What constitutes wire fraud?
Wire fraud is a federal crime that occurs when communications are transmitted using a wire. This encompasses all forms of electronic media including cell phones, fax machines, radio transmission, email, social media, as well as SMA and text messaging. Federal Fraud is defined as the intentional misrepresentation or concealment of a material fact that results in financial or other damages to another party. The wire fraud statute is set forth in 18 USC § 1343 and provides:
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.
Wire fraud defense attorney in New Jersey and New York.
Lorraine Gauli-Rufo has been practicing federal criminal defense for nearly 30 years in New Jersey and New York. She is extremely familiar with federal wire fraud charges, and in fact has successfully defended 100s of individuals charged or threatened with federal fraud charges. If you or a loved one are threatened or charged with federal wire fraud, you should immediately contact Ms. Gauli-Rufo and her firm and you should not speak with anyone other than an attorney regarding the matter.
If you are accused or threatened with federal charges of wire fraud, you need to contact a federal criminal defense attorney immediately. A federal wire fraud conviction could expose you to prison time, significant fines, tarnish your reputation and could cost you your job and affect all future employment. You need an experienced federal criminal defense attorney to protect your valuable rights. You should never speak to a federal agent or a federal prosecutor without an attorney present.
For your initial consultation with a lawyer, you should be prepared to relay all the background facts regarding your case, as well as all contacts you have had with law enforcement and others regarding the matter. You should bring all documents you have pertaining to the charges or the matter to the meeting. Remember that these consultations are privileged, and that the lawyer cannot share the information with anyone else. Also, you should know that the more information regarding the matter that the lawyer has, the better she will be able to determine what course of action you should take.
Typically, people charged with federal wire fraud can face up to 20 years in prison, however in certain situations they could face up to 30 years in prison and up to $1,000,000 in fines. These are extremely serious penalties. That is why it is crucial for you to contact an experienced federal criminal defense attorney immediately when you are threatened or charged with a federal crime.
Many people contact our firm when they are first approached by a federal agent such as the FBI, DEA or ATF, and before formal charges are brought. They either are contacted by an agent in person or receive a letter in the mail from the United States Attorney’s Office, sometimes informing them they are the target or subject of an investigation. These letters or agents typically ask if you would be willing to come in and speak with the Assistant United States Attorney (the federal prosecutor). You should never speak to a federal agent or a prosecutor without an attorney present. Federal prosecutors and federal agents are not interested in protecting your rights -- they represent the federal government – not you! Only an experienced federal criminal defense lawyer will guide and advise you through the intricate federal criminal procedure and protect your rights and safeguard your freedom.
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