Many potential defenses are available to a person accused of mail or wire fraud: prosecutions are usually complex and document intensive. If you have been charged with one of these offenses, you need an experienced attorney who will defend your legal rights. Our firm has successfully represented clients charged with federal mail and wire fraud for many years.

What is Mail Fraud?
Mail fraud is an offense that involves the use of the United States Postal Service to carry out any scheme which seeks to unlawfully acquire money or property. Some common forms of mail fraud include mortgage fraud, insurance fraud, check kiting, Ponzi schemes and pyramid schemes.

What is Wire Fraud?
Wire fraud relates to the use of electronic communications to carry out a scheme which seeks to unlawfully acquire money or property. Electronic communication usually refers to telephone, fax, or internet communication.

Federal law also makes it a separate crime to use a false name when engaged in a scheme as described above. Specifically, it is unlawful for a person to use, assume, or request to be addressed by a fictitious or false title, name, or address while engaged in mail fraud. It is also unlawful for a person to receive a letter or package addressed to a fictitious or false name or address.

What are the criminal penalties associated with mail or wire fraud?
A conviction for mail or wire fraud can result in a 20 year sentence and fine. If the scheme affects the solvency of a financial institution, a conviction can result in a 30 year prison sentence and a $1,000,000 fine.

Do I need a lawyer to represent me if I am innocent?
Mail and wire fraud are often charges brought against individuals who cannot be charged with other crimes due to a lack of evidence. Wire fraud prosecutions, in particular, have been and are applied to many alleged criminal activities. Prosecutors often use these statutes as a back door into criminal cases that would otherwise be difficult to prove.
Every criminal defendant needs an attorney. Innocent defendants are perhaps in even greater need of zealous representation throughout the criminal process to ensure that their rights are protected.

Do I need a lawyer if I simply intend to plead guilty ?
You may not understand the full implications of the crime with which you are charged. Criminal defense attorneys equalize the balance of power between the defendant and the prosecution and ensure that the constitutional rights that are guaranteed to all criminal defendants are preserved.

 

If you believe you may be under federal investigation for a federal mail or wire fraud case, it is critical that you hire a qualified criminal defense attorney right away. Do not risk having your rights violated by neglecting to retain a skilled, experienced criminal defense attorney.
The Houston, Texas law office of Kuniansky & Associates will work diligently to ensure your rights are protected.

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