What is the penalty for a mail fraud conviction?

Under the federal mail fraud statute, a conviction for mail fraud usually carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, a fine, or both prison time and a fine. However, committing mail fraud during a federally-declared disaster or mail fraud that affects a financial institution carries a more severe penalty of up to 30 years in prison and a potential fine of up to $1 million.

What should I do if I’ve been arrested for or charged with mail fraud?

When you’ve been arrested for mail fraud, you can protect your interests by exercising your rights to remain silent and consult with a criminal defense lawyer. To invoke your right to remain silent, you can inform investigations that you do not wish to answer questions; you must also refrain from further discussing your charges with investigators since that may be seen as a sign that you want to waive your right to silence. You should also insist on speaking with an attorney, which you have the right to do before deciding whether to talk to investigators or to answer questions

Federal Mail Fraud Defense Attorneys

New Jersey Mail Fraud Lawyers Advocate in Defense of Those Charged with Mail Fraud

Have you been charged with mail fraud? The federal government vigorously prosecutes those accused of using the Postal Service or delivery services to carry out fraudulent schemes. You need aggressive legal representation that can level the playing field for you so you can stand up for your rights and interest. Turn to the federal mail fraud defense attorneys of Agre & St. John for advice and advocacy.

Our attorneys bring seven decades of combined legal experience to the table, which includes hundreds of cases tried to verdict. We’ve worked on both sides of the criminal courtroom, providing us with key insights into how prosecutors work. We use our knowledge to pursue unique, tailored case strategies aimed at securing a favorable resolution to our clients’ charges. We won’t hesitate to do what it takes to obtain a great result for clients, even if that means taking a case to trial.

If you’ve been arrested for mail fraud, the experienced New Jersey mail fraud lawyers of Agre & St. John can help you defend your rights, freedom, and future. Contact us for a free initial case evaluation to discuss your legal options for resolving your criminal charges.

When facing federal charges, trust Agre & St. John's experienced attorneys to mount a vigorous defense and protect your rights in complex federal criminal cases. Call 856-454-8674 or complete our online contact form for a confidential consultation.

The Federal Mail Fraud Statute

The crime of “mail fraud” does not refer to a particular fraudulent scheme but rather simply the use of the Post Office or commercial delivery systems to facilitate a fraudulent scheme. The federal mail fraud statute is contained in 18 U.S.C. s. 1341. Under the statute, it is illegal to devise or intend to devise any scheme to defraud or obtain money or property under false/fraudulent pretenses, representations, or promises through the use of the U.S. Postal Service or any private or commercial interstate carrier. The offense of mail fraud can also be charged in addition to any other criminal offense that was the object of the mail fraud, such as identity theft, bank fraud, insurance fraud, or tax fraud.

Federal law also makes it illegal to use a fictitious name or address through the Postal Service for the purposes of engaging in a fraudulent scheme. A conviction for using a fictitious name or address in mail fraud carries a penalty of up to five years in prison, a fine, or both.

An example of a mail fraud offense would involve a party seeking to defraud another individual by purporting to sell property that the first party does not own. The first party would commit mail fraud by mailing or shipping false documents to the target of the fraud to induce them to send money for the property.

Depending on the facts of your case, you may have a defense to a mail fraud charge. For example, if you did not intend to defraud the recipient of the mailing or if you were unaware of any fraudulent scheme, such as if you were instructed by your employer to place documents in the mail with no knowledge of their contents, you may have a defense to mail fraud charges. You might also defend against a mail fraud charge by proving that your mailings played no part in the alleged fraudulent scheme.

Don't face federal charges alone – schedule a confidential consultation with Agre & St. John's skilled defense team to understand your options and build a robust defense strategy.

Let the Federal Mail Fraud Defense Attorneys at Agre & St. John Fight to Secure a Favorable Outcome to Your Charges

When you’ve been arrested and charged with mail fraud, you may be facing serious consequences. A conviction may result in prison time, fines, and a criminal record that may restrict your ability to obtain employment, housing, or educational or financial opportunities. Turn to the New Jersey mail fraud lawyers of Agre & St. John to help you pursue a resolution of your case by:

Conducting an independent investigation of your charges rather than relying on the government’s evidence
Evaluating the facts and evidence to identify potential defenses or case strategies that can help you obtain a favorable resolution in your case
Explaining your charges and your legal rights to you and answering questions you may have with honest, straightforward advice so you are empowered to make informed decisions at every step in your case
Vigorously contesting the government’s case by moving to exclude inadmissible or unlawfully obtained evidence or to dismiss your charges if the government lacks sufficient evidence to bring you to trial
Fighting for the best possible outcome for you under the circumstances of your case, whether that involves a negotiated plea deal with the prosecution if appropriate, or advocating in your defense if you choose to take your charges to trial

Contact Our Firm for a Free Confidential Consultation to Learn More About How Our New Jersey Mail Fraud Lawyers Can Help You

Don’t delay speaking with federal mail fraud defense attorneys after you’ve been arrested and indicted. Contact Agre & St. John today for a free consultation to see how our legal team will fight to secure the best possible outcome to your criminal case.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mail Fraud

When you’ve been arrested for mail fraud, you can protect your interests by exercising your rights to remain silent and consult with a criminal defense lawyer. To invoke your right to remain silent, you can inform investigations that you do not wish to answer questions; you must also refrain from further discussing your charges with investigators since that may be seen as a sign that you want to waive your right to silence. You should also insist on speaking with an attorney, which you have the right to do before deciding whether to talk to investigators or to answer questions.

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