Federal criminal defense attorney Michael J. Petro has more than 35 years of courtroom experience representing individuals facing serious criminal investigations, prosecutions, sentencing proceedings, and appeals.

A former prosecutor with experience in more than 45 federal jury trials as lead counsel and more than 31 federal appeals, Attorney Petro provides direct, strategic representation at every stage of a federal criminal case.

If you are under federal investigation or have been charged with a federal crime, contact federal criminal defense attorney Michael J. Petro before speaking with agents or prosecutors.

Federal Criminal Investigations

Many federal cases begin months or years before an indictment. A person may first learn about an investigation after receiving a subpoena, being contacted by an agent, or discovering that business associates are being interviewed.

Early representation allows defense counsel to communicate with investigators and prosecutors, evaluate the client’s potential exposure, respond to subpoenas, preserve favorable evidence, and prepare for possible charges.

Attorney Petro represents witnesses, subjects, and targets in federal investigations and grand jury proceedings.

Learn more about his federal investigations and grand jury practice.

Federal Trials

Attorney Petro has served as lead counsel in more than 45 federal jury trials taken to verdict.

Federal trials require careful preparation, command of the Federal Rules of Evidence, and the ability to challenge the government’s witnesses and exhibits in court. Attorney Petro’s trial experience includes:

  • Cross-examining federal agents and cooperating witnesses
  • Challenging expert testimony
  • Litigating the admissibility of electronic and financial evidence
  • Preparing and arguing motions in limine
  • Presenting defense witnesses and exhibits
  • Drafting proposed jury instructions
  • Delivering opening statements and closing arguments
  • Preserving issues for appellate review

Attorney Petro prepares each case based on its evidence, legal issues, and the client’s objectives. When a case cannot be resolved on acceptable terms, he is prepared to take it to trial.

Learn more about Attorney Petro’s federal trial representation.

Federal Appeals

Attorney Petro has handled more than 31 federal appeals in the United States Supreme Court and the Courts of Appeals for the Eleventh, Seventh, and Fifth Circuits.

Federal appellate representation requires identifying preserved errors, analyzing the record, researching controlling authority, preparing persuasive briefs, and presenting oral argument when the court grants it.

Attorney Petro’s appellate work has involved convictions, sentencing errors, evidentiary rulings, constitutional violations, and interpretations of the Federal Rules of Evidence and the United States Sentencing Guidelines.

Attorney Petro served as appellate counsel in United States v. Gomez, 763 F.3d 845 (7th Cir. 2014) (en banc). In that case, the Seventh Circuit reconsidered the standards governing the admission of other-act evidence under Federal Rule of Evidence 404(b), reversed the conviction, and ordered a new trial.

Learn more about Attorney Petro’s federal criminal appeals practice.

Motions to Suppress Evidence

Attorney Petro has extensive experience litigating constitutional challenges under the Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Amendments.

His pretrial work includes motions involving:

  • Unlawful traffic stops
  • Searches of homes and businesses
  • Vehicle searches
  • Cellphone and computer searches
  • Search warrants and supporting affidavits
  • Title III wiretaps
  • Miranda violations
  • Involuntary statements
  • Eyewitness identifications
  • Right to counsel violations
  • Government use of protected communications

A successful motion to suppress may prevent the government from using illegally obtained evidence at trial. The result depends on the facts, the governing law, and the evidence developed during the suppression hearing.

Attorney Petro’s recent results include obtaining the dismissal of serious drug charges after filing a motion to suppress challenging an unlawful traffic stop and vehicle search. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.

Federal Sentencing and Sentence Reductions

Federal sentencing requires close analysis of the Presentence Investigation Report, the advisory sentencing guidelines, statutory sentencing factors, and the government’s evidence.

Attorney Petro represents clients in disputes involving:

  • Financial loss calculations
  • Drug quantity
  • Role adjustments
  • Obstruction enhancements
  • Acceptance of responsibility
  • Relevant conduct
  • Criminal history
  • Firearm enhancements
  • Restitution and forfeiture
  • Mandatory minimum sentences
  • Substantial assistance
  • Sentencing variances
  • Resentencing after a successful appeal

Attorney Petro also evaluates whether federal prisoners may qualify for an available sentence reduction or other post-conviction relief.

Learn more about his federal sentencing and sentence reduction practice.

Federal Criminal Cases

Attorney Petro represents clients facing a wide range of federal charges, including:

  • Mail fraud and wire fraud
  • Bank fraud
  • Money laundering
  • Mortgage fraud
  • Healthcare fraud
  • Tax offenses
  • Public corruption and honest services fraud
  • Embezzlement and theft
  • Bid rigging and price fixing
  • Drug trafficking and conspiracy
  • Firearm offenses
  • Internet and computer crimes
  • Child sexual abuse material offenses
  • Civil rights violations
  • Extortion and blackmail
  • Immigration offenses
  • Obstruction of justice
  • Supervised release violations

Every federal case is different. Attorney Petro develops the defense strategy after reviewing the charged statutes, the government’s evidence, potential constitutional violations, available defenses, and the client’s individual circumstances.

Former Prosecutor

Before dedicating his practice to criminal defense, Michael J. Petro served as a prosecutor in Illinois with:

  • The Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office in Chicago
  • The Winnebago County State’s Attorney’s Office in Rockford

His experience as both a prosecutor and defense attorney provides insight into how criminal investigations are developed, how charging decisions are made, and how prosecutors prepare cases for trial.

Education

  • Indiana University School of Law, Juris Doctor, 1988
  • Indiana University School of Business, Bachelor of Science in Business Economics and Public Policy, 1985

Bar Admissions

Michael J. Petro is admitted to practice before:

  • Supreme Court of the United States
  • United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit
  • United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit
  • United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
  • United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida
  • United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida
  • United States District Court for the Northern District of Florida
  • United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois
  • United States District Court for the Central District of Illinois
  • United States District Court for the Northern District of Indiana
  • United States District Court for the District of Columbia
  • State of Florida
  • State of Illinois

Professional Memberships

  • National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Life Member
  • Seventh Circuit Bar Association
  • Federal Bar Association
  • Federal Trial Bar

Contact Michael J. Petro

Michael J. Petro represents clients in Tampa, Chicago, and federal courts throughout the country. He personally evaluates the allegations, evidence, potential defenses, and procedural posture of each federal case.

If you are under investigation, have received a grand jury subpoena, or are facing federal criminal charges, contact federal criminal defense attorney Michael J. Petro now.