Joshua Lake
Known for his strong communication skills, keen analytical ability, and innovative, strategic thinking.
Joshua has successfully represented clients through government investigations and formal charges, including allegations of complex fraud, international money laundering, and Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) violations.
Joshua has also represented numerous clients in appeals to the Fifth Circuit, with results including dismissal of all charges for one client and a new trial for another client. Joshua's innovative, strategic thinking helps clients find the best possible solution to their problem.
Early in his career, after graduating from Georgetown Law, Joshua worked as a public defender in Colorado, where he tried felony and misdemeanor charges ranging from drug distribution to murder. One district judge described Joshua as having "strong communication skills and a keen analytical ability" combined with "an innovative and aggressive approach to problem solving.”
Joshua then moved back to Texas and worked for six years at the Federal Public Defender's Office in Houston. While there, Joshua represented people charged with nearly every federal crime in jury trials, motions to suppress and dismiss, and appeals. Joshua argued before the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals regularly. After one argument, the late Judge Thomas Reavley praised Joshua, saying, “I wish every lawyer who came here spoke as well as you do.”
“I heard every word you spoke. You were right on the subject.”
— Late Fifth Circuit Judge Thomas Reavley
Representative Experience
Federal Appeals
Obtained Fifth Circuit decision vacating three trial convictions, ultimately resulting in a 142-month reduction in client’s sentence.
Obtained Fifth Circuit decision affirming Speedy Trial Act dismissal of Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and money laundering charges the Firm had previously gotten dismissed in the district court.
Frequently presents oral argument in the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.
Government & Corporate Investigations
Represented former corporate controller in SEC investigation, resulting in no civil enforcement action.
Secured declination of criminal prosecution for client under federal investigation for violations of the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act.
Secured declination of criminal prosecution for client under federal investigation for international wildlife trafficking.
Represented business owner under DHS investigation for suspected import-export violations.
Represented employees of a pharmacy distribution company under federal grand jury investigation.
Federal Charges & Trials
Obtained dismissal of all federal charges for client under indictment for conspiring to unlawfully distribute controlled substances.
Obtained dismissal of FCPA and money laundering charges in a federal foreign bribery prosecution.
Obtained dismissal of federal Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA) charge.
Obtained Speedy Trial Act dismissal of federal firearms charge.
CLE Presentations Given
November 2024, “Federal Money Laundering Charges: Prosecutions & Pitfalls”
October 2024, “Effective Strategies in Federal Sentencing”
June 2024, “Beating Federal Money Laundering Charges”
May 2023, “The Evolution of Federal Mail and Wire Fraud”
March 2023, “The Evolution of Federal Mail and Wire Fraud”
September 2022, “Defending Cases from the Other Side of the World”
March 2021, “Authenticating Electronic Evidence”
August 2020, “Digital Device Searches”
August 2019, “Authenticating Electronic Evidence”
September 2018, “Restitution and Forfeiture”
August 2018, “The Fourth Amendment and the Internet”
August 2016, “Fourth Amendment Search and Seizure Issues”
September 2015, “The Fourth Amendment at Checkpoints in South Texas”
Career Evolution
Joshua attended Georgetown Law, where he had the opportunity to represent clients in bench trials in both the District of Columbia and Nashville, Tennessee. After graduation, he served as a Deputy State Public Defender in Alamosa, Colorado. In 2015, Joshua moved to Houston and became an Assistant Federal Public Defender, where he represented clients in jury trials and appeals before the Fifth Circuit. During that time, Joshua also served as training director for the Federal Public Defender's Office, teaching and hosting dozens of CLEs on topics including forfeiture, restitution, and digital evidence.
Education
Georgetown Law
JD, 2012
Texas A&M University
BA, Philosophy, 2008
Admissions
State of Colorado, 2012
U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, 2015
United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, 2016
State of Texas, 2022
Professional Affiliations
Member, Southern District of Texas Criminal Justice Act Panel
Member, Federal Bar Association
Member, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers