Allegations of a federal crime can devastate your life, your reputation, and your career. This is especially true if you are charged with federal fraud crimes. Often considered a “white collar crime,” fraud charges can cover a wide variety of conduct, but usually involve an allegation of untruthful and unethical behavior. Conviction of this crime may also lead to long prison sentences, high fines, and more.
If you have been charged with a fraud offense in federal court, an Atlanta Federal fraud lawyer could represent you. Let a qualified legal professional fight for your rights and help mitigate the consequences of your charges.
Fraud occurs when there is any intentional misrepresentation, deception, or scam perpetrated against another individual, business, or the government. This broad definition covers many federal fraud charges under United States law. In most cases, the prosecutor will be required to prove the elements of fraud that show some type of deception or dishonesty in a way that implicates federal law.
One of the most common federal fraud charges is wire fraud. It occurs when a person uses an electronic communication device to commit a fraud offense. These devices include devices such as telephones, computers, email, or other electronic device. These crimes often occur in the business context, which is why they are usually classified as white collar crime.
Another common situation where wire fraud charges arise is in drug transactions. The sale of drugs has become more common over the internet and through the use of electronic devices. Wire fraud charges can carry up to twenty years in prison per count. This means that the potential prison sentences can be very long if a person is convicted. A person facing wire fraud charges should enlist an attorney as soon as possible because of the severity of these penalties.
Government fraud is treated harshly under federal law. This occurs when a person scams or otherwise deceives the federal government for personal gain. This can occur in many different ways, including:
Any fraud against the government can lead to serious charges against a criminal defendant. The assistance of an experienced federal fraud lawyer in the area may help to protect against the worst possible scenario.
There are many other variations of fraud that could result in federal rather than state charges. In any case where deception or misrepresentation occur, federal fraud charges may result. Each version of federal fraud has is different and may require unique defense strategies to target specific aspects of the prosecution’s argument.
Some of the common federal fraud charges include:
These cases tend to involve complex legal issues, difficult questions, and massive amounts of documents and other evidence that can be hard to examine without the help of a knowledgeable local lawyer.
Federal charges for any crime are severe and can incur more significant penalties than state charges. Federal fraud charges can result in decades-long prison sentences and permanently damage your personal and professional future. Experienced legal counsel could allow you to effectively challenge the prosecution’s case and achieve the best possible outcome.
If you are facing federal charges for this crime, contact an Atlanta federal fraud attorney right away. Our lawyers could consult with you to determine your best path forward.