Wire Fraud

Palm Beach County White Collar Criminal Defense Lawyers

Wire fraud is the criminal offense of intentionally creating a fraudulent or deceitful scheme in order to obtain money or property from consumers, through the use of interstate "wires." TV, radio, internet, computer modem and the telephone are examples of the wires that the Federal Wire Fraud statute targets.

Wire fraud is a federal crime and is often investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) or similar federal agencies. These organizations have extensive resources to thoroughly investigate and prosecute wire fraud charges and will utilize these resources to their fullest extent.

Increasingly, the Department of Justice is using wire fraud charges in conjunction with the prosecution of RICO, money laundering, fraud against financial institutions, and telemarketing fraud, because wire fraud is the easiest crime for an AUSA to prosecute. And, in many instances, the sentencing range for a conviction for wire fraud will exceed the sentence available these other offenses.

The applicable federal criminal statute for wire fraud is Title 18, United States Code, Section 1343. In order to convict the defendant, federal prosecutors must prove:

• A scheme to defraud or obtain money or property by fraudulent pretenses.
• Intent.
• The making of materially false representations.
• Transmission by wire, radio, or television communication in interstate or foreign commerce.

Wire fraud is a felony offense under federal law, with the maximum penalty of a sentence of 20 years in federal prison. But, where the victim of the wire fraud is a financial institution, like a bank, the sentence can be enhanced to 30 years in federal prison.

The extent of these penalties shows the gravity of a wire fraud arrest or accusation. The Boca Raton wire fraud defense lawyers at Whittel & Melton understand that your freedom and financial future are at stake if you are facing these charges. If you are under investigation for or have been accused of wire fraud, you will need a capable defense lawyer in your corner. The Boca Raton wire fraud defense lawyers at Whittel & Melton endeavor to offer the highest quality legal representation to those accused of fraud throughout Palm Beach County. By working to provide superior legal representation, our attorneys give you the chance to avoid these harsh penalties. Our staff has the necessary knowledge, experience and resources to be effective in Florida Federal Court.

Our experienced Florida Criminal Defense Attorneys are ready to consult, defend and vindicate clients charged with federal crimes throughout Palm Beach County, including: Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, Delray Beach, Juno Beach, Jupiter, Lake Worth, Riviera Beach, Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Royal Palm Beach and West Palm Beach.