Wire Fraud

Wire fraud is a Federal crime many have become familiar with from watching movies or legal television shows. It has often been a charge the Federal Government has used to take down organized crime and high ranking officials in companies who were defrauding shareholders of money. As a general rule this charge is used when the government has been investigating a fraudulent scheme over a long period of time involving a very large sum of money. If nothing else, this is a charge that provides a very navigable vehicle for the government to earn a conviction against an individual where they otherwise would have difficulty under the elements of a collateral crime like extortion or a drug conspiracy. Because it is easy to use and often paired with a much more serious allegation, the best of the best white collar crime units of Federal law enforcement and the United States Attorney’s Office investigate and prosecute this crime. For a substantive charge of wire fraud, the sentence under the United States Sentencing Guidelines will depend in part on the amount of money involved. As you can imagine, the larger the amount of money, the harsher the potential sentence. For this reason it is imperative to hire a criminal attorney with experience not only in the criminal system but also one who routinely handles Federal criminal cases. Often hiring the right attorney could be the difference in a conviction or years on a sentence.

What is Wire Fraud?

This crime is codified at 18 USC 1343 of the United States criminal code. In easily understandable terms, one commits this crime when they have devised a scheme to defraud someone or something in order to obtain money or property through a fraudulent means and in doing so uses some type of electronic communication in interstate or foreign commerce in order to do so. In other words if one were to use email, text, a phone call, instant message, Skype, a radio transmission or the internet to help facilitate their fraudulent endeavor they could be charged with wire fraud. Again, as a general rule if one is staring down the barrel of a wire fraud charge they will likely be facing more than just one charge of wire fraud and this crime is often coupled with a collateral crime. A normal, run of the mill charge of this nature carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in the Bureau of Prisons. If the wire fraud is in conjunction with defrauding a benefit to a Presidentially declared “major disaster or emergency” or affects a financial institution, the maximum penalty will be 30 years in the Bureau of Prisons and up to a $1,000,000 fine.

How can We Help?

If you’ve been charged with a crime or have received a target letter alluding to potential future charges, you need to speak to an experienced criminal lawyer as soon as possible. The lawyers at The Mayberry Law Firm practice in Federal Court on a regular basis and have an excellent understanding of the sentencing schemes in place and how to defend our clients accused of these very serious crimes. Simply put, we will earn the best result possible considering the unique facts of your case. Just about every criminal attorney will tell you they are experienced in Federal Court. You need an attorney that can not only talk the talk but one who can walk the walk. You need The Mayberry Law Firm. Call us today at 813-444-7435 or submit a form for a free case consultation.