WIRE FRAUD CHARGES
Wire fraud is defined as any criminally fraudulent activity that involves the use of electronic communications of any kind, at any phase of the event. The original crime carries its own penalties in addition to the penalties involved with wire fraud, regardless of whether the original crime is tax fraud, health care fraud, or any other number of possible offenses. By using electronic communications in the commission of the crime, the crime is raised to the level of wire fraud and therefore incurs enhanced punishment, which may include a separate federal prosecution for crimes that would otherwise be matters of state jurisdiction.
United States Code Section 1343 provides punishment for “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.” Violators of the federal code are subject to large fines and/or imprisonment for not more than 20 years. Furthermore, if the violation in any way affects a financial institution then the violator will be subject to fines not more than $1,000,000 and/or imprisonment not more than 30 years.
Considering the life-changing consequences of a wire fraud conviction it is imperative that you seek our legal services immediately if you are being investigated for or have been charged with wire fraud. At Kestenbaum, Eisner, & Gorin, LLP, our attorneys have over 50 years of combined experience in criminal defense. Contact and experienced and knowledgeable attorney today at Kestenbaum, Eisner, & Gorin, LLP if you have been charged with or are being investigated for wire fraud.