Accusations of federal fraud crimes, as with all white-collar crimes, can result in severe consequences for the accused, and a conviction can carry negative impacts for life. If you have been arrested or charged with a federal fraud crime, the federal crime defense lawyers at Berry Law can work tirelessly to defend your rights and secure a better future for you and your family.
Our attorneys have over 100 years of combined experience, we have represented clients in thousands of cases, and we have successfully defended clients in a multitude of jury trials. Our representation has aided those accused of various crimes from coast to coast, and helped to protect members of our Armed Forces as well.
Our team has extensive experience with white collar crimes, and we are prepared to vigorously defend our clients who are facing federal fraud charges. We understand what to look for in bookkeeping and accounting methods to build a strong case. We work closely with independent financial professionals to provide our clients with a strong, thorough defense. The attorneys at Berry Law pride themselves on approaching each case with a vigorous need to succeed. Our relentless work ethic has led us to continued success in the courtroom.
The Legal Basics of Federal Fraud Charges
Federal criminal charges can be brought when an illegal action violates United States federal law or occurs in multiple states. The punishment for a federal fraud charge is typically based on the dollar amount involved. As such, the accused defendant can benefit from working with a team that understands the complexities of accounting and how ambiguities in federal codes and laws can lead to simple miscalculations.
The Elements of a Federal Fraud Charge
To charge someone with the crime of fraud, the allegations generally accuse the defendant of using intentional deception to acquire something valuable, usually money. Fraud can be committed through false statements, misrepresentations, or dishonest conduct that is intended to mislead or deceive someone else who becomes the victim.
Criminal federal fraud charges carry a high burden of proof. At trial, the federal prosecutor must prove the elements of the federal crime being charged “beyond a reasonable doubt” to secure a conviction. This is a more difficult standard than civil cases where a plaintiff must only prove their case “by a preponderance of the evidence.” Of course, if the government meets its burden of proof in a criminal case, the penalties can be harsh and long-lasting.
In a federal fraud case, the prosecutor must prove the following elements beyond a reasonable doubt:
- The defendant intended to commit a fraudulent act of deception — the deception could be a false statement or a misrepresentation of a crucial fact
- The defendant intended to deprive the fraud victim of something valuable — usually money, and
- The fraud victim suffered some sort of loss because of the defendant’s fraudulent act.
When a crime is charged under federal statutes as opposed to state laws, the penalties can be more serious and the defendant’s future can be more severely impacted. The actual penalties assessed upon a conviction will depend on:
- The type of fraud perpetrated,
- The number of victims affected, and
- The dollar value of the financial loss.
Possible punishment might include fines, financial restitution to compensate the injured victims, and incarceration.
The Team at Berry Law Handles a Variety of White Collar Crime and Federal Fraud Cases
The federal crime defense attorneys at Berry Law fully understand the importance of these charges and especially the value of a solid defense and plea negotiation skills. Our team of skilled defense lawyers have extensive experience handling federal white collar crimes including:
- Credit card fraud – using a credit card that is not your own. Examples include stealing someone else’s credit or debit card information, hacking into a data base, or setting up unauthorized recurring payments.
- Embezzlement – withholding assets by someone who was trusted to hold them for the benefit of another person or company.
- Insurance fraud – defrauding the insurance process by claiming a benefit they are not entitled to receive.
- Internet crimes – also known as cybercrimes, include any criminal behavior that involves a computer or digital network.
- RICO violations – when someone connected with a business engages in racketeering activities, often associated with organized crime.
- Tax fraud – the illegal manipulation of taxes. Examples include claiming fraudulent deductions, or categorizing personal expenses as business expenses.
- Wire fraud – defrauding someone by using the physical mail service or electronic mail.
By taking a proactive and aggressive approach, we can help build a strategy to achieve positive results. Our legal team works tirelessly to advocate on behalf of our clients to have their cases dismissed, their charges reduced, or their penalties minimized.
We recognize that the individuals we work with are going through an overwhelming and stressful time in their lives, and our goal is to provide them with the tough legal defense and effective solutions they need. Preparing a federal fraud case takes time and skill. The sooner you partner with one of our dedicated federal crimes lawyers, the faster we can help your situation.
Berry Law’s Team Provides You With Multiple Attorney Perspectives
Contact Berry Law For an Exceptional Criminal Defense Against Federal Fraud Charges
You can be confident in your decision to choose the tenacious and aggressive lawyers at Berry Law to defend you against your federal fraud charges. Establishing your defense plan early can improve your chances of relief from your charges. We’ll start by gathering evidence to build your defense including uncovering the prosecution’s legal theories and supporting facts to determine the weaknesses in the charges and holes in the government’s case.
With the help of Berry Law’s trusted and esteemed criminal defense lawyers, you can be prepared to fight back and seek the best possible resolution of your criminal prosecution. We are passionate about protecting and asserting your constitutional rights and ensuring justice is served.
For an initial consultation to confidentially discuss your options, contact Berry Law online or by calling (402) 466-8444 today.
