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Kendall Wire Fraud Lawyers
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Kendall Wire Fraud Lawyers – Protecting Your Rights
Wire fraud is a serious white collar crime that can result in severe penalties, including substantial fines and years in federal prison. If you are being investigated for or charged with wire fraud in Kendall, Florida, having an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side is critical.
What is Wire Fraud?
Wire fraud refers to using electronic communications or funds transfers to intentionally defraud or attempt to defraud someone out of money or property. Common examples include:
- Email phishing scams
- Fake investment schemes
- Internet auction fraud
- Identity theft
- Embezzlement involving wire transfers
Federal wire fraud charges are brought under Title 18 U.S. Code, Section 1343 of the United States Code. This law makes it a felony to devise a scheme to defraud another of money or property by means of false or fraudulent representations transmitted by wire, radio, or television communication.
Wire fraud cases are usually investigated by federal agencies like the FBI or IRS and prosecuted in federal court. Charges often involve multiple felony counts that can lead to decades behind bars.
Why You Need an Experienced Wire Fraud Attorney
Facing a federal wire fraud investigation is scary. The government has endless resources to build a case against you.
A skilled Kendall criminal defense lawyer can protect your rights from the start of an investigation all the way through trial or sentencing if necessary. An attorney can:
- Negotiate with prosecutors to get charges reduced or dismissed
- Challenge improper searches and seizures
- Suppress evidence obtained illegally
- Develop defenses showing you had no criminal intent
- Present mitigating circumstances at sentencing
Having a lawyer who understands complex financial fraud cases is critical when your freedom is at stake. Don’t take chances with an overworked public defender. Hire a proven fraud defense attorney.
Developing a Strong Defense Strategy
While wire fraud cases often seem clear cut, there are viable defenses an experienced lawyer can raise on your behalf. Common defense strategies in fraud cases include:
Lack of Criminal Intent
For a wire fraud conviction, prosecutors must prove you knowingly participated in a scheme to defraud and intended to deprive the victim of money or property. Your lawyer can argue you acted in good faith without criminal intent.
Statute of Limitations
Federal wire fraud charges must be brought within 5 years of the alleged crime. If too much time has passed, the case could get dismissed.
Entrapment
If government agents improperly induced you to commit fraud, entrapment is a possible defense.
Jurisdictional Challenges
Not all wire communications or financial transactions fall under federal jurisdiction. Your lawyer can argue the case belongs in state court instead.
Sentencing Mitigation Strategies
If convicted of wire fraud, expert counsel can help minimize your punishment by presenting mitigating circumstances to the judge before sentencing.
Possible mitigating factors include:
- Minimal criminal history
- Proof of rehabilitation or recovery
- Exceptional good deeds and acts of charity
- Taking responsibility and expressing remorse
- Paying restitution to victims
In some cases, lawyers can even negotiate with prosecutors for a reduced charge in exchange for a guilty plea. This can greatly limit incarceration time.
Finding the Right Fraud Defense Lawyer
If you or a loved one is facing wire fraud allegations in Kendall or anywhere in South Florida, you need legal advice from a fraud law expert.
The attorneys at My Firm have over 20 years successfully defending complex white collar criminal cases in Miami and nationwide. We have the skills and experience to protect your rights and freedom.
To schedule a free case evaluation, call us 24/7 at 555-123-4567 or contact us online. Let us put our expertise to work fighting the government’s charges against you.
John Smith is a former Miami prosecutor turned criminal defense lawyer. He earned his law degree from University of Miami and has an advanced certification in criminal trial law.Over the past decade, John has defended hundreds of clients against complex fraud charges. He runs his own firm in Kendall focusing on white collar crime defense.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common penalties for wire fraud convictions?
Potential penalties include 5-30 years in federal prison, massive fines up to $1 million, plus restitution payments to victims. Immigrants may face deportation.
Can I go to jail just for attempting wire fraud?
Yes, you can face felony charges and prison time even if the scheme failed or no one actually lost money.
What is the difference between mail fraud and wire fraud?
The elements are similar except mail fraud involves use of postal mail while wire fraud relates to electronic communications.
If I’m innocent, why do I need an attorney?
Federal prosecutors have endless resources to investigate and charge wire fraud cases. An experienced defense lawyer can protect your rights.
What if I can’t afford a private lawyer?
If you cannot afford counsel, request a public defender at your first court hearing. But court-appointed lawyers typically have high caseloads.