Wire Fraud Defense Attorney in Miami, FL Defending Against Criminal Charges and Investigations for Clients in South Florida and Nationwide
If you’re accused of misuse of phone networks, radio and television broadcasts, or internet-related crimes, this isn’t some small, obscure offense likely to end in a minor slap on the wrist. These violations can be charged as wire fraud, a crime that is severely punished in both Florida’s state courts and in federal court. It takes a knowledgeable Miami wire fraud lawyer to prepare a strong defense against these complex criminal charges.
At Forge Litigation Group, I have extensive experience as a white-collar crime defense attorney who gets results. I fight for my clients who are facing serious charges in state and federal courts, protecting their rights throughout the legal process and advocating for the most favorable outcome possible. Contact me today for a consultation, and get help exploring your options for beating wire fraud charges.
Understanding the Crime of Wire Fraud
The offenses that violate wire fraud law can vary drastically, from fraudulent telemarketing practices to internet scams, phishing emails, online data breaches, and more. Although wire fraud violations don’t typically cause anyone bodily harm, being convicted of these crimes could lead to decades behind bars and to fines amounting to hundreds of thousands of dollars or, under certain circumstances, up to $1,000,000.
The crime of wire fraud encompasses certain important elements:
- Fraud: A scheme or plan to use some form of deception, such as misrepresentation or false promises or pretenses, for some sort of gain
- Intent: The misrepresentations or false promises, and the scheme to defraud that employed them, must have been intentional and voluntary rather than constituting honest mistakes or misunderstandings
- Use of wire telecommunication systems: The involvement of some form of wire telecommunication system to conduct or further the fraudulent scheme
The telecommunication systems that may be involved in wire fraud activities include:
- Phone networks
- Internet networks
- Radio communications
- Television broadcasts
As a wire fraud defense attorney in Miami, FL, I represent individuals accused of various types of unlawful conduct. Examples of the types of wire fraud accusations I can assist you with include:
- Allegations of using websites, online advertising, or emails to promote fake investment opportunities
- Accusations of fraudulent telemarketing, such as calling individuals to inform them that they have won some sort of fake prize or sweepstakes and persuading them to pay upfront fees to collect their winnings
- Allegations of sending “phishing” emails posing as financial institutions or government agencies to trick victims into providing their login credentials, credit card information, Social Security numbers, or other identifying information
- Accusations of purporting to sell products online, collecting electronic payments, and then failing to deliver the paid-for merchandise
- Allegations of interfering in legitimate business transactions by hacking, “spoofing,” or otherwise compromising a company’s email and redirecting electronic payments to fraudulent accounts through wire transfers
- Accusations of running rental property scams, in which the perpetrator puts up fake ads for rental properties online and collects rental payments or security deposits from people intending to rent the property
- Allegations of committing charity donation scams by soliciting electronic donations for a supposed charity organization or charitable cause by email and then keeping the funds
- Accusations of participating in employment scams by posting fake job listings online, contacting applicants to let them know they have been hired for a job that doesn’t actually exist, and asking applicants to pay upfront for equipment or training materials
Wire fraud can sometimes be charged in connection with other offenses, such as mail fraud, bank fraud, money laundering, identity theft, and conspiracy. Whether you’re charged with a single count of wire fraud or a more complicated array of related offenses, I’m prepared to defend you strategically and with constant advocacy.
Fighting Federal Charges of Wire Fraud
The federal statute that criminalizes wire fraud is Section 1343 of Title 18, United States Code. Under this law, it’s illegal to conduct a scheme to defraud or obtain property (including money) under false pretenses through the use of wire, radio, or television communication systems.
Under this statute, the transmission of any written content, signs, images, sounds, or signals through these channels for the purpose of furthering a fraudulent scheme is unlawful.
The federal government has jurisdiction over a wire fraud case when the alleged crime or scheme involves interstate or foreign commerce or the use of communication systems that cross borders. Because many telecommunication systems rely on federal infrastructure, using them in the commission of fraud can constitute a federal crime even if the alleged offense was confined to a local (in-state) area. You don’t have to be accused of physically crossing state lines to be charged with wire fraud in federal court.
If convicted of a federal wire fraud violation, you could face up to 20 years in prison and up to $250,000 in fines. These penalties can be increased to up to 30 years in prison and up to $1,000,000 in fines if the offense involves certain circumstances, including affecting a financial institution or occurring in relation to a presidentially declared major disaster or emergency.
Federal wire fraud charges are prosecuted in federal courts by U.S. Attorneys. These courts have different processes and follow different procedures than courts trying cases at the state level. With experience as a federal crime defense attorney as well as providing legal counsel and representation in state courts throughout Florida, I know how to manage criminal cases in District Court and provide effective legal arguments in favor of my clients.
Standing Up to State-Level Wire Fraud Charges in Florida
Wire fraud is also illegal under state law in Florida. The statutes that pertain to this offense are part of the Florida Communications Fraud Act, established under Section 817.034 of Florida Statutes.
This law encompasses not only fraud conducted using wire communications systems but also other forms of communications, including mail service. Under this statute, it’s illegal to transmit data or intelligence of any nature, including written content, visual images, sounds, and signals, through any form of communication system for the purpose of furthering a scheme to defraud a victim.
For offenses characterized as “organized fraud,” the severity of a wire fraud offense under Florida law depends on the value of the property obtained through the alleged violation.
- $50,000 or more: For wire fraud amounting to $50,000 or more, Florida treats the offense as a first-degree felony, punishable by up to 30 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines.
- $20,000 to $49,999: Instances of alleged wire fraud that result in proceeds of at least $20,000 but less than $50,000, the offense is a second-degree felony, punishable by up to 15 years in prison and up to $10,000 in fines.
- Less than $20,000: With a value of less than $20,000, a wire fraud offense can result in third-degree felony charges, punishable by up to five years in prison and up to $5,000 in fines.
Even lower-level accusations of wire fraud can result in significant penalties in Florida. Just communicating with an alleged victim with the intent to fraudulently obtain property from them could constitute communication fraud. If the amount of property you are accused of obtaining or seeking to obtain is valued at less than $300, you can be charged with a first-degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year of imprisonment and up to $1,000 in fines. For property valued at $300 or more, communication fraud in Florida constitutes a third-degree felony, punishable by up to five years in prison and up to $5,000 in fines.
Florida law also enhances penalties for fraud charges committed against certain classes of vulnerable victims, including seniors (age 65 and older), minors, and individuals with physical or mental disabilities. If the victim you’re alleged to have targeted in the offense fits into one of these classes, you can be charged with a higher grade of crime. A first-degree misdemeanor becomes a third-degree felony, a third-degree felony becomes a second-degree felony, and so on. First-degree felony offenses, when committed against these populations, can be reclassified to life felonies, providing for the possibility of serving a life sentence in prison.
Even for communication fraud offenses filed only at the state level, the stakes are high. A Miami wire fraud lawyer can help you minimize the consequences of this legal issue through a defense focused on achieving the most favorable outcome possible.
You Need an Experienced Wire Fraud Defense Attorney in Miami, FL, to Fight for Your Future
A wire fraud charge could derail your life. Even for the lowest level of offense, you could lose your freedom for years and be sentenced to significant fines. If the offense involves a protected class of victims and high-value property, you could be facing decades or potentially life in prison. At the federal level, the six-figure fines imposed can lead to long-lasting financial hardship.
Without a dedicated Miami wire fraud lawyer on your side, you’re likely to miss opportunities to build the strongest possible defense. You may even make common mistakes in navigating the legal process that could put you at a greater disadvantage. The benefits of having a legal advocate representing your interests include:
- Being protected from making statements to law enforcement that could hurt your defense
- Getting an early start on developing your defense strategy
- Gathering evidence in your favor through an in-depth investigation
- Having a resource to turn to for guidance and advice throughout all proceedings
- Being prepared to take full advantage of the potential applications of pre-trial motions
- Having the knowledge to challenge law enforcement officers’ improper procedures in gathering evidence
- Being ready to present your case effectively in plea negotiations, summary judgment hearings, or trial
When you’re facing serious charges like wire fraud, skilled legal representation makes a difference. I’m dedicated to pursuing favorable outcomes that protect my clients from overcharging by prosecutors, unfairly harsh penalties, and violations of their constitutional rights and the due process they’re entitled to.
How Forge Litigation Group Can Help
The practice of law, particularly criminal defense law, isn’t just another business. You need a Miami wire fraud lawyer who doesn’t see you as just a commodity or view the attorney-client relationship as nothing but an impersonal arrangement to provide a service. At my law firm, I take my clients’ legal issues personally and fight for their best interests with unwavering dedication.
Once I agree to represent a client, I become a dedicated advocate for them throughout every development in their case and every stage of the legal process. Find out for yourself what it means to have committed legal counsel on your side.
Why Choose Forge Litigation Group as Your Miami Wire Fraud Lawyer?
Turn to Forge Litigation Group for legal counsel that’s consistently trial-ready, dedicated to providing legal support during turbulent times, and experienced in criminal defense and other areas of legal practice.
Readiness to Fight for You in State or Federal Court
Every year, I take multiple cases to court on behalf of the clients I serve. I’m prepared to force the government to do the hard work of trying to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt by scrutinizing all of the evidence against you and challenging every argument. I’m a trial attorney committed to exploring all avenues for each individual client’s unique situation, and that means being willing to take every case as far as necessary.
A Commitment to Providing Legal Support, Not Judgment
The fraudulent acts you’re accused of committing are nothing more than unproven allegations. Throughout your case, I’m on your side, advocating for the legal protections you’re entitled to and building the strongest possible defense strategy based on your specific circumstances. I’m here to listen, to empathize, and to provide the full support you need to manage the legal process.
Extensive Experience in Legal Practice and Criminal Defense
Over my 25 years of legal experience, I have served clients throughout South Florida and beyond in resolving complex legal matters in favorable ways. I began my career as an Assistant Public Defender in Miami-Dade County, cultivating strong trial skills that I have since incorporated into my private legal practice. I also handle cases at the intersection of criminal defense and civil litigation, and I understand how to manage complex matters that involve both charges of white-collar crime and related civil claims for damages.
Contact a Miami Wire Fraud Lawyer at Forge Litigation Group Today for a consultation
When you’re not sure what to do next, a consultation with a seasoned white-collar defense attorney can help you move forward strategically. I offer confidential consultations. During this discussion, I will listen to the facts of your case, analyze any evidence you have, and provide initial feedback on how you could potentially defend against the charges you’re facing. There’s no obligation, and this consultation provides a no-cost opportunity to make sure you understand your legal rights, what’s at stake, and what options you have.
For help from a wire fraud defense attorney in Miami, FL, contact Forge Litigation Group online or call 786-933-8794 today.