mail fraud defense firm

mail fraud lawyers



Federal prosecutors usually charge individuals with wire or mail fraud even if there are no evidence to support a charge of theft or any other offense. Crimes involving mail or wire fraud are subject to federal law which can result in prison or fines that can reach $1 million. Federal laws governing mail fraud apply to individuals who use the United States mail and telephone to purchase items or transfer money. Mail fraud can include anything that crosses state lines.



Although criminal intent is required to establish that a defendant has committed fraud through mail, unwitting participation in a fraudulent scheme can prevent an indictment. Many people don't know important facts, and be interpreting them incorrectly to conceal their trails. The defendant may not have had a clear understanding of the facts, or may be mistakenly believing that the information was false. A conviction for mail fraud not only entail fines for criminals however, it can also result in federal prison for as long as 30 years.

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One of the first questions you'll need to think about is what are the components of mail or wire fraud, and how do you tell the difference? Mail fraud is the fraudulent activities that are committed using the postal service. On the other hand, wire fraud makes use of wires instead of mail. In the past "wires" were primarily telephones. Today it encompasses all modern communication methods, such as the internet. If you get an email asking you for private information, you could be charged with this offense.

mail fraud charges
what is the statute of limitations on mail fraud

what is the statute of limitations on mail fraud



The elements of mail fraud are similar to the elements of wire fraud. Both require interstate communication or electronic communications. The types of fraud that are committed can lead to a punishment that is comparable to the criminal one, which is up to 20 years in prison and a substantial fine. A conviction for fraud committed by a financial institution is much more serious.

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To be eligible for a mail or wire fraud conviction, you must be guilty of at least one of these: using the United States Postal Service, a private interstate carrier, or an interstate wire transmission. These are the most popular kinds of wire and mail fraud, and there are numerous instances of each. If you are charged with any of these crimes make sure you are prepared to defend yourself with an effective defense.

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A defendant's attempt to obtain an advantage by making the false assertion will not be a mail fraud conviction in the absence of being "material," or containing important information. Jurors may not be in a position to identify the requirement of materiality because it is so thin that it is almost impossible to recognize. A common example of misrepresentation of the economy can be seen in commercial negotiations. However it is a bit unclear exactly what constitutes a materiality. Often, it involves assertions which may be "inexact," but may be true or false in other circumstances.

mail fraud attorney



The prosecution has to prove that the defendant had the intent to defraud the victim by making false statements and making use of U.S. postal mail to commit mail fraud. The Eleventh Circuit pattern jury instruction outlines that the statement must be fraudulent if the defendant "had an indication that" it was not true that was intended to defraud victim. Moreover, the statement must be "made in a reckless disregard for the truth." If the statement is a lie or conceals the truth of a matter but is not a material fact, it could still be relevant.