defense while keeping you informed and involved throughout the process. Whether negotiating with the government or litigating in court, the firm provides experienced representation at every stage of a case, grounded in preparation, judgment, and strong advocacy.

If the Government Has Contacted You

Early Intervention Matters.

A subpoena, target letter, or unexpected call may be the first sign of a serious criminal investigation. In other cases, an arrest may come first. Early intervention matters. Speaking with counsel early can help protect your rights, your options, and your future.

Schedule a Confidential Consultation Today.

eddie@mendozadefense.com
214-884-8759

4131 N Central Expressway
Suite 900
Dallas, Texas
75204

*In-Person Meeting by Appointment Only
*Call Available 24/7