By: Daniel Perlman
Fraud is a complex criminal offense involving some form of intentional deception (i.e. a false statement or misrepresentation of an important fact) meant to deprive another person or entity of something, usually money, property, or benefits. Allegations of fraud can lead to state charges, federal charges, or both, depending on the circumstances of the alleged offense. At the federal level, fraud is aggressively investigated and prosecuted by the FBI, the IRS, and other federal law enforcement agencies. If you have been accused of executing a scheme to defraud a financial institution or the federal government, obtain money or property by means of false pretenses or misrepresentations, or otherwise violate federal anti-fraud laws, you could be charged with a federal fraud offense. Whatever your situation – whether you are currently under investigation for fraud, you have been served a criminal complaint, or you have already been indicted – we are here to help. Call our federal fraud lawyers in Austin to find out how we can challenge the government’s case against you and aggressively defend you in court.
Federal fraud cases demand the talent of a federal defense attorney who has a proven record of success in defending clients against fraud charges in federal court. The federal government takes fraud offenses extremely seriously, and if you want to avoid a conviction and the myriad criminal consequences that accompany such crimes, you will need the highest quality legal representation you can find. Our talented federal fraud lawyers in Austin understand the unique challenges that come with fighting fraud charges at the federal level, and we will work tirelessly to help you get the best possible outcome in your criminal case.
Just because you are under federal investigation for fraud does not automatically mean you will be charged with fraud or any other crime. Consulting a criminal defense attorney immediately after discovering that you are the target of a federal fraud investigation means your attorney can intervene early on in the investigation and argue for a reduced charge with less severe penalties. In some cases, an experienced defense attorney may even be able to prevent criminal charges from being filed at all. If you are charged with a federal fraud offense in Austin and you decide that you do not want to take your case to trial, our skilled fraud lawyers have the diligence and expertise necessary to negotiate a favorable plea bargain with the prosecutor.
You can’t rely on just any lawyer to competently represent you in your federal fraud case. You need a defense attorney who is qualified to handle federal criminal cases. Federal defense attorneys have been admitted to practice in federal court and have a clear understanding of the complex federal statutes that cover fraud and other white-collar crimes. Many people don’t realize that federal courts have different rules and procedures than state courts. In fact, nearly every step of a federal criminal case is different than a state case, and the penalties associated with a conviction at the federal level are typically more severe than for a conviction at the state level.
Our federal fraud lawyers specialize in federal criminal cases. We have years of experience representing clients in federal court, appearing before federal judges, and going up against aggressive federal prosecutors. With our knowledgeable federal fraud lawyers on your side, you can feel confident that your case is being handled by a seasoned professional.
Federal charges, fraud charges in particular, carry severe criminal penalties that can threaten your freedom and your future if you are convicted. Judges must consult the Federal Sentencing Guidelines when sentencing federal offenders, which means there is little room for negotiation after a conviction.
A person found guilty of wire fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1343) in federal court could be sentenced to 20 years in prison. For a wire fraud offense that affects a financial institution, a convicted offender could face up to 30 years in prison. What’s more, federal offenders must serve at least 85% of their sentence before being eligible for release from prison, which means many criminal defendants convicted in federal court end up serving extremely long sentences.
Everything is on the line when you are facing federal fraud charges. If you have been accused of committing a fraud crime like wire fraud, bank fraud, securities fraud, or mortgage fraud, retaining a skilled federal defense lawyer in Austin is your best chance at beating the criminal charges and preserving your freedom.
Fighting fraud charges in federal court is a complex undertaking requiring the expertise of a respected federal fraud lawyer in Austin. Our defense attorneys are experienced in all areas of criminal law, including fraud and other financial crimes. We are familiar with the unique elements of federal fraud offenses and utilize creative approaches to find the best defense strategy for each criminal case we encounter. All federal fraud cases are different, and we will use every resource at our disposal to ensure that you put forth the strongest possible legal defense against your specific charges.
The federal government has a great deal of leeway when it comes to filing federal fraud charges and prosecuting alleged offenders. Virtually any scheme or artifice intended to defraud the federal government, a financial institution, or a federal program, or any fraudulent conduct that violates federal law, can be charged as fraud in federal court, even if the scheme is not successful and no money was lost by the alleged victim or victims. However, that does not mean that going up against the government and fighting fraud charges is a lost cause. There are defenses to fraud charges, which we can review with you when you contact our federal fraud lawyers in Austin. Nothing is more important to us than assisting you in beating your criminal charges, and we will do everything in our power to help you retain your freedom.
If you are facing federal fraud charges, it can be difficult to know where to turn for help with so much on the line. That is why we offer prospective clients a free legal consultation, during which you can discuss your criminal charges with an experienced federal fraud lawyer in Austin, consider your legal needs, and learn about the various ways you can proceed with your case.
Fraud and other white-collar crimes are most commonly attributed to powerful business types and wealthy executives, but virtually anyone can be accused of fraud and end up involved in a federal criminal investigation. We know how stressful it can be to face federal criminal charges, especially for fraud. Call our defense team today at (888) 901-2111 to find out how we can help.
Daniel R. Perlman, the founding attorney at Perlman Defense Federal Criminal Lawyers, leverages his extensive background as a former prosecutor to provide superior defense strategies for clients across federal courtrooms. Earning his Juris Doctor from the Catholic University of America's Columbus School of Law, he first honed his legal skills with the Maryland State’s Attorney’s Office.
This diverse experience enables him to advocate effectively, understanding prosecution tactics intimately, which he expertly counters in defense of his clients. With a profound commitment to justice, Daniel leads his team in tackling complex federal cases, from white-collar crimes to violent offenses, ensuring the highest level of defense through every phase of the criminal process.
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