Maryland Federal Mail and Wire Fraud Lawyer
Mail and Wire Fraud are classified as federal criminal offenses. This means that these offenses are prosecuted in federal court and require a licensed federal lawyer. The penalties for a fraud conviction range in severity and scope. These penalties include possible imprisonment, fines, restitution, and/or probation. A fraud conviction may also have a long-term impact on your personal and professional reputation and hamper your future employment opportunities. Retaining the services of an experienced Maryland federal mail and wire fraud lawyer at our law firm will provide you with the guidance and legal knowledge needed to achieve the most promising outcome.
Federal Mail Fraud in Maryland
The offense of mail fraud defined under 18 U.S. Code Section 1341, is a broad statute that involves the use of the United States Postal Service, as well as private and commercial carriers such as FedEX and UPS. In order to be convicted of mail fraud, the prosecution must show that you devised or intended to defraud another, which may include a company, entity, organization, or the government, of money or property. Mail fraud encompasses a scheme or artifice to defraud which is not formerly defined by statute or case law. The United States Postal Inspection Service has identified Mail Fraud Schemes to include:
- Employment Fraud
- Financial Fraud
- Fraud Against Older Americans
- Sweepstakes and Lottery Fraud
- Telemarketing Fraud
Federal Wire Fraud in Maryland
Wire fraud defined under 18 U.S. Code Section 1343, involves the use of wire, radio or television communications or other electronic communications such as telephone, email, facsimile, computer and/or internet to plan or intend to plan to defraud another including a company, entity, organization, or the government of money or property. The offense of wire fraud also includes communications in interstate and foreign commerce. Wire fraud, like mail fraud, requires the prosecution to show that you intentionally engaged in a scheme or artifice to defraud. Because wire fraud can include complex evidence of internet activity, it is important to consult with an experience Maryland federal mail and wire fraud lawyer who understands how to build a strong defense against fraud charges.
Potential Penalties
If you are convicted of mail fraud or wire fraud, you may be facing up to 20 years in prison and/or a fine or both. A mail fraud or wire fraud conviction may be enhanced to up to 30 years in prison with up to a $1,000,000 fine if the mail fraud occurred during a presidentially declared major disaster or emergency. Additionally, a federal judge may also impose restitution to those persons or entities that have been defrauded. Frequently, restitution may exceed any fines imposed by the Court. The Federal Judge may also elect to sentence you to probation and a condition of probation often includes fulfilling your obligations of restitution.
Experienced Maryland Federal Mail/Wire Fraud Lawyer
If you are facing federal mail or wire fraud offenses, an experienced federal Maryland lawyer from our law firm will help you navigate the nuances of your charges and develop an appropriate action-plan to actively defend your rights. Contact our team for a consultation today.