Criminal Defense Lawyers

Wire Fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1343)

What is Wire Fraud?

So, you’ve been accused of wire fraud. Let’s break it down – wire fraud is a federal crime that involves using electronic communications as part of a scheme to defraud someone.It’s defined under 18 U.S.C. § 1343, which states that anyone who devises a scheme to defraud others of money or property, and uses wire communications (like emails, phone calls, texts, etc.) to execute that scheme, can be charged with wire fraud. 1The key elements the prosecution needs to prove are:

1. You devised a scheme to defraud (intentionally deceived someone)
2. The deception involved a material falsehood (a lie about an important fact)
3. You had intent to defraud (you meant to deceive)
4. You used interstate wire communications to further the scheme

So in plain English – if you knowingly lied to someone to get their money or property, and used things like emails, texts or phone calls as part of that lie, you could be looking at wire fraud charges. 2

Why is Wire Fraud a Big Deal?

Wire fraud is no joke. It’s a federal felony that can land you some serious prison time. The statutory maximum is 20 years behind bars. 1And if the fraud affected a financial institution, or was committed during a national disaster, you could be looking at an even harsher sentence of up to 30 years and fines up to $1 million. 1But it’s not just about the penalties. Being convicted of wire fraud can ruin your life – you lose your job, your reputation is destroyed, and you may struggle to find employment again with that felony on your record.So in short, wire fraud accusations demand your full attention. You need to take them extremely seriously and mount a strong defense, because the consequences can be absolutely devastating.

Common Wire Fraud Scenarios

Wire fraud charges can stem from all kinds of situations. Some common examples include:

• Investment schemes where false statements are made to solicit money
• Fraudulent business opportunities or “make money from home” scams
• Fake charities or crowdfunding campaigns
• Phishing emails or online scams to steal personal/financial info
• Employees misusing company funds or resources for personal gain
• Lying on loan applications or bankruptcy filings
• Bribing officials or engaging in public corruption

Basically, if you used phones, emails, texts or any electronic communication as part of a scheme to intentionally deceive someone out of money, property or honest services, the feds could come knocking with wire fraud charges. 3

Fighting Wire Fraud Charges

Okay, so you’re in hot water facing a wire fraud case. What can you do? Here are some potential defenses:

Lack of Intent
One of the key elements is intent to defraud. If you can show you had no intent to deceive, and any misrepresentations were simply negligent mistakes rather than intentional lies, you may be able to beat the charges. 4

Christine Twomey

2024-03-21

Just had my Divorce case settled 2 months ago after having a horrible experience with another firm. I couldn’t be happier with Claire Banks and Elizabeth Garvey with their outstanding professionalism in doing so with Spodek Law Group. Any time I needed questions answered they were always prompt in doing so with all my uncertainties after 30 yrs of marriage.I feel from the bottom of my heart you will NOT be disappointed with either one. Thanks a million.

Brendan huisman

2024-03-18

Alex Zhik contacted me almost immediately when I reached out to Spodek for a consultation and was able to effectively communicate the path forward/consequences of my legal issue. I immediately agreed to hire Alex for his services and did not regret my choice. He was able to cover my case in court (with 1 day notice) and not only was he able to push my case down, he carefully negotiated a dismissal of the charge altogether. I highly recommend Spodek, and more specifically, Alex Zhik for all of your legal issues. Thanks guys!

Guerline Menard

2024-03-18

Thanks again Spodek law firm, particularly Esq Claire Banks who stood right there with us up to the finish line. Attached photos taken right outside of the court building and the smile on our faces represented victory, a breath of fresh air and satisfaction. We are very happy that this is over and we can move on with our lives. Thanks Spodek law 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙌🏼❤️

Keisha Parris

2024-03-15

Believe every single review here about Alex Z!! From our initial consultation, it was evident that Alex possessed a profound understanding of criminal law and a fierce dedication to his clients rights. Throughout the entirety of my case, Alex exhibited unparalleled professionalism and unwavering commitment. What sets Alex apart is not only his legal expertise but also his genuine compassion for his clients. He took the time to thoroughly explain my case, alleviating any concerns I had along the way. His exact words were “I’m not worried about it”. His unwavering support and guidance were invaluable throughout the entire process. I am immensely grateful for Alex's exceptional legal representation and wholeheartedly recommend his services to anyone in need of a skilled criminal defense attorney. Alex Z is not just a lawyer; he is a beacon of hope for those navigating the complexities of the legal system. If you find yourself in need of a dedicated and competent legal advocate, look no further than Alex Z.

Taïko Beauty

2024-03-15

I don’t know where to start, I can write a novel about this firm, but one thing I will say is that having my best interest was their main priority since the beginning of my case which was back in Winter 2019. Miss Claire Banks, one of the best Attorneys in the firm represented me very well and was very professional, respectful, and truthful. Not once did she leave me in the dark, in fact she presented all options and routes that could possibly be considered for my case and she reinsured me that no matter what I decided to do, her and the team will have my back and that’s exactly what happened. Not only will I be liberated from this case, also, I will enjoy my freedom and continue to be a mother to my first born son and will have no restrictions with accomplishing my goals in life. Now that’s what I call victory!! I thank the Lord, My mother, Claire, and the Spodek team for standing by me and fighting with me. Words can’t describe how grateful I am to have the opportunity to work with this team. I’m very satisfied, very pleased with their performance, their hard work, and their diligence. Thank you team!

Anthony Williams

2024-03-12

Hey, how you guys doing? Good afternoon my name is Anthony Williams I just want to give a great shout out to the team of. Spodek law group. It is such a honor to use them and to use their assistance through this whole case from start to finish. They did everything that they said they was gonna do and if it ever comes down to it, if I ever have to use them again, hands-down they will be the first law office at the top of my list, thank you guys so much. It was a pleasure having you guys by my side so if you guys ever need them, do not hesitate to pick up the phone and give them a call.

Loveth Okpedo

2024-03-12

Very professional, very transparent, over all a great experience

Bee L

2024-02-28

Amazing experience with Spodek! Very professional lawyers who take your case seriously. They treated me with respect, were always available, and answered any and all questions. They were able to help me very successfully and removed a huge stress. Highly recommend.

divesh patel

2024-02-24

I can't recommend Alex Zhik and Spodek Law Firm highly enough for their exceptional legal representation and personal mentorship. From the moment I engaged their services in October 2022, Alex took the time to understand my case thoroughly and provided guidance every step of the way. Alex's dedication to my case went above and beyond my expectations. His expertise, attention to detail, and commitment to achieving the best possible outcome were evident throughout the entire process. He took the time to mentor me, ensuring I understood the legal complexities involved to make informed decisions. Alex is the kind of guy you would want to have a beer with and has made a meaningful impact on me. I also want to acknowledge Todd Spodek, the leader of the firm, who played a crucial role in my case. His leadership and support bolstered the efforts of Alex, and his involvement highlighted the firm's commitment to excellence. Thanks to Alex Zhik and Todd Spodek, I achieved the outcome I desired, and I am incredibly grateful for their professionalism, expertise, and genuine care. If you're in need of legal representation, look no further than this outstanding team.

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Google rating score: 4.9 of 5, based on 736 reviews

No Material Falsehood
The alleged fraud has to involve lies about important, material facts. If the statements in question were just puffery or subjective opinions rather than outright falsehoods about key facts, you may have a defense. 4

No Actual Loss
While not required for a conviction, if no actual economic loss occurred, it could help argue that no real fraud took place and reduce penalties. 4

Statute of Limitations
Federal prosecutors only have 5 years to bring wire fraud charges from the date of the alleged offense. If it’s been longer, you may be in the clear. 5

Jurisdictional Issues
If the alleged scheme didn’t actually use interstate wires or impact interstate commerce as required, you could challenge jurisdiction. 4The bottom line? Fighting wire fraud charges requires an aggressive, multi-pronged defense strategy. An experienced federal criminal defense attorney can analyze all potential avenues and give you the best chance at avoiding a devastating conviction.

What If I’m Under Investigation?

Maybe charges haven’t been filed yet, but you know you’re under investigation for suspected wire fraud. Don’t panic, but do take it seriously.The first step is to invoke your right to remain silent. Don’t make any statements to investigators without your lawyer present, as anything you say can potentially be used against you.Next, don’t destroy any potential evidence. That’s obstruction of justice and will only make things worse. Let your lawyer handle all communication and evidence gathering.Most importantly, get that lawyer on board immediately. They can start protecting your rights, shaping your defense strategy, and negotiating with prosecutors from the very beginning – potentially avoiding charges altogether or securing a favorable plea deal.

Consulting the Experts

Look, wire fraud is an extremely complex area of federal criminal law. The stakes are incredibly high, with your freedom, finances and future hanging in the balance.That’s why you need to bring in the big guns – elite criminal defense attorneys who have extensive experience handling these high-stakes fraud cases in federal court. Lawyers who literally wrote the book on defending these charges.At Spodek Law Group, our team has successfully defended countless clients against wire fraud and other federal fraud charges. We’ve taken on the toughest prosecutors and won. We know all the ins and outs of these cases, from comb ing through evidence to identifying investigatory flaws to negotiating favorable deals.Our attorneys don’t just handle your case – we’re with you every step of the way, answering all your questions and keeping you informed. We explore every possible defense strategy, pouring over every detail to craft the strongest case.Because when you’re facing federal fraud charges that could destroy your life, you need lawyers who will move heaven and earth to protect you. That’s exactly what you get with Spodek Law Group.

The Bottom Line

So, what do you do if you get hit with one of these things? Take a deep breath, stay calm, and call the experts at Spodek Law Group immediately.Our elite team of federal criminal defense attorneys have decades of experience taking on complex wire fraud cases and winning. We’ll break down exactly what you’re facing, what all the legal jargon means, and start building an aggressive defense strategy from day one.It’s simple – every single client deserves honesty and white glove service. We’ll fight tooth and nail to get you the best possible outcome, whether that’s avoiding charges, securing an acquittal, or negotiating a favorable plea deal.