If you have been accused of fraudulent behavior at the federal level, you may be significantly concerned about the effect these allegations could have on your personal and professional life. The federal government aggressively pursues convictions for criminal fraud, so you need to approach any such accusation carefully.
Consider consulting with a Midland federal fraud lawyer to find out more about your legal options. An experienced federal criminal attorney could help you protect your best interests and take full advantage of your rights.
Federal and State Fraud Laws
Federal and state laws dealing with acts of deception are similar, and state-level authorities usually handle allegations of fraud over which the federal government lacks jurisdiction. However, federal law enforcement can look into matters that take place on federal land, cross state or national borders, break federal law, or involve federal agencies.
State and federal prosecutors often communicate when there is an issue that could occur in either court system. The defendant may never know what happened behind closed doors before the police issue the warrant for their arrest.
Regardless of the case’s background, the federal government usually punishes fraudulent acts more harshly than individual states do. An experienced Midland federal fraud attorney may have the skills necessary to effectively represent a defendant facing charges from the federal government.
Federal Fraud Statutes
Simply defined, fraud is the act of tricking another person in order to illegally obtain services, accrue a financial benefit, or obtain possession of another person’s property. A federal fraud lawyer in Midland could offer further clarification about when a misrepresentation or lie may rise to the level of a federal criminal offense.
Bank Fraud
If a person attempts or carries out some fraudulent act against a financial institution to receive a benefit, that violates 18 U.S. Code §1344. The maximum penalty is $1 million in fines and up to 30 years in prison. Using fake identification or creating sophisticated schemes could also contribute to criminal charges under this statute.
Wire Fraud
Using telephone, television, or other wired communication methods to commit fraud is prohibited by 18 U.S.C. §1343. Misleading advertisements may be a factor in this particular kind of offense. If convicted of this crime, a person may face a prison sentence of up to 20 years.
Internet Fraud
18 U.S.C. §1030 addresses fraudulent activities committed using computers and/or over the internet. Since internet-based actions almost always cross state lines, this type of fraud is typically prosecuted at the federal level. The court could sentence a convicted person to up to ten years in prison for this offense.
Healthcare Fraud
If a person impersonates another person or uses another person’s information to obtain healthcare, it may constitute criminal fraud punishable by up to ten years of imprisonment under 18 U.S.C. §1347. The federal government may be particularly interested in fraudulent acts against federal programs, such as Medicaid, Medicare, or TRICARE. The government may imprison a person for up to ten years if they break by 18 U.S.C. §1347.
Get More Information from a Midland Federal Fraud Attorney
If a person impersonates another person or uses another person’s information to obtain healthcare, it may constitute criminal fraud punishable by up to ten years of imprisonment under 18 U.S.C. §1347. The federal government may be particularly interested in fraudulent acts against federal programs, such as Medicaid, Medicare, or TRICARE. The government may imprison a person for up to ten years if they break by 18 U.S.C. §1347.