Michael Cornacchia defends clients charged with criminal offenses, in federal, state and local courts.
He also represents clients in grand jury, law enforcement, administrative and regulatory investigations and proceedings.
Michael guides clients, as well, through internal corporate investigations and counsels them on employment entry and exit issues.
Michael’s clients have included public and private entities for whom he has conducted internal investigations into allegations of workplace impropriety.
In representing his clients, in court, hearings, and investigations, Michael makes critical use of the experience and insights he gained as a federal, state and UN prosecutor.
Since he has tried to verdict over 100 cases, Michael is always prepared to seek vindication of his clients in the courtroom. However, it is equally his goal to prevent his clients from being charged criminally, or civilly, or, if charged, have the accusations dismissed. To accomplish this, Michael ensures the best negotiated outcome possible for them, short of trial or hearings, by demonstrating a strong, well-prepared case.
Current Representation
Executive in investigations by the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York and the SEC into alleged securities fraud in the marketing of pre-IPO shares in start-up companies.
Physician in grand jury investigation by the U.S. Attorney for the District of Massachusetts into allegations of Medicare fraud.
Executive charged by the Manhattan District Attorney with domestic violence assault of her boyfriend.
Pharmacist in grand jury investigation by the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York into the sale of Pre-IPO shares.
Foreign national business executive in investigation by the Department of Homeland Security Enforcement Section in connection with business activities in the US.
Social worker charged with drug possession with intent to distribute by the Brooklyn District Attorney.
Securities analyst in investigation by FINRA into allegations of misconduct during securities brokers licensing exams
Physician under investigation for alleged patient misconduct and billing practices by the New York State Office of Professional Medical Conduct.
Business owner in investigation by the IRS Criminal Investigation Division into allegations of money laundering and tax evasion.
Investor in investigation by the SEC into alleged stock manipulation of publicly-traded finance company.
Michael’s Background
Prior to establishing his firm, Michael served in positions on the federal, state and UN levels, providing him with a keen insight in dealing with investigating and prosecuting authorities.
As Chief Investigative Counsel for the Volcker Commission, Michael investigated corruption in the UN Oil-for-Food Program. Operating from offices in Baghdad, New York and Paris, Michael and his Commission staff developed evidence that billions of dollars were skimmed from illegal oil sales by Iraqi officials, in collusion with corrupt UN officials, and assisted in their prosecution and conviction for receipt of kickbacks and bribes.
Michael was an Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York. He served as a Deputy Chief in the Criminal Division, supervising the Long Island Section and, thereafter, as the Senior Litigation Counsel for the Business and Securities Fraud Section. Michael investigated, and prosecuted, cases involving wire, mail and securities fraud, tax evasion and money-laundering.
As Principal Assistant Suffolk County District Attorney, in the Major Offense Bureau and Special Investigations Unit, Michael investigated, and tried cases, involving homicide, sex crimes, fraud and public corruption.
Michael graduated from the Georgetown University School of Foreign Service, cum laude, and Fordham University School of Law where he was a member of the Urban Law Journal. He is admitted to practice law before all New York courts, the U. S. District Courts for the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit and U.S. Tax Court. Michael has represented clients in the Tri-State area as well as in Arkansas, Florida, Ohio, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and other parts of the country where he was granted permission, by federal and state courts, to do so.
Michael provides pro bono legal services which fall on both sides of the criminal justice system. He provides pro bono legal counsel to those accused criminally, and their families, as a member of the New York City Bar Association’s Lawyer Referral Service. Michael also serves, as a pro bono advisor to the National Police Defense Foundation, evaluating cases wherein law enforcement officers are accused of misconduct and are seeking assistance in their defense.
Past Representation
(Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome)
Former Fox Sports executive indicted for allegedly bribing FIFA officials to secure broadcasting rights by the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York. After a seven week trial, Michael’s trial team obtained their client’s acquittal of all charges.
Detective indicted for murder in the Maryland Road-Rage Shooting Case. Michael’s defense team obtained an acquittal of all charges for their client after a jury trial.
Consultant under investigation by both the Westchester County’s District Attorney and Child Protection Service for allegations of sexual abuse. Michael presented evidence that undermined the credibility of the accuser and neither agency brought charges against his client.
College athlete indicted for rape in the Duke Lacrosse Case. Michael’s defense team obtained dismissal of all charges, without a trial, and their efforts led to the North Carolina State Attorney General’s declaration that their client was “innocent” and “a crime had not occurred.”
CEO under investigation by the Consumer Protection Branch of the U.S. Department of Justice into allegations of fraud in direct mailing. After a presentation by Michael to officials in Washington, DC, proving that his client did not engage in wrongdoing, they did not charge his client.
Investor in start-up companies in investigation by the Manhattan District Attorney, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and SEC into allegations of stock market manipulation. Michael’s advocacy resulted in no charges, civil or criminal, being brought against his client.
CEO of pharmaceutical company indicted by the Computer Crime & Intellectual Property Section of the U.S. Department of Justice for importation of misbranded and counterfeit drugs and money-laundering and facing imprisonment under the federal sentencing guidelines. Michael’s defense team persuaded the presiding judge to sentence their client to probation rather than jail.
Writer charged by the Manhattan District Attorney with cyber-stalking and harassment. Michael obtained a non-criminal disposition after a period of interim probation with counseling for his client.
Doctor under grand jury investigation by the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York and DEA for the issuance of patient prescriptions for opiate drugs. Michael presented extensive evidence to prosecutors, including an expert’s report, that proved his client had prescribed controlled substances for medical necessity and in accordance with accepted medical protocols. No criminal charges were filed against his client.
Teacher charged by the Suffolk County District Attorney with driving while under the influence of drugs and drug possession, stemming out of an auto accident. Michael negotiated a disposition whereby his client pled guilty to non-criminal offenses, leaving him with no criminal record and enabling him to resume his teaching career.
Attorney at Wall Street firm charged by the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York and SEC for involvement in a multi-million dollar insider trading scheme. A negotiated plea resulted in a no jail sentence.
Chiropractor charged with sexual abuse of patient by the Suffolk County District Attorney. Michael obtained an acquittal at trial by producing taped conversations that proved the accusations against his client were part of an extortion scheme.
Student charged with assault by the Manhattan District Attorney. With intensive investigation into the accuser’s background and the circumstances of the alleged assault, Michael obtained a dismissal.
