Blog
Philadelphia Federal White Collar Crime Charges: Mail Fraud, Wire Fraud, Tax Evasion etc.
Dealing with federal charges like mail fraud, wire fraud or tax evasion in Philadelphia can be really stressful and confusing. I feel you. Trying to navigate the legal system is no fun. But don’t freak out too much. Let’s break down what some of these common charges mean and what your options could be.
Contents
Mail Fraud
Mail fraud refers to any scheme to intentionally use the U.S. Postal Service to try to trick or cheat someone out of money or property. This could mean anything from elaborate investment scams to insurance fraud to fake sweepstakes prizes – basically any shady plan that uses the mail system.To be charged with mail fraud, prosecutors have to prove you had an intent to defraud and that you used the postal service in carrying out your scheme. Each instance of mail fraud can result in up to 20 years in prison and steep fines, so these are serious charges.Some typical mail fraud defenses lawyers might explore include:
- You lacked criminal intent and were unaware of illegal activities
- You made factual mistakes but weren’t trying to mislead anyone
- The “scheme” was actually a legal business activity
Bottom line – fighting federal mail fraud charges in Philadelphia takes experience. But know there are options and don’t panic.
Wire Fraud
Wire fraud is kind of like the modern, electronic version of mail fraud. It involves using phone calls, texts, emails – really any communication that crosses state lines – to execute a fraudulent scheme to obtain money or something else of value.This covers stuff like identity theft, certain investment scams, online auction fraud, and more. It’s basically any interstate scam plot that uses electronic communications.Each count of wire fraud can result in up to 20 years imprisonment, so the penalties add up fast. But a good lawyer may be able to challenge charges with defenses like:
- You didn’t actually “obtain” money or property as required
- The communications were purely accidental/unrelated
- Someone else used your account without your knowledge
So don’t panic if you’re facing wire fraud accusations. There are potential defenses worth exploring.
Tax Evasion and Tax Fraud
Getting charged with tax evasion or tax fraud basically means the government believes you intentionally tried to cheat on your taxes. Maybe they think you deliberately underreported income, lied about deductions, hid money offshore – that kind of thing.These IRS charges can lead to up to 5 years behind bars and stiff financial penalties for each count. And failing to properly report foreign assets or income can draw even more serious charges.But an experienced tax attorney can often negotiate settlements or use defenses like:
- You simply made mistakes or misunderstood complex rules
- Someone else mismanaged your finances without your knowledge
- You had reasonable cause or justification for your actions
See, the government has to prove you willfully violated tax laws and intended to mislead. If your lawyer can show otherwise, you may avoid conviction.
How Can a White Collar Crimes Lawyer Help?
As you can see, charges like mail fraud, wire fraud and tax evasion are no joke. The penalties are steep and these complex cases require experienced legal guidance to navigate.But there are often viable defenses worth pursuing – the key is having an expert federal defense attorney on your side who can analyze the details of your unique situation.A knowledgeable white collar crimes lawyer can:
- Thoroughly evaluate the prosecution’s evidence and charges
- Identify weaknesses that undermine their case
- Develop custom defense strategies tailored to your circumstances
- Negotiate with prosecutors for reduced charges or settlements
- Argue to exclude prejudicial evidence or have charges dismissed
- Effectively present defenses at trial if necessary
Don’t go it alone against complex federal charges. Connect with a skilled criminal defense lawyer in Philadelphia for trusted advice and advocacy. It makes all the difference.Most importantly, try not to panic. Take a breath. Now let’s get you talking to a legal pro who can help map out a game plan. You’ve got this!
Resources
Mail Fraud Charges and Penalties – FindLaw
https://www.findlaw.com/criminal/criminal-charges/mail-fraud.html18 U.S. Code § 1341 – Frauds and swindles
https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/1341Mail Fraud Charges: Defenses and Strategies – CriminalDefenseLawyer.com
https://www.criminaldefenselawyer.com/resources/criminal-defense/white-collar-crime/mail-fraud-charges-defenses-strategiesWire Fraud Charges: Defenses and Penalties – CriminalDefenseLawyer.com
https://www.criminaldefenselawyer.com/resources/criminal-defense/white-collar-crime/wire-fraud-charges-defenses-penaltiesDefending Against Wire Fraud Charges | Oberheiden P.C.
https://federal-lawyer.com/wire-fraud/defenses/Tax Evasion Laws, Charges & Statute of Limitations – Criminal Law
https://www.criminaldefenselawyer.com/crime-penalties/federal/Tax-Evasion.htmTax Evasion Charges: Defenses and Penalties – CriminalDefenseLawyer.com
https://www.criminaldefenselawyer.com/resources/criminal-defense/tax-evasion-charges-defenses-penalties.htmWhy You Need an Attorney for White Collar Crime Charges
https://www.drinkerbiddle.com/insights/publications/2019/04/why-you-need-an-attorney-for-white-collar-crime-charge