The Matlock Law Firm, P.C.
Wire Fraud
Wire Fraud prosecutions are often times tied directly to more comprehensive and far-reaching criminal prosecutions. Many times Wire Fraud is used in complex RICO Act prosecutions as well as general organized crime investigations. In the last several years, it has been common for federal prosecutors to utilize the Federal Wire Fraud statute in prosecutions of Mortgage Fraud, the federal crime de jour. For more on Mortgage Fraud, click here.
There are essentially two critical elements the prosecution must prove in a Wire Fraud case under the current Federal Wire Fraud Statute. These elements are first having devised or intending to devise a scheme to defraud, or to perform specified fraudulent acts, and secondly using an interstate telephone call or electronic communication in furtherance of the scheme. This is essentially the same as that required to be proven in Mail Fraud prosecution, except it uses the communications transmitted by wire rather than by mail.
Wire Fraud prosecutions, like virtually any fraud prosecution in Federal Court is unlike any other type of criminal prosecution. It is not snitch-oriented as the majority of federal drug charges, rather it is a paper-laden, document-rich prosecution requiring extensive preparation to ensure even the possibility of success.
The federal government utilizes its vast resources in the prosecution of many types of crimes. Recent years have seen an increase in the number of federal fraud prosecutions in this country. Whether it be Mail Fraud, Health Care Fraud, Mortgage Fraud or Wire Fraud, federal prosecutors zealously investigate and prosecute these crimes in an effort to put the accused behind bars.
At the Matlock Law Firm, we routinely handle Fraud investigations and resulting criminal charges in Federal Courts around the country. The type of attention to detail and aggressive representation needed to ensure a successful outcome to a Federal Wire Fraud charge are the very attributes that distinguish the Matlock Law Firm and Federal Criminal Defense Attorney Shawn Matlock from most criminal defense firms in the country.
Federal Wire Fraud
Whoever, having devised or intending to devise any scheme or artifice to defraud, or for obtaining money or property by means of false or fraudulent pretenses, representations, or promises, transmits or causes to be transmitted by means of wire, radio, or television communication in interstate or foreign commerce, any writings, signs, signals, pictures, or sounds for the purpose of executing such scheme or artifice, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than 20 years, or both. If the violation affects a financial institution, such person shall be fined not more than $1,000,000 or imprisoned not more than 30 years, or both.
Federal Criminal Defense Attorney/ Federal Wire Fraud Criminal Defense Attorney/ Federal Wire Fraud Defense Lawyer/ Federal Wire Fraud Appellate Attorney
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