Wire fraud is a white-collar crime that occurs when an individual uses deceptive measures and any type of electronic communication to deprive other people of their money or property. Electronic communication consists of the Internet, telephone, radio or television. Wire fraud is typically classified as a white-collar crime because it is a crime against property rather than people. Furthermore, a wire fraud charge often becomes a federal wire fraud charge because the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulates telephone lines, radio airwaves and television broadcasts. However, it does not govern the Internet. Federal authorities might also get involved if a wire fraud crime concerns residents of several states.
The following are some common examples of wire fraud:
If a person is found guilty of committing wire fraud, he could face harsh sanctions that may include up to 20 years in prison. The penalties may increase substantially if the crime is perpetrated against a financial institution. In that case, the maximum penalty can be:
Sometimes, individuals who are accused of committing wire fraud may be charged and convicted of mail fraud as well. In such cases, the following sanctions may be tacked on to a defendant’s sentence:
It is important to note that individuals who are sentenced to federal penitentiaries must serve their entire prison terms, since parole is not an option in these correctional facilities. A defendant clearly has a lot to lose if he is convicted of wire fraud. Thus, it is extremely important for accused persons to seek legal advice from a skilled wire fraud attorney.
There are several reasons why a person should hire a wire fraud attorney to represent him in a court of law. The amount of evidence in a wire fraud case is often mountainous, and it is necessary to have a dedicated individual who will pore over the data and prepare a sturdy legal defense. During his analysis, a wire fraud defense lawyer will focus on uncovering any evidence that might have been obtained illegally. By doing so, he may be able to suppress some of the faulty evidence before the trial begins. This can sometimes significantly raise the odds of a favorable outcome.
As a wire fraud defense attorney, Brett A. Podolsky has become known for his resilience in court. He never cowers in the face of adversity. He stands up to prosecutors and does everything he can to protect the constitutional rights of his clients. When you hire Mr. Podolsky, he will work fervently to prepare the best legal defense for your case. You should think carefully about hiring him if you need a top-notch criminal defense attorney.
Get in touch with Brett A. Podolsky at 713-227-0087 if you are looking to hire a qualified wire fraud lawyer in Houston.