White collar criminal law is not limited to headline-grabbing corporate scandals; It can affect executives, employees, professionals, small businesses, nonprofit organizations, health care providers, public officials, and financial institutions. Because these cases can involve reputational, financial, licensing, and personal liberty concerns, early legal guidance can help individuals and organizations respond strategically and protect their rights.
To further understand white collar crime, we did a Q & A session with Plakas Mannos Attorney Pete Cahoon who has been practicing white collar criminal law since the late 1970’s, graduating from The University of Akron School of Law in 1977.
A. “From the very beginning I wanted to practice criminal law.
As a young lawyer, I was always interested in white collar criminal defense. These cases involved corporate executives, licensed professionals, and business owners. I viewed them as some of the most intellectually challenging criminal matters, as opposed to representing individuals charged with violent crimes.
I also considered federal court to be a very high level of criminal practice, so I intentionally worked toward building a federal white collar defense practice. Through my involvement with the Bar Association, I met attorneys who referred white collar matters to me. One of my earliest major cases involved a bank executive accused of embezzling approximately $250,000. I was able to secure probation instead of prison, which to me was an appropriate punishment because he was removed from a position where he could re-offend and there was no concern for violence. That result significantly enhanced my reputation and helped establish my white collar practice.”
A. “When I started practicing in 1977, one of the attorneys in my office also worked as a Summit County Public Defender. He spent his days at the Public Defender’s Office and then came into private practice every evening. Since he knew I wanted to practice criminal law, he took me under his wing. He introduced me to judges throughout Summit County—including Akron, Barberton, and Cuyahoga Falls—and told them, “If you appoint him to felony cases, I’ll make sure he doesn’t mess anything up. Before long, I was receiving one or two felony court appointments every week. Do the math—that amounted to roughly 50 to 100 felony cases every year. I was trying cases constantly, learning quickly, and getting my feet wet much faster than most young lawyers.
In 1981, during only my third full year of practice, a judge appointed me as lead counsel in the first death penalty case in Summit County after Ohio reinstated the death penalty. I accepted the opportunity and asked an experienced former prosecutor to serve as co-counsel. Together, we successfully defended the case and ultimately saved our client’s life.”
A. “People often think successful trial lawyers are the loudest people in the courtroom. I don’t believe that. You have to stay calm. You have to keep your cool. You have to always maintain your credibility. I’ve tried cases lasting over a month, involving multiple homicide charges. Emotions can run incredibly high. Every lawyer develops his or her own style. The important thing is understanding when to negotiate and when to fight. Sometimes you resolve a case through collegial negotiation. Other times, you have to be willing to walk into court and litigate.
I like working as part of a team, it was a large reason as to why I came to Plakas Mannos, I like all the attorneys.”
While reviewing Attorney Cahoon’s interview, one particular detail stood out: he is not simply recounting his résumé; he is teaching. Nearly every story offers a lesson in preparation, ethics, trial strategy, or client care. Teaching comes naturally to Attorney Cahoon as he has taught Trial Advocacy at The University of Akron School of Law for 32 years and, for the past four years, has taught Federal White Collar Criminal Law.
A. “My first rule is simple: Never embarrass, humiliate, or put down a student. Everyone learns differently. I don’t care whether someone already knows the answer. I care whether they’re making an honest effort. If they’re trying, that goes a long way with me.
We usually begin each class with about 15 to 20 minutes of discussion about current legal events or interesting cases. I want students thinking like lawyers instead of simply memorizing rules. We’ll talk about real situations—ethical questions, trial strategy, what to do when a client lies to you, or the most interesting cases we’ve handled. Those conversations are often where the best learning happens.”
A. “One story really stands out. A student came to me looking for career advice. He wanted to become either a prosecutor or a public defender, and it was already October of his final year. He asked what I thought he should do. I told him, Get your applications in early. A lot of these offices hire much earlier than students realize. A couple of weeks later, the New Hampshire Public Defender’s Office posted an opening. He applied immediately. They interviewed him over video and hired him very quickly. Had he waited, the opportunity would have been gone.
Sometimes it’s the little pieces of advice that completely change someone’s career. Over the years, between teaching Federal White Collar Crime and Trial Advocacy, I’ve instructed nearly five hundred lawyers and judges throughout Northeast Ohio. Seeing former students succeed is incredibly rewarding. It’s all about the students. My satisfaction comes from seeing students become successful and confident.”
A: “One phrase comes up over and over: “Keep your hands up until you’re done.” It’s a basic rule of fighting. That came from watching a student give an excellent closing argument. He did everything right…until the rebuttal. He relaxed; he thought the hard part was over. Afterward, I told him: “Never let your guard down until you’re walking out the courtroom door.” A rebuttal isn’t an afterthought. It’s your final opportunity to slam the door on your opponent’s case. So, I tell my students: Keep your hands up until you’re done, stay focused until the case is completely over.
Another thing I tell them is: When the trial ends, don’t immediately replay every mistake in your head or let the emotional high consume you. Learn from it, then move on to the next case. Experience teaches you that every trial has unexpected moments. The lawyers who stay composed are usually the ones who perform the best.
After nearly five decades of practicing criminal law, defending clients in state and federal courts, teaching future lawyers, and handling everything from death penalty cases to complex white collar investigations, for Attorney Pete Cahoon, these principles have remained constant: preparation matters, integrity matters, never stop paying attention, and above all…” Keep your hands up until you’re done.”
”Pete has reinforced that when representing clients, especially criminal defense clients, they are coming to us during the worst period of their lives and it is vitally important that we treat them as people and do the best we can to achieve a favorable outcome, whether that is a vigorous defense in court or negotiating with the government for the best possible resolution.
Pete has a wealth of experience guiding clients through every stage of the criminal process including pre-indictment investigation, indictment, criminal discovery, trial, and post-trial proceedings. Pete has an intimate knowledge of how the process works and the steps that need to be taken to find good resolution both inside and outside of the courtroom.”
“Pete has been a teacher, an adversary, and now a colleague to me. I first knew him as my law school professor, later appeared opposite him when I was a prosecutor, and now have the privilege of working alongside him.
In every role, Pete has exemplified the best of our profession. He is regarded highly by everyone who knows him, not only because of his legal skill, but because of who he is as a person. He treats everyone at the courthouse with respect, no matter what position they hold. Pete is collegial, thoughtful, and unfailingly generous with his time. Pete is the person who is always willing to pull out the Rules of Evidence (his hard copy, of course) and talk through an issue, not to prove a point, but to help find the right answer.
One of the most valuable lessons Pete has taught me is to look for creative solutions and meaningful resolutions. He approaches the practice of law with professionalism and curiosity, and I am grateful to have learned from him in so many different capacities.”
If you have a white-collar criminal issue that you need assistance with, do not hesitate to reach out to Pete Cahoon and our team of white-collar crime lawyers at Plakas Mannos.
Leah Young is Plakas Mannos’s Administrative Professional, specializing in marketing and brand awareness.