5 Top Reasons to Hire a Federal Fraud Lawyer in Portland

Fraud is an exceptionally broad legal term that applies to any intentional deception (i.e. a false statement or misrepresentation of fact) designed to deprive another person or entity of money, property, or benefits. Thus defined, there are many different types of fraudulent activity that can lead to criminal charges for fraud, from credit card fraud and mail fraud to bank fraud and mortgage fraud. Unlike theft crimes, which involve the unlawful taking of another person’s property, it is the use of intentional misrepresentation of fact that makes fraud, fraud. And a fraud offense can result in criminal charges at either the state or federal level (or both), even if there is no actual loss of money or property. In other words, if you are accused of executing a scheme to defraud a government entity or violating federal anti-fraud laws, you could be charged with a federal fraud offense, even if the scheme did not succeed and no money was lost by the alleged victim or victims. Fraud convictions are punished extremely harshly in federal court, so don’t leave your future or your freedom up to chance. Contact our federal fraud lawyers in Portland to find out how we can help you prepare the strongest possible defense in your criminal case.

1. Familiarity with federal fraud cases

When it comes to fighting criminal charges in federal court, there is no substitute for experience. A federal criminal defense lawyer is uniquely qualified to handle complex white-collar crimes like fraud, and there is no question that a lawyer with a history of success defending clients against federal fraud charges would make for a fierce legal advocate. The defense attorney you hire to represent you will use his experience to your advantage, so don’t make your decision lightly. Go with a federal criminal defense lawyer in Portland who is intimately familiar with federal fraud cases and knows exactly how they must be handled.

2. Ability to argue for a reduced charge or dismissal

A fraud conviction can result in devastating criminal penalties for federal offenders, including prison time and hefty fines. If you hire a competent federal fraud lawyer in Portland as soon as you are contacted by federal law enforcement or learn that you are involved in a federal fraud investigation, your attorney may be able to intervene in the early stages of the investigation and argue for a reduced criminal charge with fewer penalties. In some cases, a good defense attorney may even be able to convince the federal prosecutor to dismiss the charges altogether.

3. Experience with federal courts, judges, and prosecutors

Don’t underestimate the importance of a defense attorney’s experience in federal court and relationships with federal judges and prosecutors. Any defense attorney who has been admitted to practice in the federal district court where you have been charged can legally represent you in your federal fraud case, but one who has cultivated a positive relationship with the judge and/or prosecutor in your case brings much more to the table. If you are looking for an accomplished federal fraud lawyer in Portland, know we pride ourselves on providing our clients with the highest quality legal representation, which we accomplish by leveraging years of experience in federal court.

4. Means to protect your legal rights

Criminal defendants have important rights and protections under federal law, and knowing these rights ahead of time can help you protect yourself throughout your criminal case. Federal criminal cases can be complex and confusing, and there is no one better equipped to help you navigate the criminal justice system and ensure that your legal rights are protected than a skilled federal defense attorney. You have a right to have a qualified criminal defense attorney represent you in your federal fraud case, and choosing the right attorney is one of the most important decisions you’ll make.

5. Knowledge of the most effective defense strategies

All defendants in federal criminal cases are presumed innocent until proven guilty. And the only way the federal prosecutor in your fraud case can secure a guilty verdict is to prove every element of the fraud offense beyond a reasonable doubt. The key element of any fraud offense is the scheme or artifice intended to deprive someone else of money or property, not the actual unlawful procurement of that person’s money or property.

The primary objective of a criminal defense attorney, then, is to put forth a compelling argument that challenges the prosecution’s evidence and raises reasonable doubt about your guilt in the minds of the judge and jury. Our federal fraud lawyers have years of experience representing clients in federal criminal cases and therefore have a clear understanding of the most effective legal defenses. With our legal experts on your side, you can feel confident that you are presenting the strongest possible defense in your criminal case.

How Our Federal Fraud Lawyers in Portland Can Help

The federal government is aggressive in its investigation and prosecution of federal fraud offenses. Broadly defined as intentional deception to secure unlawful or unfair gain at the expense of another, the term “fraud” covers many different types of fraudulent criminal conduct. For instance, you could be investigated by federal agents and charged with fraud in federal court if you are accused of committing or attempting to commit fraud:

  • Against a U.S. government agency, such as the IRS;
  • Via the U.S. mail (mail fraud), the Internet (wire fraud), or another form of communication, across state or national borders; or
  • Involving a bank or other financial institution (bank fraud).

If you find yourself in this situation, finding a knowledgeable federal fraud lawyer in Portland to represent you is your best chance to successfully challenge the prosecutor’s case and preserve your freedom. The federal government has nearly unlimited resources to investigate and prosecute fraud crimes, and you will need an equally shrewd defense attorney on your side if you hope to beat the charges and avoid a federal conviction.

Schedule a Consultation to Discuss Your Federal Fraud Charges

The government’s investigation of financial crimes like fraud is complex and comprehensive and may involve several law enforcement agencies. Depending on the circumstances of the alleged fraud offense, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the Office of the Inspector General (OIG), and other federal government agencies may participate in a fraud investigation, in addition to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), which investigates all forms of federal fraud. In addition to some important differences in the investigative process, federal criminal cases are also filed, prosecuted and sentenced differently than state criminal cases, and should only be handled by an expert federal criminal attorney. Call us today to schedule a free consultation with our highly qualified federal fraud lawyers.

How to Contact Our Skilled Federal Fraud Lawyers

If you are under investigation or have already been indicted for a federal fraud crime like bank fraud, wire fraud, mortgage fraud, tax fraud, or securities fraud, it is not too late to protect your rights. Contact our federal fraud lawyers in Portland at (888) 901-2111 to learn how we can help you get the best possible outcome in your criminal case.

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