Fighting for the Rights of the Accused in Federal Court Since 2004
Fighting for the Rights of the Accused in Federal Court Since 2004
When a scheme to defraud involves the United States mail or transferring funds through the Internet, it can be elevated to the federal level as either mail fraud or wire fraud. A conviction for either of these charges can carry up to 20 years in prison, or 30 years if the violation relates to a presidentially declared major disaster or emergency or affects a financial institution.
The federal offense of mail fraud makes it a crime for the U.S. Postal Service to be used as a vehicle to carry out any fraudulent scheme which attempts to obtain money or valuables unlawfully. This statute is often used as a basis for separate federal prosecution of what would otherwise have been only a violation of state law.
Examples of mail fraud include:
Mail fraud is a common white collar criminal offense prosecuted by the courts because there is no specific requirement for the type of fraud or misrepresentation that has been carried out, only that something related to the scheme (such as a check, a contract, or an application for a loan or credit) was sent through the mail.
The federal crime of wire fraud is similar to the offense of mail fraud, except that it makes illegal any criminally fraudulent activity involving electronic communications, and requires that the electronic communications cross state lines.
Examples of wire fraud schemes include false insurance claims, fraudulent investment schemes, misrepresentations in the sale of used automobiles, false application forms for loans fraudulent bond issuances, check kiting schemes, false advertising, and various bribery and kickback schemes.
At the Law Office of Ann Fitz, we can handle all aspects of your mail fraud or wire fraud case. The prosecution must prove that you intended to commit the crime. Our job is to gather the evidence and develop a strategy to defend you.
During the investigation stage, we encourage you to stay silent and not incriminate yourself to preserve your best options. These options depend on the strength of the government’s case against you. For example, if the government’s evidence is weak, the charges may be dismissed. We have also been successful in arguing for a reduction in prison time or house arrest based on individual circumstances.
For more information on mail fraud or wire fraud or to schedule a free initial consultation with Ann Fitz, call us at 561-932-1690 or use the contact form.
Mail fraud and wire fraud are the "catch-all" fraud charges employed by the federal government because the mail and wire fraud statutes are exceptionally broad and overlap with a surprising number of other federal criminal statutes. The mail and wire fraud statutes essentially outlaw dishonesty. Bank fraud, health care fraud, securities and commodities fraud, and fraud in foreign labor contracting can all be charged as mail and wire fraud offenses.
The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation. We invite you to contact us and welcome your calls, letters and electronic mail. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Please do not send any confidential information to us until such time as an attorney-client relationship has been established.
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