Los Angeles Mail Fraud Lawyer

Have you been accused of mail fraud in Los Angeles, California? Contact Perlman Defense Federal Criminal Lawyers at (747) 373-0477 for a free consultation with a Los Angeles mail fraud lawyer. We can help you respond to an investigation, understand the charges against you, and prepare your defense.

Mail fraud is a serious federal felony that can carry years in prison, substantial fines, and other consequences. Federal prosecutors may build these cases using financial records, communications, witness testimony, and other evidence gathered long before charges are filed. Getting an attorney involved early on gives you time to respond to the government’s case.

Why Choose Perlman Defense Federal Criminal Lawyers to Help Me if I’ve Been Accused of Mail Fraud in Los Angeles?

Perlman Defense Federal Criminal Lawyers represents clients facing serious federal charges, including complex fraud cases, in Los Angeles, CA. Our Los Angeles white collar crimes lawyer has the background and experience needed to handle cases at every stage of the federal criminal process in Los Angeles, CA.

Our qualifications include:

• More than 25 years of criminal defense experience
• Founding attorney Daniel R. Perlman’s background as a former prosecutor
• Recognition from The National Trial Lawyers (Top 100) and the National Association of Distinguished Counsel

Reach out today to schedule a time to speak with a Los Angeles federal criminal defense attorney. 

What Is Mail Fraud Under Federal Law?

Mail fraud is a federal crime under 18 U.S.C. § 1341. It generally involves using the U.S. mail or a private or commercial interstate carrier as part of a scheme to defraud or obtain money or property through false or fraudulent pretenses, representations, or promises.

The mailing need not contain the fraudulent statement itself. It must be sufficiently connected to the carrying out or attempted carrying out of the alleged scheme. A person can also face mail fraud charges for causing another person or business to use the mail in furtherance of the scheme.

What Does the Government Have to Prove in a Mail Fraud Case?

Federal prosecutors have the burden of proving the required elements of mail fraud beyond a reasonable doubt. 

In the Ninth Circuit, the government generally must establish:

• The defendant devised or intended to devise a scheme to defraud.
• The defendant acted with the intent to deceive and cheat.
• The scheme involved material falsehoods or deceptive conduct.
• The defendant used, or caused the use of, the mail or a qualifying carrier to carry out or attempt to carry out the scheme.

Intent is often a central issue in these cases. A mistake, misunderstanding, or unsuccessful business transaction does not by itself establish an intent to defraud.

What Are Common Examples of Federal Mail Fraud?

Mail fraud can arise from many different alleged schemes. The charge is based on the use of the mail or a qualifying carrier in connection with the alleged fraud rather than on one specific type of underlying conduct.

Examples may include:

• Investment fraud
• Insurance fraud
• Mortgage and loan fraud
• Healthcare fraud
• Business and invoice fraud
• Charity and fundraising schemes
• Sweepstakes and prize schemes
• Government benefit fraud

A mail fraud investigation can also lead to other federal charges depending on the alleged conduct, such as wire fraud, conspiracy, or identity theft.

What Are the Penalties for Mail Fraud in California?

A conviction for federal mail fraud generally carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison, along with potential fines of $250,000 if you acted as an individual. If the offense affects a financial institution or involves certain benefits connected to a presidentially declared major disaster or emergency, the maximum increases to 30 years in prison and a $1 million fine.

What Defenses Can Be Raised Against Federal Mail Fraud Charges?

Potential defenses that your federal criminal defense lawyer in Los Angeles may be able to raise include:

• Lack of fraudulent intent: The government must prove that the defendant intended to deceive and cheat.
• Good faith: An honest belief in the truth of a representation can undermine the government’s claim of fraudulent intent.
• No scheme to defraud: The evidence may not establish the fraudulent scheme required for a conviction.
• Lack of materiality: An alleged misrepresentation may not have been material to the claimed scheme.
• Insufficient connection to the mailing: The government must establish the required relationship between the mailing and execution or attempted execution of the alleged scheme.
• Insufficient or unreliable evidence: Financial records, witness testimony, communications, and other evidence may not establish every element beyond a reasonable doubt.
• Unlawfully obtained evidence: Evidence obtained in violation of a defendant’s constitutional rights may be subject to suppression.

Mail fraud cases are highly fact-specific. A defense may focus on the defendant’s intent, the nature of the alleged scheme, the role of the mailing, or weaknesses in the government’s evidence.

Schedule a Confidential Case Evaluation With Our Los Angeles Mail Fraud Defense Lawyer

Perlman Defense Federal Criminal Lawyers is here to help clients facing serious federal fraud charges in Los Angeles, California. If you are under investigation or have already been charged with mail fraud, our attorney can help you respond to the allegations and prepare a defense.

A mail fraud conviction can result in prison time, substantial fines, and other serious consequences. Contact us today to schedule a free, confidential case evaluation with a Los Angeles mail fraud defense attorney.