Frisco, TX Federal Fraud Defense Attorneys

Skilled Lawyers Defending Against Charges of Wire Fraud, Securities Fraud, and More in Frisco, Texas

People may be charged with white collar crimes based on accusations of financial misconduct, and these offenses will often involve some form of fraud. Fraud generally involves some form of deception used for financial gain. When activities related to fraud allegedly affect a large number of people, cross state lines, involve the internet, are committed against financial institutions, or involve large amounts of money, a person could be charged with fraud at the federal level.

Federal fraud charges carry significant consequences. These offenses are often investigated by federal agencies such as the FBI, IRS, Secret Service, or the Department of Justice, and they may be prosecuted in federal courts under complex statutes. Because fraud and white collar crimes often involve financial records, digital communications, and regulatory compliance issues, defending against these allegations requires a thorough understanding of federal procedures, forensic accounting, and the legal strategies that may be available.

The attorneys at Barbieri Law Firm provide comprehensive legal defense for clients in Frisco and the surrounding areas who are facing federal fraud charges. Whether an investigation is in its early stages or formal charges have already been filed, we will provide strategic representation to help clients defend against convictions and minimize the effects on their lives, including potential prison time, financial penalties, and damage to their professional reputations.

Understanding Federal Fraud and White Collar Crime Charges

Fraud may involve a variety of cases where someone may be accused of intentionally deceiving another person, business, or government agency for financial or personal gain. At the federal level, fraud charges typically apply when the alleged conduct:

• Crosses state lines
• Involves federally regulated institutions or programs
• Uses interstate communications such as phone lines, the internet, or the mail
• Violates federal financial laws or regulations

Federal prosecutors may spend months or years investigating these cases before filing charges. As a result, the evidence may include thousands of documents, banking records, digital files, and testimony from experts and other witnesses. The complexity of these cases makes early legal representation essential.

Types of Federal Fraud Charges

Federal law covers a broad range of fraud offenses, including:

• Wire Fraud: It is a federal crime to use electronic communications (such as email, phone calls, text messages, or internet platforms) as part of a scheme to defraud. Charges in these cases may be related to online scams, phishing schemes, or fraudulent transactions.
• Credit Card Fraud: The theft or unauthorized use of another person's credit card information could lead to federal charges in some cases, especially when schemes allegedly involved a large number of people. Serious penalties may apply due to the ways offenses may affect financial institutions.
• Bank Fraud: Schemes to defraud a financial institution or obtain money under false pretenses from a bank or credit union can lead to federal charges. These offenses may involve fraudulent checks or loan applications, forged documents, or embezzlement from financial institutions.
• Healthcare Fraud: False claims made to Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance companies may result in federal charges. Fraudulent activity may include billing for services that were not provided, upcoding procedures to increase the amount billed to insurance, or receiving kickbacks.
• Securities Fraud: Deceptive practices involving stocks, bonds, or investment products may lead to charges at the federal level. These offenses may involve allegations of insider trading, market manipulation, or misrepresentation of financial information to investors.
• Tax Fraud: Charges may be brought against individuals or businesses based on accusations of intentionally evading tax obligations. Underreporting income, overstating deductions, using offshore accounts to hide funds, or falsifying information on tax returns could lead to investigation and prosecution by the IRS Criminal Investigation Division.
• Money Laundering: Efforts to conceal the origin of illegally obtained funds by transferring or disguising them through financial transactions could lead to federal criminal charges. Structuring bank deposits, using shell companies, or making international wire transfers as ways to mask the source of funds could be considered money laundering. These offenses may be related to fraud or other federal crimes, such as drug trafficking or racketeering.

Challenges in Federal Fraud Prosecutions

Federal fraud cases can be complex for several reasons, including:

• Volume of Evidence: These cases often involve thousands of pages of financial records, emails, and other types of data.
• Use of Experts: The government may use forensic accountants and investigators to analyze financial evidence, and these experts may testify in criminal cases.
• Multiple Defendants: Many fraud cases involve alleged conspiracies, and several people may be charged together.
• Severe Sentencing Guidelines: When determining sentencing using federal guidelines, issues such as the financial loss, the number of victims, and a person's role in the offense may be considered.
• Asset Seizure: Federal authorities may freeze bank accounts or seize property, even before a person has been convicted.

These complexities make it essential to work with an attorney who has experience in federal litigation and who has successfully defended clients charged with financial crimes in the past.

Defense Against Federal Fraud Charges

The team at Barbieri Law Firm provides skilled representation in complex fraud investigations and prosecutions. Our defense strategies may include:

• Challenging Intent: Fraud charges will typically require proof that a defendant intended to deceive others for financial gain. We may be able to show that a person acted negligently or made a mistake, but they did not intend to defraud others.
• Attacking the Government's Evidence: Our lawyers will examine financial records, witness statements, and communication logs, looking for inconsistencies, procedural errors, or unlawful search and seizure.
• Filing Pretrial Motions: We may take steps to dismiss charges, suppress illegally obtained evidence, or limit the government's use of certain witnesses or documents.
• Negotiating Favorable Outcomes: In some cases, our lawyers may pursue plea agreements, cooperation arrangements, or sentence reductions to help minimize the impact of criminal charges.

Successful Results for Our Clients

We always work to resolve cases and achieve positive results for clients who have been charged with fraud or other federal crimes. In one high-profile case, we represented a Texas Attorney General who was indicted on felony charges of securities fraud for allegedly deceiving investors in a tech startup. Our client was accused of recruiting investors without revealing that he was being paid by the startup. He pleaded not guilty, and our defense team argued that the case was politically motivated. The case was resolved when our client agreed to pay restitution.

Contact Our Frisco Federal Fraud Defense Lawyers

In federal cases involving fraud offenses, experienced legal representation is crucial. Federal prosecutors will take steps to build strong, detailed cases, and early intervention from a skilled defense attorney can make a critical difference. At Barbieri Law Firm, we can provide the defense clients need to resolve cases involving federal financial crimes. Contact our Frisco, TX federal fraud crimes attorneys at 972-424-1902 to schedule a free consultation.