Fort Lauderdale Wire Fraud Lawyer
Guy Seligman defends people accused of wire fraud or the voluntary and intentional use of an interstate communications device in any scheme to defraud another of anything else of value. Wire fraud is a federal crime with serious potential consequences. (18 United States Code section 1343)
Intent and Scheme to Defraud Defense Attorney
Wire fraud crimes involve schemes or plans a person uses such as a statement, promise, misrepresentation, deception, or any other kind of scam designed to deprive the victim of something of value.
Use of an Interstate Wire Communications Device
To commit wire fraud a person must use some kind of interstate communications device. Interstate communications devices can be almost anything that send, receive, or otherwise transmit messages across state lines. Wire fraud charges can arise when someone uses a phone, a fax machine, e-mail, or any kind of Internet communication device to transmit messages. Oil and gas lease sales scams sold over the phone are examples of wire fraud.
Wire Fraud Convictions
Wire fraud statute’s prohibit engaging in a “scheme to defraud.” You can be convicted of wire fraud even if no victim suffers any actual loss. Attempting to obtain the money is enough to be convicted of a wire fraud crime. Government officials who participate in bribery or kickback schemes can commit wire fraud because they have deprived the public of honest services. Every act of wire fraud is an offense As many call that were made is equal to the number of charges.
Florida Communications Act
The Florida Communications Fraud Act includes a organized schemes to defraud. The “Scheme to Defraud” statute in Florida prohibits financial fraud through any technology including the internet, mail, wire, the telephone or other types of communication.
Wire Schemes to Defraud Must Be:
Ongoing and continuing acts;
Intended to defraud someone;
By obtaining something of value;
Through fraudulent or false promises, representations, or by intentionally misrepresenting some future act over a wire or communications system device
Wire Fraud Conviction Penalties
A person convicted of wire fraud faces significant potential penalties. A single act of wire fraud can result in fines and up to 20 years in prison. However, if the wire fraud scheme affects a financial institution or is connected to a presidentially declared disaster or emergency, the potential penalties are fines of up to $1,000,000 and up to 30 years in prison. In Florida Less than $20,000 is a third degree felony punishable by 5 years in Florida State Prison;
$20,000 or more but less than $50,000 is a second degree felony punishable by 15 years in Florida State Prison; and
$50,000 or more is a first degree felony punishable by 30 years in Florida State Prison.
You Should Hire An Experienced Wire Fraud Lawyer
Being charged with wire fraud is a serious matter. If you’re charged with wire fraud, or are asked questions by investigators, you need to talk to a wire fraud criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. Always talk to a criminal lawyer before you make any statements to investigators. Guy Seligman will be able to guide you through the criminal justice process and protect your interests.