What is Wire Fraud?

There are differences between white-collar crime and other types of crime. A white-collar crime involves profiting financially and is not typically associated with violence or violent threats. It may seem like these crimes are less serious or damaging than crimes associated with violence, but it is important to understand that white-collar crimes carry consequences including fines, restitution, probation, and jail.

If you have been arrested and charged with a white-collar crime, there is hope. Working with the right legal counsel who has experience and understanding of criminal law can provide you with the guidance and support you need to increase your chances of avoiding or greatly reducing the penalties you are facing. Thomas C. Hallock is a Chicago criminal defense attorney who is well-known in the greater Chicago area for his tough and aggressive representation of defendants who are at risk of being convicted of serious criminal charges.

What is Wire Fraud and is it a White-Collar Crime?

Most often, wire fraud is considered a white-collar crime and prosecuted as such. If you have been convicted of wire fraud, the allegations suggest you have used either radio, telephone, or email means of communication to defraud another individual. One of the factors that must be proven by a prosecutor for a conviction to happen is that the defendant’s act was intentional.

Wire fraud cases can be seen in both state and federal courts because wire fraud is illegal under state and federal law. When wire fraud takes place across state lines, it will be prosecuted in federal court. Some common examples of wire fraud include:

• Pyramid schemes
• Ponzi schemes
• Embezzlement
• Tax evasion
• Identity theft
• Insurance fraud
• Internet fraud
• Money laundering

This list is not exhaustive, but it does show some cases where the criminal charge of wire fraud can be present. There are some instances in which a defendant’s conduct does not completely fit a defined criminal statute. For these cases, a prosecutor may decide to go with a wire fraud charge. A talented and resourceful Illinois criminal defense attorney will know how to argue that the state does not have enough evidence for wire fraud charges which can result in a complete dismissal of the case. That is the best scenario possible.

Speak to an Experienced Chicago Criminal Defense Attorney Today

If you are convicted of wire fraud, you may have to spend up to 20 years behind bars and that is in addition to hefty fines. When a defendant is convicted of committing wire fraud against a financial institution or in an emergency situation, the fines and prison time increase substantially. A conviction in this situation would mean fines as high as $1,000,000 and prison sentences can last for 30 years.

Call Thomas C. Hallock, a Chicago federal criminal defense attorney to schedule your free consultation at (312) 487-2441 for local residents or toll-free at (888) 412-3741. During your free consultation, you can discuss your case with Thomas C. Hallock and have all your questions answered. You can also learn more about what strategies you may be able to utilize that could result in the most favorable outcome.