Fort Myers Fraud Defense Lawyer
Almost any communication tied to a fraud scheme can result in additional charges of wire fraud or mail fraud — an e-mail, an envelope through the mail, an Internet transaction. These are severe federal charges that may carry years of prison time upon conviction.
If you are accused of using electronic media or the U.S. mail in furtherance of a crime, you will need aggressive representation to challenge the allegations. I am a proven criminal defense attorney with over 30 years of experience in state and federal fraud cases.
My criminal law practice, Charles M. Harris, P.A., serves clients in Fort Myers, Naples, Punta Gorda, Sarasota and surrounding Southwest Florida. Contact me before making any statements to authorities, whether you have been formally charged or suspect that you are the target of a fraud investigation.
- Wire fraud charges can extend to any electronic communication in connection with an alleged scheme: telephone or cell phone, e-mail or texting, Internet, wire transfers.
- Mail fraud is any use of the U.S. Postal Service to perpetrate a fraud or theft: solicitations, medical billings, checks, signed documents, account statements, packages.
Mail Fraud and Wire Fraud Defense
Prosecutors tack on wire and/or mail fraud charges to up the ante. Whatever the underlying charge — tax fraud/tax evasion, bankruptcy fraud, insurance fraud, investment fraud, mortgage fraud, identity theft, embezzlement — these companion indictments give the government additional leverage. This is especially true when the communication is integral to the scam; Bernard Madoff's Ponzi scheme relied on lulling victims with phony statements mailed each month. Mail and wire communications are also used to prove a conspiracy or money laundering.
To prevail on wire fraud or mail fraud, the government must tie the communication to you, prove a material representation and show that the victims relied on that communication to their (financial) detriment.
I know how to attack the prosecution's case to cast doubt on these charges. My goal is to have the evidence suppressed or charges of mail fraud/wire fraud dropped. I am also an effective advocate in plea negotiations and at sentencing when the government has a strong case. When your freedom and reputation are at stake I am prepared to go to trial to fight a conviction.
Find Out Where You Stand • Free Consultation • Se Habla Español
Contact my Fort Myers office at 239-935-5703 or e-mail me to discuss your situation. I have Spanish speakers on my staff.
