Ponzi, pyramid, and check kiting schemes are just a few of the more common examples of the types of offenses that can be at the center of federal mail fraud or wire fraud charges. Mail fraud involves the use of the U.S. Postal Service or a private mail carrier to defraud somebody, while wire fraud involves the use of electronic communications like email, phone, or other internet services.
Federal wire fraud and mail fraud charges can result in very serious penalties, including lengthy prison sentences and substantial fines. Because of the possible implications resulting from a mail fraud or wire fraud conviction, it is important for defendants to immediately seek the help of an experienced white collar crime defense attorney.
Gainesville Mail / Wire Fraud Lawyer
If you are facing federal mail fraud or wire fraud charges, it is critical to begin working on your defense as soon as possible. Galigani Law Firm defends clients in Gainesville, Ocala, Lake City, Alachua, and other communities against federal charges.
We are licensed in U.S. District Courts for the Northern District of Florida, including Gainesville, Pensacola, Tallahassee, and Panama City. We will provide a free consultation to discuss your case when you contact our firm at (352) 375-0812 or send us a message online.
Alachua County Mail / Wire Fraud Information Center
- How are wire and mail fraud defined?
- What are the penalties for mail fraud and wire fraud?
- How can I defend myself against wire fraud and mail fraud charges in Florida?
Federal Mail / Wire Fraud Charges in Florida
As defined in Chapter 63 in Title 18 of the United States Code (U.S.C.), mail fraud (§ 1341) and wire fraud (§ 1343) statutes are very similar with the exception of the means by which a scheme was conducted. In either wire fraud or mail fraud, the government will need to prove that an individual:
- Used mail or wire communications in the in the furtherance of, and reasonably foreseeable in connection with;
- A scheme to defraud;
- Involving a deception likely to influence a purchasing decision;
- With the intent to deprive another individual of;
- Money, property, or honest services.
“Honest services,” under § 1346 of the same Title 18 U.S.C. Chapter is a broadly defined term that can apply to intangible damages. You will want the counsel of a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney if facing these charges.
Penalties for Federal Mail / Wire Fraud Crimes in Gainesville
A conviction for a wire fraud or mail fraud offense can result in:
- Prison — A conviction for a single count of mail fraud or wire fraud carries the possibility of a sentence of up to 20 years. However, if the victim was a financial institution or the scheme involved federal disaster relief, then the maximum prison sentence increases to 30 years per offense.
- Fines — Each offense of wire fraud or mail fraud can result in fines of up to $250,000. Again, if the scheme involved federal disaster relief or the victim was a financial institution, then it is possible fines of up to $1 million per offense.
- Restitution — Whereas fines are paid to the government, a conviction for mail fraud or wire fraud can result in the court ordering restitution be paid to the victims.
If an individual is able to avoid incarceration, it is still possible that he or she may be ordered to a lengthy probation that includes fines and restitution.
Federal Mail / Wire Fraud Defenses in Florida
Despite the frightening and overwhelming nature of facing mail fraud or wire fraud charges, you should know that the government still faces the burden of proving your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. There are several potential defenses against these federal charges. They may include, but are not limited to:
- The communication in question was not related to the wire /mail fraud scheme
- You were acting in good faith and lacked any intent to defraud
- You did not participate in or have knowledge of what was contained in the communication
- You only used exaggerated statements as a sales tactic
- There was no real injury to the alleged victim
- There is no proof of the existence of the offending material and the mode of transmission
- Other common procedural defenses, such as a denial of right to counsel or a Miranda rights violation
Galigani Law Firm | A Federal Mail / Wire Fraud Lawyer in Gainesville
You will want skilled criminal defense attorneys to begin working on your defense as soon as possible if you have been charged with wire fraud or mail fraud. Galigani Law Firm represents clients from Alachua County, Columbia County, Levy County, Marion County, and Gilchrist County.
Our white collar defense attorneys are licensed in U.S. District Courts for the Northern District of Florida, and we provide a vigorous defense to federal charges for mail fraud and wire fraud. Contact Galigani Law Firm right now at (352) 375-0812 or send us a message online to schedule a free, confidential consultation.
