Dallas Area Wire Fraud Lawyer

Attorney for Federal White Collar Crime in Texas

Wire fraud and mail fraud bear many similarities. Both involve transmitting or sending a communication in an attempt to defraud another party into giving up money or property. The main difference is that while mail fraud involves physically mailing a tangible letter, wire fraud involves sending an electronic communication. A wide variety of conduct can fall under the definition of wire fraud, and it is fairly common for other offenses, such as identity theft or attempted identity theft, to be charged in conjunction with wire fraud.

Spencer & Associates is highly experienced in defending people who are facing wire fraud charges and other white collar crime charges. We take on cases at both the federal and state level, working tirelessly to develop and present the best possible defense. Our attorney will strive to protect your rights and your freedom when we represent you.

Wire Fraud Defined

The federal and Texas state statutes prohibiting wire fraud are similar. They both bar using electronic communications in "a scheme to defraud." Wire fraud is often brought as a charge in conjunction with other fraud charges, such as credit card fraud, in cases where electronic communication was used to further the scheme. For example, if a person uses e-mail to trick another person into giving up their credit card information, that would likely fall under the legal definition of wire fraud.

In the past, the definition of wire fraud was far more limited, and largely applied to schemes involving wire transfers of money. However, the offense of wire fraud can now be applied to a much larger variety of forms of electronic communication, including:

• Television
• Radio
• Any written communication sent electronically, such as email, text messages, or online message boards.
• Images or videos
• Social media posts

A variety of schemes may be carried out through one of these mediums. "Obtaining money or property by means of false or fraudulent pretenses, representations, or promises" and using interstate electronic communications to do so is included in the definition of federal wire fraud. For example, posting a video falsely claiming to have cancer and soliciting donations could fall under the definition of wire fraud. Likewise, claiming to be selling a valuable item and collecting money in exchange for it with no intention of actually sending the item could also be considered wire fraud.

Wire Fraud Penalties

Federal wire fraud is a felony that carries up to 20 years in prison. If a federal wire fraud scheme affects a financial institution or involves a major national disaster - such as the COVID-19 pandemic - the potential sentence increases to 30 years and a fine of up to $1,000,000.

Additionally, there are what are referred to as "collateral consequences." Even if a shorter prison sentence is ordered, the consequences of having this offense on your record will not end when you are released. You will likely find that you will struggle to find professional employment, and you may even have difficulty finding suitable housing. You may also face asset forfeiture, which could impact you financially for a long time to come. The penalties for this offense are steep, and it is taken very seriously.

Contact a Texas Wire Fraud Attorney

Spencer & Associates has the experience and knowledge needed to help you fight back against your wire fraud charge. Our skilled criminal defense lawyer will do all we can to help you. For a free consultation, please contact us at 214-385-8500.