San Francisco Mail and Wire Fraud Representation
Experienced Criminal Defense for Federal Offenses
Mail and wire fraud are similar in all respects except for the means that the federal government alleges were used to perpetrate the fraud. Federal mail fraud charges are brought when the United States government believes that someone has devised a scheme to defraud another of money or property by false or fraudulent pretenses, representations or promises and used any interstate mail carrier to perpetrate the fraudulent activity.
Federal wire fraud charges are brought for the same sort of activities but when the United States government alleges that wire, radio, or television communications were used to perpetrate the fraudulent scheme across state lines or internationally. The types of communications covered by federal wire fraud law include those made by any wired device or means, such as telephone, facsimile (fax machine), the internet (i.e. e-mail), radio, or wire transfers of money.
Both mail and wire fraud can be punished by fines and up to twenty years in federal prison. If the alleged fraud occurred in relation to any presidentially declared disaster or emergency (e.g., an earth quake or hurricane) or the alleged fraud affects a financial institution, the penalties go up to $1,000,000 in fines and 30 years in federal prison. Both types of fraud are frequently alleged in conjunction with charges of bank fraud or insider trading.
At the Law Offices of John M. Runfola, we provide criminal defense to clients from California and around the United States on charges of mail and wire fraud. Our firm has practiced law for over 30 years and has defended numerous clients against federal wire and mail fraud charges. We understand that the consequences of these charges can be severe and that they require aggressive and experienced defense representation to protect your rights. Contacting a skilled criminal defense attorney like John M. Runfola increases your chances of obtaining a favorable outcome in your case, including even the possibility of the dismissal of the charges.
Examples of Federal Mail and Wire Fraud
Mail and wire fraud cases can include the following:
White collar crimes, such as embezzlement, theft and money laundering.
Telephone marketing schemes
Misrepresentation of mail order or catalog items
Pyramid schemes or chain letters
False insurance claims
Fraudulent investment schemes
Misrepresentations in the sale of goods
Due to the broad nature of mail and wire fraud, and the fact that many other crimes may be included under this heading, it is important that you have a lawyer who fully understands the criminal laws that cover this arena. At the Law Offices of John M. Runfola, we will look at all the circumstances surrounding your case including what you intended to do, whether or not any use of any interstate mail carrier or wire communication was made, and whether anyone was in fact defrauded. Further, we will assess whether this charge is properly in federal court rather than state court and examine every possible defense in your case.
If you are under investigation or have been charged with mail or wire fraud in federal court, contact the Law Offices of John M. Runfola to get the criminal defense you deserve. We offer a free initial consultation and are available to our clients 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for your convenience. Call us at 415-391-4243.
