Rick Winiker is a seasoned trial attorney with a background spanning over two decades in federal and state litigation. His diverse practice focuses on complex federal and state criminal and civil litigation. Rick’s recent representations include the main target of an alleged $900 million global, multi-level-marketing pyramid scheme, as well as matters involving allegations of medical billing fraud and government contracting fraud. Rick represents clients at every stage of an investigation, through declination or prosecution, and involving various agencies. He has represented witnesses appearing before the Grand Jury as well as professionals involved in state and federal civil boards and commissions. Rick has also developed a national reputation representing clients in complex and significant asset forfeiture and restitution matters.

Rick’s prior experience includes serving as an Assistant Director at the Office of Legal Education for the United States Department of Justice, where he trained United States Attorneys, Department of Justice trial attorneys, and federal law enforcement agents nationwide in computer forensics and cybercrime investigations.

Rick’s early career included roles as an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, where he prosecuted major federal criminal cases, defended the United States in civil actions relating to the Federal Tort Claims Act, and developed a district-wide asset forfeiture program. He has also served as an Assistant District Attorney in Charlotte, North Carolina. Before starting his legal career, he served as a First Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Signal Corps, leading operations during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm.

Rick is active in his community, serving on local boards and commissions. Since 2022, he has served as a Commissioner on the Charlotte-Mecklenburg County Planning Commission, serving on the Zoning Committee involving decisions on local development codes and policies. From 2016 to 2020, he served as Vice-Chair of the Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Commission and has served on a select commission with the Mecklenburg County Bar. He has also received the North Carolina “Leaders in the Law” award and was recognized as a Charlotte Ledger “40 over 40.”

Education

Gonzaga University School of Law (1995, cum laude, Law Review Articles Editor)
Wake Forest University (B.A., History, German minor, 1989)

Admissions

United States District Courts for the Eastern and Western Districts of North Carolina
United States District Court for the Eastern District of Washington
United States Courts of Appeal for the Fourth and Ninth Circuits