Federal Criminal Defense Attorneys In Illinois For Wire Fraud And Mail Fraud Charges
Have you, as an individual or as a member of a company or organization, been charged with federal crimes, including wire fraud? These charges often accompany other criminal charges, such as drug trafficking and human trafficking. Although they are common, secondary charges involving fairly hidden activities, they merit and require the same diligent defense tactics that are used for more prominent crimes.
Leonard Trial Lawyers is a resource in Chicago for people in Illinois and elsewhere who are facing federal criminal charges and seeking qualified legal counsel. Our strong track record and well-honed defense skills are exactly what many of our clients are looking for when they shop for a defense firm.
Common Examples Of Mail Fraud
Attempting to use the federal mail system for criminal gain is, unfortunately, a very common tactic for those seeking to defraud an individual or business. Additionally, the criminal offense of mail fraud comes in many different forms, but some of the most common include:
- Fraudulent solicitations: The act of sending letters in the mail that contain information about fake promotions, prizes or deals that typically require payment.
- Phishing: Sending emails or texts that are designed to steal personally identifiable information from the recipient.
- Ponzi schemes: Making false promises to obtain investments from the recipients of the letter. The individual perpetuating the scheme will pay off new investors with the money secured from the initial investors.
- Fraudulent documents: Mailing fake applications for credit cards or business invoices to coerce the recipient into providing personal information.
- Identity theft: Taking personal documents, such as W-2 forms and bank statements, to obtain personal information with the intent of opening new bank accounts or taking other illegal actions.
Coercing an individual or business through fraudulent actions can cause immense suffering, both mentally and financially. Given the sheer impact of mail fraud charges, significant legal consequences are common following a conviction.
Common Charges For Mail Fraud And Wire Fraud
Committing mail or wire fraud is a serious federal offense that can lead to considerable penalties, as federal prosecutors do not take fraud charges lightly. In fact, convicted mail and wire fraud offenders could potentially face up to 20 years in prison. If government funds or financial institutions were involved in the commission of the crime, offenders could receive up to 30 years in prison. Additionally, depending on the amount of money stolen by the offender, they could be fined up to $1 million.
Our Clients’ Federal Wire Fraud Cases
Wire fraud is a criminal act that involves the use of electronic communication, such as emails or phone calls, to deceive someone into sending money or sensitive information under false pretenses. It often exploits the speed and anonymity of electronic transactions to perpetrate fraudulent schemes.
We are available to evaluate wire fraud cases involving the following common scenarios:
- Phone calls and emails through which drug traffickers conspire on the routes and methods they will use to move controlled substances across state lines and international borders
- Phone calls and direct messages on cell phones are used to arrange money laundering, crypto crimes and other financial crimes
- Electronic communications, including identity theft (ID theft) and fraud of any kind
- Internet communications used for any other type of conspiracy to commit federal crimes
With our strong track record and well-known dedication to federal crime defense in Illinois, you can entrust complex, high-stakes cases to us with confidence. We are wire fraud defense lawyers who get results.
Our Goal Is To Protect Your Constitutional Rights Through Wire Fraud Defense
To schedule a consultation with an Illinois criminal defense attorney at Leonard Trial Lawyers, call 312-815-6572 or send an email inquiry.