Last Updated on: 28th July 2023, 07:23 pm

Mail Fraud Allegations: A Serious Charge That Requires an Experienced Defense Attorney

Opening up your mailbox to find an ominous letter from a federal agency accusing you of mail fraud is enough to make anyone break out in a cold sweat. Even just the words “mail fraud” conjure up images of lengthy prison sentences and millions of dollars in fines. But take a deep breath – being accused of a crime does not mean you are automatically guilty. With the right legal defense, you can fight the charges and protect your future.

Mail fraud allegations should always be taken seriously, but they do not have to ruin your life. The skilled criminal defense attorneys at the Spodek Law Group have successfully defended countless clients against mail fraud and other white collar criminal charges. We know how to analyze the prosecution’s case, identify weaknesses, and build an aggressive defense to achieve the best possible outcome for our clients.

Don’t go through this alone. Contact our office today for a free consultation with one of our top rated criminal defense lawyers. We are available 24/7 at 212-300-5196. With decades of combined experience, we have the knowledge and determination to protect your rights.

What is Mail Fraud?

Mail fraud refers to any scheme to intentionally deprive someone else of money or property through the mail. Federal mail fraud charges are brought under Title 18 United States Code, Section 1341. The law prohibits using the postal service or other interstate carrier to further “any scheme or artifice to defraud.”

Some examples of activities that could lead to mail fraud charges include:

• Billing schemes to defraud insurance companies
• Sweepstakes scams targeting the elderly
• Fake telemarketing calls requesting donations
• Distributing flyers with false promises of investment returns
• Mailing counterfeit checks, documents, or IDs

Mail fraud charges can arise from an isolated incident or an ongoing pattern of criminal activity involving multiple fraudulent mailings over time. Both individuals and businesses can face accusations. The prosecution does not need to prove that the alleged victim actually suffered a financial loss, only that there was intent to defraud.

Why Are Mail Fraud Charges So Serious?

A federal mail fraud conviction carries potentially severe penalties, including:

• Up to 20 years in prison per offense
• Massive fines up to $250,000 per offense for individuals, $500,000 for organizations
• Restitution to compensate victims for losses
• Forfeiture of assets obtained through the fraud
• Supervised release after prison

The long prison sentences are imposed because mail fraud is a felony offense. The potential financial penalties can easily reach millions of dollars when you consider that each fraudulent mailing connected to the scheme can be charged as a separate offense.

A criminal conviction will also result in a permanent criminal record that will follow you for the rest of your life, limiting future job prospects and impacting your reputation. For professionals who depend on licenses or security clearances for their careers, a mail fraud conviction can be devastating.

Finding the Right Mail Fraud Defense Attorney

Given what is at stake when facing federal mail fraud charges, selecting the right lawyer for your defense is critical. Look for an attorney with specific experience defending complex white collar criminal cases in federal court. Do not let a real estate or divorce lawyer dabble in criminal law while your future hangs in the balance.

Ask any potential lawyer about their background and qualifications, including:

• How many federal criminal jury trials have they handled as lead counsel?
• What is their success record in mail fraud cases specifically?
• Are they familiar with federal sentencing guidelines?
• Do they have experience negotiating with federal prosecutors?

Ideally, your defense lawyer should have 10+ years handling federal cases and be able to point to numerous successful outcomes in similar prosecutions. Their familiarity with mail fraud investigators, forensic accountants, and the complexities of a criminal trial can make all the difference.

Where to Find an Excellent Mail Fraud Lawyer

Conducting your own online research is a good starting point when looking for a reputable lawyer to defend against mail fraud charges. Check state bar association websites to confirm licenses and look for client reviews. Be sure to contact several criminal defense lawyers and compare qualifications.

Retaining the services of a large Manhattan white collar criminal defense firm like Spodek Law Group also carries advantages. Resources, clout, and connections can open doors. For example, partners in our firm sit on panels that help select federal judges in New York. We also have long track records working with the Department of Justice and federal law enforcement agencies.

Ask colleagues for referrals to criminal defense lawyers. If you know someone who was acquitted of federal charges or achieved a favorable plea deal, ask who represented them. Their positive firsthand experience can reinforce online research.

Reach out to court appointed lawyers who are often highly competent thanks to their experience handling federal criminal cases on behalf of indigent defendants. Judges recognize and respect these attorneys. While they cannot formally recommend someone, court appointed lawyers can still provide helpful guidance.

Choosing the Best Lawyer for Your Case

The right mail fraud defense lawyer for you depends on the specifics of your case and your needs. Factors to consider include:

Experience with Similar Fraud Schemes: A lawyer who regularly handles healthcare billing fraud may not have deep expertise defending sweepstakes scams targeting elderly victims. Find someone familiar with the type of scheme alleged in your case.

Knowledge of the Charge Location: Federal court procedures, judges, and even cultural attitudes can vary greatly between different districts. A New York City mail fraud attorney knows the local landscape in a way that benefits clients.

Personality and Communication Style: You will be putting your trust in this lawyer for months or even years. Make sure you choose someone who is responsive, pays attention to detail, and takes the time to explain things in a way you understand.

Team Depth: A solo practitioner may lack the resources of a larger firm with paralegals, legal assistants, private investigators, and other professionals. Think about what legal firepower your case demands.

Fee Arrangement: Make sure you understand how the law firm bills and what is covered. Can they work within your budget constraints? Be wary of lawyers promising specific outcomes.

By conducting diligent research and asking the right questions, you can find the best attorney to defend against allegations of mail fraud. Do not delay – the sooner you engage a lawyer after receiving notice from the government, the better. Time is of the essence in building an effective defense.

Fighting Mail Fraud Charges with the Spodek Law Group

Here at Spodek Law Group, we provide aggressive and strategic criminal defense representation against any type of mail fraud charges in federal court. Founding partner Todd Spodek is a highly respected New York white collar defense lawyer with decades of experience successfully defending mail fraud cases. He understands how devastating indictment can be for clients and works tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome.

We have the resources and expertise to analyze complicated fraud allegations, find factual errors or legal overreach in the prosecution’s case, and present compelling evidence and arguments before judges and juries. Where weaknesses exist, we exploit them. Many of our past cases have ended with reduced charges or even outright dismissals.

Do not go through this fight alone. The skilled federal criminal defense attorneys at Spodek Law Group are here to help protect your future. We know what is at stake when facing mail fraud conspiracy charges. Contact our office 24/7 at 212-300-5196 for a free case evaluation and see what we can do to help.