Dallas Wire Fraud Attorney
» Print This PageFacing Federal Wire Fraud Charges? You Could be Looking At 20 Years. You Need An Experienced Wire Fraud Defense Lawyer to Defend Your Case
A federal wire fraud investigation can turn your entire life upside down before charges are even filed.
Federal prosecutors and FBI agents may already be building a case against you, examining your emails, phone records, and financial transactions.
Every electronic communication you have sent becomes potential evidence in their hands.
Wire fraud is a federal crime under 18 U.S.C. § 1343, and the penalties are severe.
A conviction can result in up to 20 years in federal prison and substantial fines.
If the wire fraud allegations involve a financial institution, you face up to 30 years behind bars and fines reaching $1 million.
The federal wire fraud statute covers an extraordinarily broad range of conduct.
Any scheme to defraud that involves electronic communication in interstate or foreign commerce can form the basis of federal wire fraud charges.
This includes emails, phone calls, text messages, faxes, and even social media posts.
Using a nationally-based email service like Gmail or Yahoo may satisfy the interstate commerce requirement, even if both parties are in Texas.
Federal prosecutors often add wire fraud charges to other fraud allegations, including mail fraud, bank fraud, tax fraud, securities fraud, and insurance fraud.
This creates a multiplying effect where each wire communication can be charged as a separate count, dramatically increasing potential prison time.
What may seem like a single business transaction can result in dozens of federal charges based on the number of emails, phone calls, or wire transfers involved.
The government does not need to prove you knew your communications crossed state lines.
They only need to establish that you devised a scheme to defraud and used wire communications to execute it.
Many people discover they are under investigation only when federal agents appear at their door or subpoenas arrive demanding financial records.
By then, the investigation may have been underway for months or years.
Without experienced Dallas fraud lawyer on your side, you face the full weight of the federal government alone.
How Michael Lowe Defends Against Wire Fraud Charges
Fighting federal wire fraud charges requires a defense lawyer who understands both the complexity of federal criminal law and the specific strategies federal prosecutors use to build fraud cases.
Michael Lowe brings this critical combination of experience to every wire fraud case he handles.
Federal Wire Fraud Defense
Wire fraud allegations require the government to prove specific elements beyond a reasonable doubt.
Michael Lowe examines every aspect of the prosecution’s case, challenging the existence of a fraudulent scheme, the intent to defraud, and the connection between wire communications and the alleged fraud.
Common defenses include demonstrating good faith belief in the truthfulness of statements made, proving lack of intent to deceive, and challenging whether the government has sufficient evidence to prove each element beyond a reasonable doubt.
He identifies weaknesses in the evidence that can lead to reduced charges or dismissal.
Pre-Indictment Investigation Defense
The period before formal charges is often the most critical phase of a federal case.
Michael Lowe intervenes early when possible, communicating with federal prosecutors and investigators to present favorable evidence and potentially prevent indictment altogether.
He protects your rights during interviews and document requests.
Related Fraud Crimes Defense
Wire fraud charges frequently accompany allegations of mail fraud, bank fraud, healthcare fraud, mortgage fraud, insurance fraud, securities fraud, and money laundering.
Michael Lowe handles the full spectrum of white collar crimes and understands how these interconnected charges affect defense strategy and potential sentencing exposure.
Federal Sentencing Advocacy
If conviction occurs, federal sentencing guidelines create a complex calculation that determines your sentence.
Michael Lowe works to minimize sentence enhancements and argue for downward departures based on the specific circumstances of your case and your personal history.
Appeals and Post-Conviction Relief
When trial results are unfavorable, Michael Lowe evaluates the record for errors that may warrant appeal.
He challenges improper jury instructions, evidentiary rulings, and prosecutorial conduct that affected trial outcomes.
Why Michael Lowe Is the Best Option You Have to Defend Your Wire Fraud Charges
Federal fraud cases involve mountains of documents, complex financial transactions, and sophisticated legal arguments.
The prosecution has virtually unlimited resources to investigate and build their case against you.
You need a criminal defense lawyer who can match their preparation and expertise.
Michael Lowe has dedicated his career to defending individuals accused of serious crimes in Texas state and federal courts.
As a former Dallas County prosecutor, he understands how the government builds cases and where their arguments are vulnerable.
He has tried over 150 jury trials throughout his career, giving him courtroom experience that could be the difference between jail time and your freedom.
Michael Lowe has been Board Certified in Criminal Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization since 2007.
Board Certification requires demonstrated experience, peer recognition, and ongoing legal education that ensures he stays current with developments in federal criminal law.
Fewer than 10% of Texas attorneys who practice criminal law achieve this distinction.
He maintains admission to all four federal district courts in Texas, allowing him to represent clients in federal cases throughout the state.
Get a Free Consultation With Michael Lowe Now to Discuss Your Wire Fraud Charges
Federal wire fraud charges threaten everything you have worked to build.
Your career, your finances, your family relationships, and your freedom all hang in the balance.
The federal government moves methodically, and every day without experienced legal representation is a day the prosecution uses to strengthen their case against you.
Time matters in federal investigations.
Evidence must be preserved, witnesses must be identified, and defense strategies must be developed before critical deadlines pass.
Michael Lowe offers a free, confidential consultation to discuss your wire fraud case.
He will review your situation, explain the charges you face, and outline the defense options available to you.
Call the Law Offices of Michael Lowe today at (214) 526-1900.
Do not face federal wire fraud charges alone.
Contact an experienced wire fraud lawyer who will fight for your rights and your future.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wire Fraud Charges
What is wire fraud under federal law?
Wire fraud is a federal crime defined under 18 U.S.C. § 1343 that involves using electronic communication in interstate or foreign commerce to carry out a scheme to defraud. This includes emails, phone calls, text messages, wire transfers, and even social media posts. The federal wire fraud statute is one of the broadest tools federal prosecutors use, and a conviction carries up to 20 years in federal prison, or up to 30 years if the fraud involves a financial institution.
What is the difference between wire fraud and mail fraud?
Both wire fraud and mail fraud involve using a communication method to execute a fraudulent scheme, but wire fraud requires the use of electronic communication while mail fraud involves the U.S. Postal Service or private carriers. Federal prosecutors frequently charge both in the same case because a single scheme can involve emails and mailed documents. The penalties for both are nearly identical, with each count carrying up to 20 years in federal prison.
Can a single email really lead to federal wire fraud charges?
Yes. A single email that crosses state lines as part of a scheme to defraud can establish federal jurisdiction under the wire fraud statute. The government doesn’t need to prove you knew the communication was interstate. Using a nationally-based email provider like Gmail or Yahoo may satisfy the interstate commerce requirement even if both sender and recipient are in Texas.
What is the statute of limitations for wire fraud?
The standard statute of limitations for federal wire fraud charges is five years from the date of the last wire communication made in furtherance of the scheme. However, if the wire fraud allegations involve a financial institution, the statute of limitations extends to ten years. This extended window gives federal prosecutors significantly more time to investigate and bring charges.
How do federal prosecutors stack wire fraud charges with other fraud crimes?
Federal prosecutors commonly stack wire fraud charges alongside mail fraud, bank fraud, and other federal offenses to increase sentencing exposure. Each individual wire communication can be charged as a separate count of wire fraud, which dramatically increases potential prison time. A single business transaction involving multiple emails and wire transfers can result in dozens of federal charges.
What are the common defenses against federal wire fraud charges?
Common defenses include the good faith defense, which argues the defendant had a genuine belief in the truthfulness of representations made, and lack of intent to defraud, which challenges whether the defendant had the specific intent required under the statute. Other potential defenses include challenging whether the government can prove each element beyond a reasonable doubt, disputing the existence of a scheme to defraud, and attacking the connection between wire communications and the alleged fraudulent act.
What is the difference between federal wire fraud and state fraud charges in Texas?
Wire fraud is exclusively a federal crime with no equivalent under Texas state law. State fraud charges in Texas cover offenses like theft by deception and forgery but don’t specifically address the use of wire communications. Federal wire fraud charges carry significantly harsher penalties, and cases are prosecuted by federal prosecutors in federal court with federal sentencing guidelines determining the sentence.
What are the penalties for a wire fraud conviction?
A federal wire fraud conviction carries up to 20 years in federal prison and substantial fines per count. If the fraud involves a financial institution, the maximum sentence increases to 30 years and fines up to $1 million. The loss calculation methods federal prosecutors use can significantly inflate your sentencing exposure beyond what you might expect based on the actual conduct alleged.
How much does it cost to hire a wire fraud lawyer?
Legal fees for wire fraud defense vary depending on the complexity of the case, the volume of evidence involved, and whether the case goes to trial. Federal fraud cases often involve extensive document review and expert analysis, which affects cost. Michael Lowe offers a free initial consultation to evaluate your case and discuss your defense options before any financial commitment.
Can wire fraud charges lead to money laundering charges?
Yes. Federal prosecutors frequently add money laundering charges to wire fraud cases because the proceeds of wire fraud are considered “dirty money” under federal law. This charge stacking significantly increases sentencing exposure, as money laundering carries its own penalties of up to 20 years in federal prison per count on top of the wire fraud sentence.
Can you be charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud?
Yes. Conspiracy to commit wire fraud under 18 U.S.C. § 1349 is a separate federal offense that doesn’t require the government to prove a wire communication actually occurred. Prosecutors only need to show an agreement between two or more people to commit wire fraud. Unlike general conspiracy under 18 U.S.C. § 371, no overt act is required for a conviction under § 1349, making it easier for the government to prove. Conspiracy charges carry the same maximum penalties as the underlying wire fraud offense.
What should I do if federal agents contact me about a wire fraud investigation?
Don’t make any statements to federal agents or investigators without an attorney present. Anything you say during a federal investigation can be used against you, and even seemingly innocent statements can be twisted to support fraud charges. Contact a federal criminal defense attorney immediately so they can advise you on your rights and communicate with investigators on your behalf.
