Houston Wire Fraud Attorney

FEDERAL WIRE FRAUD LAWYER, HOUSTON, TX

houston wire fraud attorney Wire fraud involves the use of telephones or electronic communication in furtherance of a fraudulent scheme. Generally, the scheme is an attempt to defraud another person out of money. Wire fraud can be charged at both the state and federal level and involves the use of false pretenses to defraud someone of their property. If you need help understanding these charges our Houston Wire Fraud Attorney can help, just give us a call.

Fraudulent wire transfers occur whenever an individual uses electronic means in order to perpetrate a deceptive criminal act. It can involve a number of different crimes, and a few of the most common ones include:

Most of the time, this crime is conducted across state lines, which in turn makes it a felony offense. The same act can also result in mail fraud charges if an act was carried out by using the U.S. Postal Service in addition to electronic forms of communication.

The Use of Wire Communications

The definition of wire communications has changed as we have made advances in technology. Wire fraud includes any use of electronic communication, such as:

  • Telephones
  • Fax machine
  • Internet
  • Email
  • Television
  • Radio

If the communication occurs across state lines, then it may be prosecuted by the Department of Justice.

How Interstate Wire Fraud Is Punishedal Cases?

In most cases, wire fraud is punishable by fines, restitution, and up to 20 years in federal prison. When a crime is committed against a financial institution, the charges can include bank fraud and the amount of prison time increases up to 30 years, and there can be a fine of as much as $1 million.

Those who are sentenced to federal penitentiaries will have to serve their entire sentence, as there is no parole system offered by the United States government.

Federal Fraudulent Wire Transfers Defense Strategies

In order for the federal government to prove allegations of wire fraud, it will be necessary to show that an individual had the requisite Mens Rea, which is Latin for “guilty mind.” According to the United States Code, this means that the defendant must have intended to defraud others by his or her actions. Making the federal government prove this intent is only one of the ways in which federal wire fraud lawyers ensure that the rights of their clients are not violated.

Our Houston Wire Fraud Attorney will also look at the possibility of mistaken identity in order to raise reasonable doubt in the minds of jurors. Mistaken identity is a leading factor in wrongful convictions, especially for internet-related crimes. In order to prove mistaken identity, it might be necessary to run extensive forensic checks on a defendant’s computer or obtain detailed cell phone information.

Defending Against Texas Wire Fraud Charges

If you are charged with committing wire fraud in Texas, you need an experienced lawyer to represent you in court. Wire fraud charges can result in a felony conviction. Attorney James Alston is a former state and federal prosecutor. During his time with the Harris County District Attorney’s Office, Mr. Alston was assigned to the Major Fraud Division, where he prosecuted numerous white-collar crimes, including those involving mail and wire fraud. Mr. Alston understands the severity of these charges and will fight hard to get you the best possible result in your case.

At the Law Offices of James Alston, you will be represented by a board-certified criminal defense attorney. Attorney James Alston handles every case personally, never passing your case on to a junior associate. When your freedom and your future are on the line, you need experience you can trust. Contact Attorney James Alston today for a consultation at (713) 228-1400. Find out what options are available in your case and how to fight the charges against you.

REQUEST HELP FROM A FEDERAL HOUSTON WIRE FRAUD ATTORNEY

James Alston is a Houston criminal defense lawyer who is experienced at handling all types of federal criminal offenses, including interstate fraudulent wire transfers. Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, James Alston fights hard for his clients in order to help them assert their innocence and get the best result. Contact him today.