Veteran attorney urges transparency, early legal education, and personal accountability to reduce preventable prosecutions

DALLAS, TX / ACCESS Newswire / November 5, 2025 / Barrett R. Howell, founder of Howell Defense, PLLC, is raising awareness about the growing need for transparency, education, and fairness in the handling of white-collar criminal cases, particularly those involving healthcare and small business professionals. Drawing on over two decades of legal experience, Howell is advocating for practical steps individuals and organizations can take to prevent costly, life-altering legal situations before they start.

"Too often, I see good people caught in complicated systems they don't fully understand," Howell said. "These aren't hardened criminals-they're doctors, accountants, and executives who made procedural errors or trusted the wrong person. Education and awareness can change that story before it ever reaches a courtroom."

A Growing National Concern

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, white-collar crimes cost the U.S. economy over $300 billion annually, with healthcare fraud alone accounting for nearly $100 billion in losses each year. The FBI reports that these cases are on the rise, and that many investigations begin not with malicious intent, but with compliance gaps or misunderstandings of complex regulations.

"The laws governing healthcare billing or securities reporting are incredibly intricate," Howell explained. "A small mistake in paperwork or a missed disclosure can escalate into a federal case. The system is unforgiving, and that's why prevention is so critical."

Howell's firm, Howell Defense, PLLC, has represented numerous clients facing federal investigations involving healthcare fraud, wire fraud, and violations of the Anti-Kickback Statute and False Claims Act. But he says the conversation shouldn't begin once charges are filed-it should begin much earlier.

Prevention Through Education and Integrity

Howell believes the key to reducing these cases lies in proactive awareness and personal accountability. "You can't rely on someone else to understand your compliance obligations," he said. "Every professional has a responsibility to know the basics of the laws that govern their field. That's where prevention begins."

He's calling for increased access to plain-language legal education, especially for healthcare providers and small business owners. "When people understand what they're signing, what they're billing, and what their responsibilities are under federal law, you see fewer cases of unintentional wrongdoing," Howell noted.

A 2024 survey by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners found that 43% of small businesses reported experiencing some form of fraud, often due to lack of oversight or misunderstanding of compliance requirements. Howell argues that this isn't just a legal issue-it's a societal issue that affects trust in the system.

"Integrity isn't just a value," he said. "It's a protection. When organizations make integrity part of their daily culture, they prevent problems long before lawyers or investigators ever get involved."

A Call to Action: Know Your System, Protect Your Future

Howell is encouraging professionals to take small but meaningful steps:

• Educate yourself on the regulations that apply to your field.

• Audit your own processes regularly. Don't wait for an investigation to find issues.

• Ask questions early-before signing contracts, billing clients, or approving compliance reports.

• Document everything with transparency and consistency.

"The best defense is preparation," Howell emphasized. "You don't have to be a lawyer to understand your responsibilities. The more you know, the safer you are."

He also urges professionals to foster open communication within their organizations and to consult qualified legal advisors before problems escalate. "Reaching out early isn't a sign of guilt-it's a sign of wisdom," Howell said.

A Broader Mission: Restoring Trust Through Understanding

For Howell, advocacy extends beyond the courtroom. His goal is to restore trust in both the legal system and the professionals navigating it. "When people understand the rules, the system works better for everyone," he said. "Awareness builds confidence, and confidence builds integrity."

After decades of defending clients through some of the most stressful moments of their lives, Howell remains committed to public education as a preventive tool. "I've seen firsthand what a lack of understanding can cost someone-their career, their reputation, their peace of mind," he said. "If I can help one person avoid that outcome, it's worth every effort."

About Howell Defense, PLLC

Based in Dallas, Texas, Howell Defense, PLLC is a boutique law firm that focuses primarily on white-collar criminal defense, federal investigations, and complex regulatory matters. Founded by Barrett R. Howell, the firm is known for its meticulous preparation, proactive strategy, and client-centered advocacy.

Contact: barrett.howell@howelldefense.com

SOURCE: Barrett Howell