Are you or someone you know seeking wire fraud legal representation in Chicago, IL? Obtaining the services of an experienced attorney is pivotal to mounting a successful defense. That’s why we’ve created this guide to finding the top wire fraud lawyers in Chicago, IL.
What is Wire Fraud?
Wire fraud is a serious crime involving the use of electronic communications systems to defraud or deceive victims. The key elements of wire fraud include:
- The scheme to defraud – The intention or plan to deceive victims, including the specific method of fraud used, such as phone calls, text messages, or the internet.
- Use of Interstate Communications – When communications intended to deceive victims cross state or international lines, the offense becomes federal.
- Intent to Defraud – The knowing intention by the perpetrator to deceive a victim.
- Money or Benefit Obtained – The financial or other benefit that the perpetrator achieves from the scheme.
Hiring an experienced Chicago criminal defense attorney is crucial to understanding the charges against you, and mounting a credible defense.
Examples of Wire Fraud
Wire fraud schemes can take on a variety of forms. Some common examples include:
- Telemarketing Fraud – Includes making unsolicited phone calls to numbers in an attempt to sell non-existent or significantly overpriced goods and services.
- Phishing Scams – Using false email addresses or accounts that purport to be from a legitimate organization, with the goal of getting the victim to provide personal information or financial information that can be used illegally.
- Phony Investments – Promising high returns on investments that are not real, or can not realistically delivered.
Wire fraud can come in many more forms, but nearly always involves misuse of interstate communications intended to defraud a victim. It’s important to secure the services of a Chicago wire fraud defense lawyer as soon as possible, so you can begin discussing your case.
Wire Fraud Penalties
A conviction on charges of wire fraud comes with severe penalties. On a federal level, 18 USC 1343 defines wire fraud and assigns a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. Fines may also potentially be levied against the defendant in the event of a conviction. In some cases, the penalties and potential prison time may reach $1,000,000 and 30 years in prison if the wire fraud involves funds intended for disaster or emergency relief.
In the state of Chicago, the Illinois General Assembly 720 ILCS 5/17-24 governs wire fraud cases committed within the state. Wire fraud is considered to have occurred in the county where the transmission originated from. If the transmission crosses state or international borders, the case becomes federal.
Find the Best Wire Fraud Attorneys Chicago, IL
Below, we have compiled a list of the best wire fraud attorneys in Chicago, IL. Each of these Chicago criminal defense attorneys have earned a reputation for vigorously fighting for their clients against wire fraud charges and other white collar crimes.
If you or someone you know are facing wire fraud charges, let us help you find the top wire fraud lawyers available in Chicago, IL.
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Sami Azhari
Law Firm: Federal Criminal Lawyer
Contact: +13126262871
We understand criminal defense. Sami is an attorney and principal of Azhari LLC, with over 14 years of experience as a trial lawyer. He has tried over 100 jury and bench trials. At Sami Azhari LLC, we handle Illinois state child pornography cases, as well as federal cases all over the country. Our firm is familiar with Illinois local rules for each jurisdiction, as well as the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure.
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Steven Greenberg
Law Firm: Greenberg Trial Layers
Over 30yrs experience-successfully tried hundreds of cases, including over 100 jury trials. No case is too big or too small.
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Vadim Glozman
When the stakes are high and you have been arrested for a federal crime, find a lawyer you can trust. Call Vadim.
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Mike Leonard
Law Firm: Leonard Trial Lawyers, LLC
We aggressively defend individuals and companies in the trial of Federal criminal cases. Your Case. Our Cause. Call today!
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Dena M. Singer
Law Firm: Bedi & Singer LLP
Experience matters. We are trial lawyers focused on federal & white collar crimes and will have your back. Call now.