The Benjamin Law Firm is a leading criminal defense practice with extensive experience handling federal and state offenses, including wire fraud. Given the lasting repercussions of a conviction, having aggressive representation is essential. That’s where our firm steps in.
When you meet with us, you will work directly with an experienced wire fraud defense attorney who will advise you of your legal options. Lead attorney Brock Benjamin has the credentials, knowledge, and skill to guide you through the legal process and protect your rights.
Well-versed in Texas and federal wire fraud laws, we have a proven history of achieving acquittals, dismissals, and reduced sentences. Call our El Paso office today to book a consultation.
What is Wire Fraud?
Wire fraud involves using electronic communication or wire transfers to deceive others with the intent to commit fraud. It encompasses various fraudulent schemes, such as email scams, phishing, telemarketing fraud, and online financial scams. The use of wire communication gives federal authorities jurisdiction to investigate and prosecute these cases.
Texas and Federal Wire Fraud Laws
Wire fraud is primarily governed by federal law; however, Texas fraud statutes may also apply in certain situations. These laws make it illegal to devise or participate in a scheme to defraud others, using interstate or foreign wire communications.
Examples of Wire Fraud
Wire fraud schemes can be highly sophisticated, targeting individuals, businesses, or government entities. Examples include:
- Phishing scams – Fraudsters send deceptive emails, posing as reputable organizations, to trick individuals into revealing personal information, such as passwords, credit card details, or Social Security numbers.
- Identity theft – Criminals obtain personal information through various means, such as data breaches or social engineering, and use that information to commit wire fraud.
- Telemarketing fraud – Fraudulent telemarketers use high-pressure tactics to deceive individuals into making payments or providing sensitive information over the phone.
- Investment fraud – Perpetrators may create fraudulent investment schemes, promising high returns to investors, and solicit funds through wire transfers, only to disappear with the money.
- Insurance fraud – Individuals may engage in wire fraud by submitting false insurance claims or staging accidents to obtain payouts from insurance companies.
- Business email compromise (BEC) – Perpetrators target businesses by impersonating high-ranking executives or vendors and manipulating employees into making wire transfers to fraudulent accounts.
- Online auction fraud – Scammers use online platforms to sell fake or nonexistent products, enticing unsuspecting buyers to send payment through wire transfers.
- Real estate scams – Fraudsters manipulate real estate transactions by diverting wire transfers meant for down payments or closing costs to their accounts.
- Romance scams – Scammers establish fake online relationships, gain the trust of their victims, and eventually request money through wire transfers under false pretenses.
- Ponzi schemes – Individuals perpetrate fraud by promising high investment returns to early investors, paying them with funds from new investors, and using wire transfers to facilitate the transactions.
Penalties for Wire Fraud In Texas
The penalties for wire fraud can be severe, carrying significant fines and lengthy prison sentences. Under federal law, individuals convicted of wire fraud may face up to 20 years in prison and substantial fines. In addition, restitution may be ordered, requiring the defendant to compensate the victims for their financial losses.
Defenses Against Wire Fraud
Mounting a robust defense against wire fraud charges requires preparation, investigation, and aggressive courtroom representation. Brock Benjamin can raise several potential defenses, depending on the circumstances of the case, including:
- Lack of intent to defraud – One potential defense is to argue that there was no intent to defraud. This may involve showing that you had a legitimate purpose for your actions and did not have the specific intent to deceive or defraud others.
- Lack of knowledge – Attorney Benjamin may be able to demonstrate that you had no knowledge that your actions were part of a fraudulent scheme and weaken the prosecution’s case.
- Lack of evidence – Scrutinizing the prosecution’s evidence to identify weaknesses, inconsistencies, or gaps can cast doubt on the prosecution’s case.
- Mistaken identity – Proving you were mistakenly identified as the perpetrator of the wire fraud involves presenting evidence that points to an alternative suspect or demonstrates that you had no involvement.
- Entrapment – Entrapment occurs when law enforcement officers induce or persuade an individual to commit a crime they would not have otherwise committed. Brock Benjamin may be able to show that you were coerced or manipulated into engaging in wire fraud by law enforcement.
- Procedural errors or constitutional violations – Attorney Benjamin will examine the procedures followed by law enforcement during the investigation and arrest. If any of your constitutional rights were violated or procedural errors occurred, he can challenge the admissibility of evidence or seek a dismissal of the charges.
How Do You Defend Wire Fraud?
In general, wire fraud defenses can involve challenging the evidence, questioning intent, or arguing for alternative explanations for the accused’s actions. It’s crucial to remember that everyone deserves a fair trial, and our role would be to zealously advocate for our clients within the bounds of the law and ethical considerations.
If you’re facing wire fraud charges, seeking legal counsel from a qualified attorney is your best course of action.
Why Choose Us?
At The Benjamin Law Firm, we have a deep understanding of the legal complexities involved in these cases and will choose the best line of defense. Our dedicated team has a deep understanding of federal wire fraud laws and a successful track record of defending clients against wire fraud charges.
We meticulously investigate each case, identifying any weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence or procedural errors that can be leveraged in your defense. Our attorneys regularly collaborate with experts, such as forensic accountants or technology specialists, to provide a comprehensive defense tailored to your specific situation. We have handled many cases, specifically one case that was tried over the course of 3 weeks in front of a jury in the Western District of Texas. While it resulted in a unfavorable jury verdict, it did result in a sentence that was significantly less than the co-defendant. This is believed to be mainly
You can depend on us to guide you through every stage of the legal process, aggressively negotiate with prosecutors, explore alternative sentencing options, and present a strong defense in court if necessary.
Talk To An Experienced Texas Wire Fraud Attorney Today!
Wire fraud is a serious offense that can have life-altering consequences. Trust The Benjamin Law Firm to provide aggressive legal representation and achieve the best possible outcome for your case. Contact us today for a confidential consultation.