Tennessee Defense Attorneys Protecting the Futures of Those Facing Federal Charges of Wire Fraud
Skilled representation for clients in and around Sevier County, the Tri-Cities and East Tennessee
Delius & McKenzie, PLLC offers comprehensive and aggressive representation on behalf of clients facing federal charges of wire fraud. We understand exactly what is at stake if you are convicted, and we put our considerable resources, skills and experience to work for you. Our Sevierville federal crimes attorneys will do whatever is within our power under the law to keep you free.
What is wire fraud, and what are the penalties?
Wire fraud is defined as any scheme which attempts to defraud people through the use of an electronic device. Under the federal statute:
“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” (emphasis ours).
Because wire fraud often involves sending or receiving documentation and/or payments, depending on the scheme, you may also see charges of “mail and wire” fraud. However, in today’s technologically advanced age, wire fraud may also be committed via computer or the internet. And if your federal charges involve defrauding someone under the guise of offering emergency or disaster relief, you might be looking at 30 years in prison or a million dollars in fines, plus the cost of attorneys’ fees and restitution.
Examples of wire fraud
- Fraudulent wire transfers, involving phishing schemes or malware
- Mass marketing fraud
- Tax fraud
- Insurance fraud
- Identity or financial theft
- Certain robocalls
You should know, however, that false advertising and deceptive trade practices are not the same as wire fraud, however, the use of wire, radio, or television communication can lead to a wire fraud charge. Furthermore, political advertising generally does not fall under the same parameters as either of these categories.
Defending accusations of wire fraud
In order to be convicted of wire fraud, the federal government must prove the following:
- “The defendant was part of a scheme to defraud another person, such as by obtaining money or something else of value through false pretenses;
- The defendant acted knowingly or with intent to defraud;
- The defendant made false representations that were material to the scheme to defraud; and
- The defendant transmitted a material misrepresentation by wire, radio, or television communications in interstate or foreign commerce.”
In these types of white collar cases, the intent is the key to conviction. Even if a person never goes through with the scheme, or if the scheme fails to defraud anyone, the accused could still be convicted. Intent is a critical part of the case. At Delius & McKenzie, PLLC, we strive to prove that your intentions were never to defraud, and that that your actions, if they resulted in a negative impact against another person, were made within the confines of the law, and with the purest of intentions.
Accused of wire fraud? Speak with an experienced federal defense attorney
A conviction on federal charges for wire fraud can cost you everything. At Delius & McKenzie, PLLC, we fight to protect your future and your rights. Please call 865-428-8780 or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation at our office in Sevierville. We represent clients throughout East Tennessee, including those in and around Bristol, Johnson City, Kingsport, Greeneville, Sevierville, Seymour, Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.
