Top Baker, LA Wire Fraud Lawyers Near You
830 Main St, Baton Rouge, LA 70802-5597
In Baker, Louisiana area, J. Rodney Baum Attorney at Law can help clients with their Wire Fraud needs.
City Plaza, 445 North Blvd. Suite 300, Baton Rouge, LA 70802
400 Convention St, Suite 1001, Baton Rouge, LA 70802
301 Main St, Suite 1150, Baton Rouge, LA 70825
450 Laurel Street, 8th Floor, Baton Rouge, LA 70801
4041 Essen Ln, Suite 500, Baton Rouge, LA 70809
112 Founders Dr, Baton Rouge, LA 70810
450 Laurel Street, II Rivermark Centre, 21st Floor, Baton Rouge, LA 70801
450 Laurel St, Suite 1500, Baton Rouge, LA 70801
II City Plaza, 400 Convention Street, Suite 1100, Baton Rouge, LA 70802-5618
445 North Blvd, Suite 800, Baton Rouge, LA 70802
450 Laurel St, Suite 1601, Baton Rouge, LA 70801
830 Main Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70802
8550 United Plaza Blvd, Suite 103, Baton Rouge, LA 70809-2256
One American Place, 301 Main Street, Suite 2300, Baton Rouge, LA 70821-3197
301 St Ferdinand St, Baton Rouge, LA 70802
8075 Jefferson Highway, Baton Rouge, LA 70809
450 Laurel Street, Suite 1900, Baton Rouge, LA 70801
12345 Perkins Road, Building 2, Suite 202, Baton Rouge, LA 70810
4607 Bluebonnet Blvd, Suite B, Baton Rouge, LA 70809
10843 N Oaks Hills Pkwy, Baton Rouge, LA 70810
8702 Jefferson Highway Suite B, Baton Rouge, LA 70809-2233
6513 Perkins Rd, Baton Rouge, LA 70808
Baker Wire Fraud Information
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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 Wire fraud may sound like an outdated term because so much of our communication is wireless.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.