150+ federal counts resulting in not-guilty verdicts
$550M+ in alleged exposure defeated or avoided
U.S. Supreme Court judgment vacated
Nationwide federal practice
A Record Proven in Federal Court
Federal acquittals are rare. Ron’s record includes repeated complete acquittals in complex cases built by the Department of Justice, the FBI, the DEA, HHS-OIG, and specialized federal strike forces. His results are unmatched in the area of federal criminal defense and health care fraud defense.
United States v. Bothra et al. | E.D. Michigan | 2022 Ron represented Dr. David Lewis in a 56-count prosecution alleging a $464 million healthcare fraud scheme and the unlawful prescribing of more than 13 million opioid pills. After a seven-week trial, Dr. Lewis and three physician co-defendants were acquitted on every charge. The Department of Justice later updated its own charging release to reflect the acquittals.
United States v. Pompy | E.D. Michigan | 2022 A federal jury acquitted Dr. Lesly Pompy of all 38 counts alleging unlawful prescribing and healthcare fraud after a month-long trial. The verdict preserved his freedom and rejected the government’s attempt to convert clinical judgment into criminal intent.
United States v. Kousa | E.D. Kentucky | 2023 Dr. Loey Kousa was charged with unlawful distribution, healthcare fraud, and false statements arising from his medical practice in eastern Kentucky. After six days of evidence, the jury acquitted him on all nine counts.
United States v. Hansen | E.D. Kentucky | 2024 Following a month-long trial, a federal jury completely acquitted interventional pain physician Dr. Kendall Hansen of conspiracy and controlled-substance charges. The case followed a years-long investigation and a highly publicized search of his practice.
United States v. Sachy | M.D. Georgia | 2023 Ron and co-counsel secured mid-trial Rule 29 dismissal of two counts alleging that prescriptions caused patient deaths, each carrying a twenty-year mandatory minimum. The remaining opioid-distribution counts were later dismissed through a resolution that allowed Dr. Thomas Sachy to leave court a free man and resulted in the return of approximately $1.2 million in seized assets.
Naum v. United States | U.S. Supreme Court | 2022 As counsel of record for Dr. George Naum, Ron obtained an order granting the petition for certiorari, vacating the judgment, and remanding the case for reconsideration under the Supreme Court’s decision in Ruan v. United States.
View All Representative Results
Recognition and Credentials
- Selected to Michigan Super Lawyers, 2024-2026; selected to Rising Stars, 2015-2023.
- Named a DBusiness Top Lawyer, 2025.
- Named an Up & Coming Lawyer by Michigan Lawyers Weekly, 2015.
- Recipient of the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal and Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal.
- J.D. and LL.M. in Health Law, Loyola University Chicago School of Law.
- B.A., Oakland University; graduate of Naval Justice School.
- Admitted to the U.S. Supreme Court and numerous federal courts of appeals and district courts.
- Member, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and State Bar of Michigan.
Ronald Chapman II
Founding Attorney & CEO | Federal Criminal Defense Attorney
Ronald W. Chapman II stands out as one of the nation’s most formidable federal criminal defense attorneys, renowned for his exceptional success in high-stakes litigation. Based in Detroit but practicing nationwide, Ron has built a reputation on winning the unwinnable.
A former prosecutor and U.S. Marine Corps Judge Advocate, he combines insider understanding of the government with the tenacity of a battlefield-tested leader. His trial record is virtually unparalleled—in an era when only about 0.6% of federal defendants are acquitted, Ron has secured multiple full acquittals in just the past few years.
Those who have seen him in action agree that he is anything but ordinary: a veteran federal judge praised Ron as “one of the most talented attorneys” they had seen in 20 years on the bench. For clients facing the fight of their lives, Ron Chapman II is the ally you want in your corner.
Who is Ronald Chapman II
Ronald Chapman II, Esq., LL.M. is a nationally recognized federal criminal defense attorney with deep expertise in defending clients against complex white-collar and federal criminal charges. Known for his tenacious courtroom advocacy, Chapman has secured high-profile acquittals and favorable outcomes in major federal healthcare fraud and white-collar cases. He holds advanced legal training from Loyola University Chicago and frequently provides expert legal commentary on national news platforms. Beyond his litigation work, Chapman is an accomplished author and speaker, respected for his strategic insights on navigating federal investigations and legal process. His leadership at Chapman, Dowling & Mallek and recognition by professional peers reflect his commitment to defending individuals and professionals facing serious federal scrutiny.
Early Career and Military Service
Ron’s journey to becoming a top defense lawyer began with service and sacrifice. As a Marine Corps officer in the Global War on Terror, Captain Chapman honed elite investigative skills by leading complex probes into weapons trafficking, narcotics rings, and counterterrorism threats. Serving as a Judge Advocate (JAG), he prosecuted and defended cases within the military justice system, gaining a deep understanding of how government cases are built. This experience instilled in him a military precision and discipline that he now brings to every client’s case. These early roles—Marine officer and prosecutor—forged Ron’s comprehensive view of the justice system from both sides. He witnessed firsthand the tactics authorities use and the missteps they can make. This battlefield-to-courtroom background gave Ron an investigative savvy and strategic mindset that few attorneys can match. It’s the foundation of his ability to level the playing field for those caught in the crosshairs of a federal investigation.
After his military service, Ron returned home to Michigan with a mission: to defend individuals and professionals against the same powerful government agencies he once represented. He devoted himself to mastering health care and white-collar law, recognizing that doctors, executives, and ordinary citizens often face overwhelming odds when accused by federal authorities. To further grow his expertise, Ron earned a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Health Care Law from Loyola University Chicago, an advanced degree that equipped him with cutting-edge knowledge at the intersection of health care and law. Armed with this unique combination of real-world investigative experience and academic insight, Ron W. Chapman II launched into private practice, determined to protect clients with the fierceness of a Marine and the acumen of a scholar.
Record-Setting Trial Victories in High-Stakes Cases
Once in private practice, Ron quickly became a formidable advocate for clients facing federal prosecution, especially in health care fraud and controlled-substances cases. Over the past decade, he has racked up an unmatched list of trial acquittals, case dismissals, and government declinations—outcomes so extraordinary that they have garnered national attention. His results speak for themselves and often reshape the law. In June 2022, for example, Ron handed the U.S. Department of Justice a stunning defeat in what local media called “one of the biggest losses for the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the last 10 years.” In United States v. Bothra, Ron and his team defended a Detroit-area pain management physician and colleagues accused in a $550 million health care fraud and opioid distribution case—one of the largest such federal indictments in Michigan’s history. After years of litigation and a grueling multi-week trial, the jury returned not guilty verdicts across the board. Five physicians were fully acquitted on all counts, despite prosecutors alleging unlawful prescribing. This victory not only saved the defendants from life-altering prison time but also sent a powerful message that a well-prepared defense can beat even the biggest of federal cases.
Nationwide Success
These outcomes are not isolated. Ron has delivered favorable results across the country, often in jurisdictions and cases where defendants rarely prevail. He has obtained acquittals and dismissals from Michigan to Puerto Rico to West Virginia, defending physicians, pharmacists, and business owners in cases involving allegations of Medicare fraud, improper opioid prescribing, money laundering, and more. For instance, he won the acquittal of a Johns Hopkins–trained Michigan physician on over 30 drug trafficking counts in state court, and he secured the pretrial dismissal of a $5 million Medicare fraud case against an emergency room doctor in Puerto Rico. In another West Virginia case, United States v. Aggarwal, Ron earned a full acquittal for a clinic doctor accused of unlawful Suboxone prescribing. Time and again, even when facing “slam-dunk” government evidence or widespread public condemnation, Ron has proven that rigorous defense can defy the odds.
It’s little wonder that his peers and adversaries acknowledge his unmatched trial results. Federal judges have openly recognized Ron’s courtroom skills as among the very best to come before them. Thanks to this track record, prosecutors who find themselves up against Ron Chapman II know they face significant litigation risk—a fact that often leads to better plea offers or case dismissals for his clients. Simply put, Ron’s work defies the odds, giving his clients a fighting chance even in the face of daunting federal charges.
A Force for Change at the Highest Courts
Beyond his remarkable trial victories, Ron is also an influential appellate advocate who has shaped law at the national level. He has litigated cases before the United States Supreme Court and in federal Courts of Appeals spanning multiple circuits. In fact, Ron has represented clients (and their causes) in front of the highest court in the land—and won. Most notably, he was part of the team that fought for physicians’ rights in the landmark opioid prescribing case Ruan v. United States (2022). In Ruan, the Supreme Court unanimously sided with doctors, holding that the government must prove a doctor knowingly or intentionally acted unlawfully when prescribing controlled substances. This pivotal decision raised the legal standard needed to convict physicians, rejecting the vague “objective good faith” standard that some lower courts had applied. Ron’s advocacy in the case—including representing a policy group as amicus curiae to urge stronger protections for well-meaning doctors—helped secure a victory that reshaped the landscape of pain management prosecutions. Thanks to Ruan, doctors nationwide now have a powerful precedent to assert their good-faith clinical judgment without being automatically deemed criminals.
In addition to articles and media commentary, Ron has authored books that solidify his status as a thought leader. Most notably, he wrote Fight the Feds: Unraveling Federal Criminal Investigations, an eye-opening book that serves as a roadmap for citizens and professionals to understand and defend against abusive federal tactics. In this Amazon-available guide, Ron pulls back the curtain on how federal agencies build cases—and how to protect one’s rights through each stage of an investigation.
He exposes the “dirtiest tricks” the government can deploy and empowers readers with knowledge to fight back. He is also the author of Truth & Persuasion: In the Digital Revolution, a work examining how influence is crafted and contested in modern society. Drawing on examples from politics, media, and courtroom trials, Ron explores the art of persuasion—a skill he has clearly mastered in front of juries—and offers insights into finding truth amid today’s information chaos. These publications have cemented Ron’s reputation as not just a litigator but a public intellectual in the realm of law and justice.
Protector and Counselor
Ron’s leadership extends to the business side of healthcare law as well. He is the President of Safe Harbor Healthcare, a consulting firm that advises hospitals and medical practices on compliance and internal investigations. Through CCG Healthcare, Ron helps organizations proactively avoid running afoul of federal regulations. He and his team conduct audits, devise compliance programs, and guide clients in responding to government audits or subpoenas. In recent years, Safe Harbor Group (SHG)—which Ron formed with top healthcare experts—has prevented over $550 million in government overpayments, fines, and forfeitures for providers by catching issues early and fixing them. This preventative work aligns with Ron’s philosophy that the best win is the crisis that never occurs. It also means that when clients do call him after an investigation has begun, he often knows the administrative terrain well enough to negotiate effectively with agencies like the DEA, FBI, HHS, and FDA. Whether writing a book, appearing on television, or consulting on compliance, Ron’s goal is consistent: to protect individuals and professionals from unjust government action before, during, and after any legal battle.
A Relentless Advocate with a Human Touch
What truly distinguishes Ron Chapman II is not just his impressive credentials or wins, but how he achieves them—through meticulous preparation, genuine care for his clients, and an unwavering moral compass. Ron’s approach to defense is both scientific and humanistic. He is known for a strategic, data-driven methodology: from day one of a case, he dives into the details, analyzes evidence for every weakness, and crafts arguments fortified by facts and expert insight. He spares no effort in challenging the government’s case—filing bold motions to expose investigative missteps, rigorously cross-examining federal agents and expert witnesses, and ensuring that every legal avenue (suppression, dismissal, jury instruction, etc.) is fully explored. This exhaustive approach often leads to uncovering prosecutorial weaknesses that less dedicated attorneys might miss. Ron has a proven ability to flip the script, turning a complex case into a story of government overreach or reasonable doubt that jurors readily understand.
Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every matter depends on its own facts, evidence, jurisdiction, and law.
Trust Through Results and Integrity
Results matter—and Ron delivers. But equally important is the integrity and trust that underpin those outcomes. Ron Chapman II has earned the trust of physicians, executives, and professionals across the country by consistently doing what he promises: providing the strongest defense possible, grounded in hard work and ethical advocacy. He understands that hiring a lawyer is often an act of faith for clients, and he honors that faith by being accessible and responsive. Ron personally returns calls, keeps clients informed, and involves them in key decisions. He knows that a federal case can be a marathon of stress and uncertainty, so he makes it a point to stand by his clients every step of the way—as a steady guide and fierce guardian of their rights.
From securing record-breaking acquittals to influencing landmark Supreme Court rulings, Ronald W. Chapman II’s career has been defined by excellence and dedication. He has proven that no case is too complex, no opponent too powerful, and no cause too difficult if approached with intellect and heart. For Ron, justice is personal. It’s the Marine in him—leave no one behind. It’s the lawyer in him—every client deserves the best defense. And it’s the human in him—a profound empathy for those caught in circumstances they never imagined. This rare blend of qualities is why so many clients, when asked who they trust with their freedom, have one answer: “Call Ron Chapman.”
Professionalism, Values and Ethics
At the same time, Ron never loses sight of the human story behind each case. He understands that his clients are usually upstanding professionals—doctors, executives, family people—who are terrified and at risk of losing everything. Ron takes the time to truly know his clients and their values, so he can tell their story convincingly in the courtroom. His philosophy is that a strong defense is built not only on legal arguments but also on credibility and compassion. He often says that the facts alone aren’t enough—the story must be told well. Colleagues describe Ron as approachable and down-to-earth, despite his military and courtroom toughness. Clients often find in him not just a lawyer, but a steadfast ally who treats their fight as if it were his own. This personal commitment shines through in court. Judges and juries can sense the authenticity in Ron’s advocacy—he genuinely believes in his clients and in the principle that every individual deserves justice. That sincerity, paired with his courtroom charisma, makes a powerful combination.
A Life Devoted to Advocacy
Ron’s unwavering commitment to justice is perhaps his defining trait. He has been known to work through nights and weekends, leaving no stone unturned, because he knows lives and livelihoods hang in the balance. His relentless work ethic and sharp legal instincts have produced historic victories that not only change his clients’ lives for the better but also push the law forward. He is driven by a deep sense of duty—a continuation of his Marine Corps ethos—to protect the innocent and hold the government to its burden of proof. In Ron’s view, defending a client is serving a cause greater than oneself: it’s upholding the constitutional ideals of due process and the presumption of innocence. This passion for justice has not gone unnoticed. In addition to the judge who lauded Ron’s talent, many others have offered glowing testimonials. Fellow attorneys refer cases to him with confidence. Former clients send grateful referrals, noting how Ron saved their careers or kept their families together. Even adversaries respect him; while they may not enjoy losing, federal prosecutors acknowledge that when Ron is on the defense, they have to bring their A-game.
Transparency and Agency is a Key to Client Comfort
Perhaps what most inspires trust in Ron Chapman II is that he sees his role not just as a lawyer, but as a protector and counselor in his clients’ darkest hours. He is transparent with clients about their options, treating them with honesty and empathy at every step. Those who come to Ron fearful and overwhelmed leave his office feeling heard, supported, and better equipped to face the challenge ahead. They know that no matter how powerful the opponent—be it a U.S. Attorney or a federal agency—Ron will fight tirelessly on their behalf. His presence in the courtroom alone gives clients confidence; he exudes a calm, commanding demeanor built on preparation and truth. This presence has even been described as “the highest level of defense strategy available” for those facing federal prosecution. It’s a presence that brings precision, credibility, and an unmatched track record to the table—exactly what a client needs when everything is at stake.