This is the next post in my series on dealing with fraud charges in Peoria and other Illinois areas. My last article addressed the question of “can I go to jail for fraud?” In many situations, the answer to this question is “yes.” Many offenses, however, will be probationable. Retaining an attorney with experience in such matters can be crucial to making sure that your case is handled correctly. In this article I will be addressing the handling of cases which arise in Federal Court. If you or a family member are in need of assistance then contact my office today to speak with a criminal defense lawyer.
Federal Fraud Charges Can Come In Many Forms
Many different types of conduct may be charged as fraud by the United States Government. Such actions may include the fraudulent submission or handling of banking documents, making false claims for government assistance, submitting false information to a federal agency, using the US Postal system to conduct a fraudulent scheme, and more. Penalties for such offenses can be quite severe. Mail fraud, for example, is punished under 18 U.S. Code § 1952 and can carry a maximum sentence of up to twenty years. Also, each act of the offense can result in a separate account. This means, for example, that if Joe Defendant sent twenty letters which solicited funds under false pretenses, then he may face twenty separate criminal charges (one for each letter). How any case will be charged will always depend on the facts of the matter.
How to best defend against any fraud charge will always depend on the specifics of the case and the nature of the circumstances. The Federal Government will always bear the burden of proving a defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Defenses in such cases may include the raising of search and seizure issues if the prosecution wishes to introduce evidence that was collected in violation of the Fourth Amendment. Miranda violations may also be raised if one made incriminating statements to law enforcement without validly waiving their rights. Other defenses can involve raising whether or not the acts were knowingly fraudulent, the value of items or merchandise involved, and more. No two cases are the same and one should retain an experienced attorney as soon as possible if they or a loved one have been arrested.
Retain a Peoria lawyer who is licensed in the Central District Of Illinois
Federal fraud charges may be brought in the US District Court for the Central District of Illinois. Not all attorneys are licensed to practice in Federal Court. Furthermore, even if a particular attorney is licensed to practice in the US Court system, they may have limited experience in doing so. Federal cases are governed by a different set of statutes than are matters brought in Illinois state courts. Furthermore, the federal system employs its own sets of rules and evidence which must be followed. By retaining counsel who is experienced in handling such matters, you help to reduce the risk that a mistake is made due to the differences in the federal system.
I am a Peoria federal crime defense lawyer who is licensed to practice in the Central District of Illinois. I am a former prosecutor who devotes his practice to protecting the rights of the accused and I believe that everyone is entitled to a vigorous defense. If you or a loved one have been arrested then contact us online or by telephone today to speak with an attorney. We look forward to speaking with you. I also serve the cities of Bloomington, Eureka, Galesburg, Morton, Normal, Pekin, Springfield, and Washington. I serve the counties of Fulton, Knox, LaSalle, Marshall, Mason, McLean, Putnam, Rock Island, Shuyler, Stark, Tazewell and Woodford.