Experienced Defense Against Mail Fraud And Wire Fraud Charges

A charge of mail fraud or wire fraud in federal court can lead to a long prison term and heavy fines if you are convicted. Even getting arrested and charged can cause severe damage to your reputation in Sacramento’s business community. To defend your freedom and your career, you need legal defense from a defense attorney experienced in complex white collar criminal law.

Sacramento attorney Patrick Hanly has practiced federal criminal law since 1989, first as a prosecutor and then in private practice as a defense attorney. His clients receive the benefit of his intimate knowledge of mail fraud and wire fraud law as well as federal criminal procedure. At the Law Offices of Patrick K. Hanly, he has defended hundreds of clients in federal court and regularly secures dismissals and not guilty verdicts on their behalf.

Wire Fraud And Mail Fraud Explained

The crimes are fairly similar, but they involve different methods. Wire fraud entails using “interstate wires” (i.e., the internet, email, telephones, etc.) in furtherance of a scheme to defraud someone else. Mail fraud is the use of the U.S. Postal Service or a private interstate carrier like UPS to commit fraud. Prosecutors must prove that the defendant devised a fraudulent scheme and used interstate communications to help carry out the scheme.

However, the defendant need not be directly involved in the communication. If an employee sends an email or makes a phone call as part of a fraudulent scheme and claims that their employer directed them to do so, the business owners could face charges.

A conviction for mail or wire fraud can result in a prison sentence of up to 20 years and a huge fine. Each instance of wire or mail fraud can be charged separately, so the penalties can quickly add up even if you do not receive the maximum sentence for each charge.

Aggressive Defense Is Your Best Chance

If you have been arrested on wire or mail fraud charges, or if you learn that you are under investigation, do not hesitate. Contact the Law Offices of Patrick K. Hanly as soon as possible to schedule a confidential consultation to discuss your case. Call 916-773-2211 to reach the firm’s Sacramento office.