Facing Federal Fraud Charges in Maryland or Virginia? Bank, Wire and Mail Fraud Explained

Federal fraud charges are among the most serious criminal accusations a person can face. In Maryland and Virginia, cases involving wire fraud, mail fraud, and bank fraud are routinely prosecuted by federal agencies. These offenses often carry steep penalties, including lengthy prison sentences, restitution orders, and permanent damage to your professional and personal reputation.

If you are under investigation or have already been charged, you need to understand what these federal fraud charges mean, how prosecutors build their cases, and why working with experienced criminal defense attorneys at Portner & Shure, P.A., is essential to protecting your future.

What Is Wire Fraud?

Wire fraud involves using electronic communications to carry out or attempt to carry out a fraudulent scheme. Because electronic messaging and financial transfers cross state lines, wire fraud almost always becomes a federal crime. Prosecutors often pursue wire fraud charges when there is evidence of deception, false pretenses, or a plan to obtain money, property, or financial gain unlawfully.

Wire communications can include phone calls, emails, text messages, online transactions, social media messages, and electronic fund transfers.

Common Wire Fraud Examples

Examples of federal wire fraud cases include:

• Sending fraudulent emails to obtain money or sensitive information
• Using text messages or online platforms to coordinate a scam
• Transmitting false financial records to a bank or investor
• Participating in online auction or e-commerce fraud
• Using electronic transfers to move money obtained through deception

Wire fraud charges are extremely broad. Even if no money was ultimately lost, the federal government can still pursue a case if they believe you intended to commit fraud.

What Is Mail Fraud?

Mail fraud occurs when someone uses the postal service or a private carrier like FedEx or UPS to carry out a fraudulent scheme. It is one of the oldest and most frequently charged federal crimes. Any attempt to access money, property, or financial benefits through deception using the mail can result in charges.

Mail fraud does not require a completed scheme. The act of mailing or receiving materials as part of the alleged fraud can be enough for federal prosecutors to pursue charges.

Examples of Mail Fraud Cases

Examples of mail fraud include:

• Mailing falsified invoices or billing statements
• Sending fraudulent insurance claims or benefit applications
• Using the mail to distribute misleading marketing materials
• Mailing counterfeit or stolen checks
• Shipping products involved in a fraudulent sales scheme

Like wire fraud, mail fraud charges often appear alongside other federal allegations such as identity theft, tax crimes, or bank fraud.

What Is Bank Fraud?

Bank fraud involves any attempt to defraud a financial institution or obtain money from a bank using false statements or fraudulent actions. Because banks are federally insured, bank fraud is always a federal crime investigated by agencies such as the FBI, FDIC Office of Inspector General, or federal prosecutors.

Bank fraud charges can also apply to attempts, meaning the government does not need to prove the bank actually suffered a loss.

Common Types of Bank Fraud

Common forms of bank fraud include:

• Submitting false loan applications
• Using stolen or altered checks
• Creating fake financial statements to obtain credit
• Depositing forged documents or counterfeit checks
• Engaging in credit card or debit card fraud
• Misappropriation of funds handled by employees or insiders

Bank fraud charges often involve large amounts of documentation and lengthy investigations. Once charges are filed, prosecutors typically believe they have strong evidence, making early legal representation critical.

Penalties for Wire, Mail, and Bank Fraud

Federal fraud crimes carry some of the harshest penalties under federal law. Each offense can result in long prison terms, substantial fines, restitution, and collateral consequences that follow you for the rest of your life.

Overview of Potential Federal Penalties

Depending on the case, penalties for wire, mail, and bank fraud can include:

• Up to 20 years in federal prison for wire fraud or mail fraud
• Up to 30 years in federal prison for fraud involving financial institutions
• Federal fines that may reach hundreds of thousands of dollars
• Mandatory restitution to alleged victims
• Forfeiture of assets tied to the alleged scheme
• Supervised release after prison

Because each alleged act of fraud can be charged separately, many defendants face multiple counts, increasing potential exposure.

Sentencing Guidelines and Fines

Federal sentencing guidelines consider factors such as:

• The amount of money involved
• Number of victims
• Whether the scheme involved sophisticated means
• Prior criminal history
• Use of false identities or forged documents

Even first time offenders may face prison time if prosecutors claim significant financial loss or a coordinated plan to defraud.

Impact on Personal and Professional Life

Fraud convictions can affect far more than your sentence. Long term consequences include:

• Loss of employment or professional licenses
• Permanent damage to reputation
• Difficulty securing future work or housing
• Immigration consequences for non citizens
• Financial hardship from fines and restitution

Because the stakes are so high, it is critical to seek legal representation as soon as possible.

Steps to Take If You Are Charged with Federal Fraud Crimes

If you discover you are under investigation or have been charged with wire fraud, mail fraud, or bank fraud, take the following actions immediately:

1. Do not speak to investigators without a lawyer present
2. Preserve all documents, emails, and financial records
3. Avoid discussing the case with coworkers, friends, or family
4. Contact an experienced federal criminal defense attorney
5. Follow legal guidance closely and avoid self incriminating statements

Federal investigators may already have months of documentation before you even know you are a target. Having skilled legal counsel early helps protect your rights and prevent damaging mistakes.

How Portner & Shure, P.A. Can Help If You Face Fraud Charges

Federal fraud cases are complex, detail heavy, and aggressively prosecuted. You need a legal team that understands federal criminal procedure, sentencing guidelines, and the investigative methods used by agencies such as the FBI, IRS, USPS inspectors, and federal financial regulators.

Portner and Shure, P.A. provides:

• Close review of the government’s evidence
• Identification of weaknesses or inconsistencies in the allegations
• Defense strategies tailored to your specific circumstances
• Skilled negotiations to reduce charges or limit penalties
• Aggressive courtroom advocacy when trial is the best option

Our firm has represented clients across Maryland, Virginia, and the entire DMV region facing serious federal allegations. Whether your case involves electronic communications, financial transactions, or mail based activity, we work to protect your freedom, your record, and your future.

Contact our Criminal Defense Attorneys in the DMV Area

If you are facing federal wire mail and bank fraud charges in Maryland or Virginia, do not wait to get legal help. Federal prosecutors move quickly, and early intervention from a knowledgeable defense attorney can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.

To speak with an attorney, contact us at (410) 995-1515 for your fast, free consultation. Our team is ready to defend your rights and fight for the strongest possible result.