Federal wire fraud is a severe crime against which to defend yourself. For example, a situation involving a New Jersey title company and a defendant fighting through two federal indictments. Without professional help, those accused of such crimes have little chance to challenge prosecutors effectively, leading to life-changing consequences. If you need to build a strong defense strategy immediately, contact the Lento Law Firm online or call 888-535-3686 now.

New Jersey Defendant Indicted on Federal Wire Fraud Charges

A New Jersey defendant is awaiting trial after being indicted on two counts of federal wire fraud. In 2018, the defendant allegedly executed a scheme to defraud a New Jersey-based title insurance company after fraudulently acquiring residential properties and funds. The title insurance company lost approximately $1.5 million after the defendant falsely represented a $1.5 million wire transaction to purchase the properties when the defendant allegedly failed to send the funds.

The defendant then asserted to the title company that they no longer wanted to buy the properties, which led to the company refunding the defendant, who then used the funds to purchase luxury goods. Each wire fraud count carries a maximum potential sentence of 20 years in prison and a maximum monetary fine of either $250,000 or twice the gain or loss from the offense, whichever is higher. The New Jersey defendant has reportedly entered a plea of not guilty and was released on unsecured bond.

What Is Wire Fraud?

Wire fraud involves the use of electronic communications—phone calls, text messages, emails, social media posts, faxes, etc.—to commit fraud. Similar to the aspects of laws pertaining to mail fraud, the U.S. Department of Justice cites four key elements for wire fraud:

• Voluntarily and intentionally devising or participating in a scheme to defraud another out of money.
• Evidence of the intent to defraud.
• The potential use of interstate wire communications was “reasonably foreseeable.”
• Evidence of the use of interstate communications.

Conclusively, someone must voluntarily and intentionally engage in a fraudulent scheme to acquire funds using communication devices that send information across state lines. The same penalties apply to those who either attempt or conspire to commit federal wire fraud.

New Jersey also has its own state penalties for wire fraud. While sanctions are similar to those surrounding interstate commerce, courts can hand down sentences that include jail time for a dollar amount as low as $200.

How Can the Lento Law Firm Help With Wire Fraud Charges?

New Jersey defendants facing wire fraud charges—state or federal—need professional legal assistance to avoid fines measured in the hundreds of thousands of dollars and the potential for jail time. The Lento Law Firm Criminal Defense Team is adept at providing comprehensive counsel and representation for individuals facing federal wire fraud charges and other white-collar crimes.

They provide a clear understanding of the charges, potential consequences, and available legal options and will thoroughly analyze the details of your case and examine the evidence, witness statements, and procedural aspects to build a robust defense strategy to contest prosecution and mitigate penalties. Call the Lento Law Firm Criminal Defense Team at 888-535-3686 now or go online to schedule a consultation.