Mail Fraud and Other Fraud Offenses

Federal Defense Lawyers Explain Fraud Offenses

Mail fraud may not seem like a very serious crime, but in fact it is a federal offense and conviction could result in decades of imprisonment.

Mail fraud and other types of fraud, including bank fraud and wire fraud, can result in federal charges, an investigation by federal investigators, and conviction for a serious felony offense that changes your future.

If you have been accused of any type of federal fraud offense, it’s important to get the right legal help. LV Criminal Defense represents defendants facing federal charges in Arizona, California, Utah, Nevada, Oregon, and surround areas.

We have a long and successful track record of helping defendants to fight serious charges and we can put our extensive knowledge to work for you.

Give us a call today to find out more about the ways in which our federal criminal defense attorneys can help with mail fraud charges.

Federal Laws On Mail Fraud and Other Fraud Offenses

Mail fraud is grouped with other fraud offenses in 18 U.S. Code Chapter 63. In total, there are 11 statutes that define different types of federal fraud offenses. These statutes include:

• 18 U.S. Code section 1341: Frauds and swindles: This statute imposes a penalty of up to 20 years imprisonment for devising or intending to devise a scheme or engaging in fraud in order to obtain money or property by means of false or fraudulent pretenses or representations. The statute broadly defines unlawful fraud and swindles to include making false promises; procuring counterfeit coins or securities; using the post office in any fraud schemes; and using common carriers in fraud schemes. If a defendant engages in fraud or swindles and the fraud affects a financial institution or causes funds to be transmitted or paid in connection with a major disaster or emergency, the penalty is a maximum of 30 years imprisonment.
• 18 U.S. Code section 1342: Fictitious name or address: A prison sentence of up to five years and a fine can be imposed under this statute for anyone who uses a false name for purposes of carrying out a fraud scheme or for other unlawful business.
• 18 U.S. Code section 1343: Fraud by wire, radio, or television: Transmitting false information over wire, radio, or television or causing such information to be transmitted in interstate or foreign commerce can result in imprisonment of up to 20 years under this statute, or imprisonment up to 30-years and a fine up to $1 million if a financial institution is defrauded or if the fraud is connected to a major disaster or emergency.
• 18 U.S. Code section 1344: Bank fraud: Under this statute, knowingly executing a scheme or artifice to defraud a financial institution or obtain funds from a financial institution can result in a fine up to $1 million and up to 30 years imprisonment.
• 18 U.S. Code section 1345: Injunctions against fraud: This statute gives the attorney general the authority to bring a civil action to get an injunction against a person who is violating statutes within 18 U.S. Code Chapter 63.
• 18 U.S. Code section 1346: Definition of “scheme or artifice to defraud”: Under this statute, scheme or artifice to defraud is defined to include any scheme or artifice that is intended to deprive another person of the “tangible right of honest services.”
• 18 U.S. Code section 1347: Health care fraud: This statute makes it a crime to willfully execute any scheme, or attempt to execute any scheme, to defraud a healthcare program or obtain benefits from a health care program using fraudulent means. The penalty could include up to 10 years imprisonment and a fine. However, if serious bodily injury occurs due to the violation, the maximum term of imprisonment is 20 years.
• 18 U.S. Code section 1348: Securities and commodities fraud: This statute imposes a maximum penalty of 25 years for engaging in fraud schemes connected with commodities for future delivery, or certain securities registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
• 18 U.S. Code section 1349: Attempt and conspiracy: Under this statute, attempting to commit an offense made illegal within 19 U.S. Code Chapter 63 can result in the defendant facing the same penalties as would be imposed if the offense was committed.
• 18 U.S. Code section 1350: Failure of corporate officers to certify financial reports: Criminal penalties including up to 20 years of imprisonment are imposed under this statute for corporate officers who improperly certify certain reports required under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
• 18 U.S. Code section 1351: Fraud in foreign labor contracting: Penalties are imposed under this statute for knowingly and with intent to defraud hiring people outside of the U.S. for employment in the U.S. under fraudulent means, or for recruiting people outside the U.S. using fraudulent means for work performed in connection with the U.S.

Understanding these different statutes is important so you will know what exactly a prosecutor must prove for you to be convicted of a particular federal fraud offense.

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