Top Joliet, IL Wire Fraud Lawyers Near You
A Felony Conviction Will Change Your Life Forever. Work With An Experienced And Resourceful Lawyer Who Can Help Get Your Life Back On Track.
Se Habla Español
Free Consultation
AGRESSIVE REPRESENTATION MATTERS. Putting your case in the hands, of an experienced attorney, matters. Don't trust your case to an associate attorney at a big firm. Call 24/7.
Se Habla Español
Free Consultation
Our nationwide team of defense lawyers includes a former U.S. Attorney, four former Federal Prosecutors, two former FBI agents and two former Army JAGS.
Free Consultation
Virtual Appointments
Criminal TAX Defense. We defend individuals who are targets, subjects or witnesses in criminal tax investigations & prosecution.
1425 McHenry Rd, Suite 204, Buffalo Grove, IL 60089
155 North Wacker Drive, Suite 3100, Chicago, IL 60606
1 North Wacker Dr, Suite 4500, Chicago, IL 60606-1901
111 East Wacker Drive, Suite 2600, Chicago, IL 60601
110 N Wacker Drive, Suite 3800, Chicago, IL 60606
10 North Dearborn Street, 6th Floor, Chicago, IL 60602
227 W Monroe St, Suite 3950, Chicago, IL 60606
222 W Adams St, Suite 2250, Chicago, IL 60606
345 N. Canal St., Suite C-202, Chicago, IL 60606
33 North Dearborn Street, Suite 1830, Chicago, IL 60602
17W662 Butterfield Rd, Suite 304, Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181
120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2200, Chicago, IL 60606
155 North Wacker Drive, Suite 3000, Chicago, IL 60606
30 N LaSalle St, Suite 2140, Chicago, IL 60602
1655 S Blue Island Ave, Chicago, IL 60608
1200 Harger Road, Suite 830, Oak Brook, IL 60523
321 North Clark Street, Suite 1000, Chicago, IL 60654
33 N. Dearborn Street, Suite 1950, Chicago, IL 60602-3249
58 North Chicago St, 7th Floor, Joliet, IL 60432
150 S. Wacker Drive, Suite 3000, Chicago, IL 60606
17926 South Halsted Street, Suite 3SE, Homewood, IL 60430
311 South Wacker Drive, Suite 4300, Chicago, IL 60606
70 West Madison Street, Suite 5200, Chicago, IL 60602
321 N. Clark Street, Suite 1600, Chicago, IL 60654
71 South Wacker Drive, 45th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606
Joliet Wire Fraud Information
Lead Counsel independently verifies Wire Fraud attorneys in Joliet and checks their standing with Illinois bar associations.
Our Verification Process and Criteria
Ample Experience
Attorneys must meet stringent qualifications and prove they practice in the area of law they’re verified in.Good Standing
Be in good standing with their bar associations and maintain a clean disciplinary record.Annual Review
Submit to an annual review to retain their Lead Counsel Verified status.Client Commitment
Pledge to follow the highest quality client service and ethical standards.
What Is Wire Fraud?
Wire fraud generally involves attempts to gain money or other property through false representation by means of a computer, telephone, or other electronic communication. Wire fraud may sound like an outdated term because so much of our communication is wireless. However, wire fraud may include forms of electronic communication, including text messages, emails, or social media posts.
Wire fraud can be considered a “white-collar crime.” White-collar crimes are nonviolent crimes motivated by financial gain, including insurance fraud, money laundering, and embezzlement. Using a computer or telephone, wire fraud can be committed across state lines or across international borders without any direct physical contact.
What Does the Prosecutor Have to Prove for Wire Fraud?
Under the U.S. Code, wire fraud is a federal crime. It is a criminal offense to devise any scheme to defraud or obtain money by fraudulent representations, transmitted by wire, radio, or television communication in interstate or foreign commerce. This includes communications of any writings, signs, signals, pictures, or sounds to execute the fraudulent scheme.
What Type of Crime Is Wire Fraud?
Computer technology allows users to be anonymous when communicating across the world. When online communication is used to commit fraud, it can be considered wire fraud. Computer crimes that involve types of fraud can include:
- Phishing scams
- Malware
- Hacking email accounts
One of the most well-known examples of wire fraud involves the Nigerian prince email scams. Other forms of the advance fee scam include fake job offers, lottery winnings, fake property rental or car sales, or online dating scams.
The victim gets an unsolicited email from someone claiming to have access to a large amount of money but needs help getting the money out of the country. The victim is asked for money for a processing fee or to help bribe a government official to get the money, for which the victim is promised a reward. After the victim sends the money, the scammers may continue to delay the reward with additional fees. The victim will never receive any money but may end up sending thousands of dollars of their own money through bank transfers or purchasing gift cards.
Who Investigates Wire Fraud?
Wire fraud investigations can involve a number of state and federal government agencies. Depending on the alleged offense, private companies may also be involved in an investigation. For example, when the wire fraud involves insurance fraud, defrauding financial institutions, or bank fraud, the insurance company or bank may begin the investigation, and then report the suspected fraud to law enforcement.
Wire fraud investigations can involve local, federal, or international law enforcement agencies. Investigative agencies in wire fraud cases may include:
- Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
- Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
- Department of Justice
If you suspect you are being investigated for wire fraud, you may want to contact an attorney before cooperating with the investigation. Participating in an investigation without legal representation could expose you to potential liability.
Is Wire Fraud a Felony or Misdemeanor?
Under United States law, wire fraud is a felony. The penalties for a conviction for wire fraud include up to 20 years imprisonment and a fine. However, the penalties can be increased if the violation occurs in relation to any nationally declared major disaster or emergency. Wire fraud involving a national disaster can result in fines of up to $1 million and up to 30 years in prison.
A felony conviction on your criminal record can continue to complicate your life even after serving your sentence. Felons may have to disclose their criminal history in job applications, housing applications, or applications for public benefits. Felons may be restricted from scholarship opportunities and felons may not be able to own or possess a firearm.
Do I Need an Experienced Attorney for a Wire Fraud Case?
If you are accused of wire fraud, you have the right to a criminal defense lawyer. A criminal defense attorney can review your case, identify possible legal defenses, and defend you in court. Common defenses may include the lack of evidence against you where the prosecutor is hoping to get you to plead guilty. The evidence may have been gathered in violation of your 4th Amendment rights against unlawful search and seizure.
A federal fraud lawyer may also be able to negotiate with the prosecutors to get the best outcome in a plea agreement. A plea bargain can have federal charges dropped, wire fraud charges reduced, or lesser sentencing to help you avoid jail time.