Mail Fraud Defense Lawyer Dallas
» Print This PageFederal Mail Fraud Charges Could Mean 20 Years in Prison. Get a Former Prosecutor Fighting on Your Side.
A federal mail fraud investigation does not announce itself with a polite knock on the door.
By the time you realize you are under investigation, federal agencies have likely been building a case against you for months.
Under federal law, a single count of mail fraud carries up to 20 years in federal prison.
If the scheme involved a financial institution, that number jumps to 30 years and fines reaching $1 million.
Any use of the United States Postal Service, UPS, or FedEx carriers in connection with a scheme to defraud can trigger federal jurisdiction.
This means a business dispute, a billing error, or even actions taken by employees without your knowledge could result in federal charges.
The consequences extend beyond prison time: hefty fines, the obligation to pay restitution, a permanent federal criminal record, and the destruction of your professional reputation.
What makes mail fraud cases particularly dangerous is that prosecutors do not need to prove you personally mailed anything.
They only need to show that the mail service was used at some point in furtherance of a scheme to defraud.
Without an experienced federal criminal defense attorney who understands how federal prosecutors build these cases, you are fighting blind against a system designed to secure convictions.
How Michael Lowe Can Help You Fight Federal Mail Fraud Charges
Facing mail fraud charges requires more than legal knowledge.
It demands an attorney who has stood on both sides of the courtroom and knows exactly how the government will attempt to prove its case.
Michael Lowe provides aggressive defense strategies for all aspects of mail fraud charges, including:
Pre-Indictment Investigation Defense
The strongest defense begins before charges are filed.
Michael Lowe works with clients under federal investigation to protect their rights during questioning and present favorable evidence to prosecutors before indictment decisions are made.
Challenging the Two Elements of Mail Fraud
Every mail fraud prosecution must prove two elements beyond a reasonable doubt: that you devised a scheme to defraud, and that you used the mail service to execute that scheme.
Michael Lowe attacks both elements, examining whether the government can prove fraudulent intent or whether your actions were made in good faith.
Wire Fraud and Related Federal Charges
Mail fraud charges rarely stand alone.
Prosecutors frequently add wire fraud charges when electronic communication was involved, along with health care fraud, tax evasion, or identity theft counts.
Michael Lowe handles the full scope of related federal charges, building a strong defense strategy that addresses the entire case.
Federal Sentencing Advocacy
Federal sentencing involves complex calculations under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Michael Lowe presents mitigation evidence, challenges improper sentencing enhancements, and advocates for the lowest possible sentence when a client faces federal prison.
Trial Defense
With more than 150 jury trials under his belt, Michael Lowe has the courtroom experience necessary to present your defense effectively, cross-examine government witnesses, and create reasonable doubt about the prosecution’s allegations.
A Former Prosecutor Who Knows How the Government Builds Mail Fraud Cases Against You
Prosecutors construct narratives designed to convince juries that the defendant acted with fraudulent intent.
Michael Lowe spent years as a prosecutor learning exactly how these narratives are built, which means he knows exactly how to dismantle them.
His holds a Board Certification in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization since 2005. This certification is held by less than 10% of Texas attorneys and requires demonstrated expertise and peer recognition.
This signals to prosecutors that your case will face the highest level of scrutiny. Every document, every witness, and every assumption will be challenged by someone who has done this at the highest level.
Speak to the Mail Fraud Lawyer You Need Today
Time is critical when federal agencies are investigating mail fraud.
Evidence must be preserved.
Witnesses must be identified.
Strategic decisions must be made before prosecutors lock in their case theory.
Michael Lowe offers a free consultation to discuss your situation and explain your options.
Do not wait until charges are filed to seek legal help.
The earlier you involve an experienced mail fraud attorney, the more options you have to protect your rights and your future.
Call (214) 526-1900 now to speak with Michael Lowe about your federal mail fraud case.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mail Fraud
What are the penalties for mail fraud under federal law?
General mail fraud carries up to 20 years in federal prison per count. If the fraud affected a financial institution or involved a presidentially declared major disaster under the Emergency Assistance Act, penalties increase to 30 years imprisonment and fines up to $1 million. Defendants may also be ordered to pay restitution to victims.
What must prosecutors prove to convict someone of mail fraud?
Federal prosecutors must prove two elements beyond a reasonable doubt: that the defendant devised a scheme to defraud using false or fraudulent pretenses, and that the defendant used the postal service or a private carrier to execute the scheme. The government does not need to prove that the defendant personally mailed anything.
What is the difference between mail fraud and wire fraud?
Mail fraud involves using the United States Postal Service or private carriers like UPS and FedEx to further a scheme to defraud. Wire fraud involves using electronic communication such as phone calls or emails. Both carry similar severe penalties, and prosecutors often charge both when a scheme involved multiple forms of communication.
What are common defenses against mail fraud charges?
Common defenses include lack of intent to defraud, good faith belief in the legitimacy of business dealings, mistaken identity, and challenging whether the mail was actually used in furtherance of the alleged fraud. An experienced attorney can determine which defense strategy offers the strongest protection for your specific situation.
Should I talk to federal investigators without a mail fraud lawyer?
No. Federal investigators are trained to build cases, and anything you say can be used against you. You have the right to have an attorney present during any questioning, and exercising that right is not an admission of guilt.
