TAMPA WIRE FRAUD DEFENSE LAWYER
Experienced State and Federal Wire Fraud Defense Attorney in Tampa, FL
In today’s world, where electronic communication is essential for both business and personal interactions, wire fraud charges have become increasingly common. Allegations of using email, text messages, or other digital platforms to commit fraud can carry severe penalties, which is why it’s so important to have a Tampa wire fraud defense lawyer on your side to fight against these charges.
Led by Andrew Buda, a former prosecutor with years of experience in criminal defense, the attorneys at Buda Law know how prosecutors build their cases, and we use this knowledge to craft strong defense strategies for our clients.
Whether you’re accused of wire fraud involving identity theft, financial institutions, or other related offenses, a Tampa white-collar crime defense attorney on our team can provide you with the aggressive representation you deserve.
Facing wire fraud charges? Contact Buda Law today at (813) 322-2832 for a free consultation to discuss your case.
What is Wire Fraud?
Wire fraud is a crime involving the use of electronic communication–such as phones, emails, or the internet–to commit fraud or with the intent to obtain money or property unlawfully.
Florida Wire Fraud Statute – § 817.034
Under Florida law, wire fraud, as described under F.S. § 817.034, also known as the Florida Communications Fraud Act, involves engaging in a scheme to defraud with the intent to obtain money, property, or other assets through false or fraudulent pretenses, representations, or promises.
The act requires the use of communications technology, such as mail, wire, radio, electromagnetic, photoelectronic, or photo-optical systems, to transmit false information to further the fraudulent scheme. Punishments for this crime increase depending on the victim’s age, as well as whether or not the victim is physically or mentally disabled.
Federal Wire Fraud Statute – 18 U.S.C. § 1343
Similar to the Florida law, 18 U.S.C. § 1343 outlines what constitutes wire fraud at the federal level. Under federal law, wire fraud involves creating or intending to create a scheme to defraud or obtain money or property through false or fraudulent pretenses, representations, or promises.
To constitute wire fraud, the fraudulent scheme must involve the use of wire, radio, or television communication transmitted across state or international lines. The act must also have been done for the purpose of defrauding another for financial gain.
This statute also applies to cases where the fraud is connected to federal disaster relief funds or involves a financial institution, which can lead to enhanced penalties.
State vs. Federal Wire Fraud Charges
The primary difference between state and federal wire fraud charges lies in their jurisdiction, scope, and penalties. State wire fraud charges address schemes to defraud that occur within state boundaries and typically carry penalties based on the value of property obtained.
In contrast, federal wire fraud charges apply to fraudulent schemes that involve interstate or international communication, as well as foreign commerce.
Additionally, other crimes such as tax fraud would likely also constitute federal wire fraud, especially if the person received a tax refund via electronic means. Being convicted of federal wire fraud could result in federal prison time rather than state prison time.
If you have been accused of a serious federal crime such as wire fraud, or you believe you are the target of an investigation by the federal government, you need a federal criminal defense attorney in Florida on your side to protect your rights.
Examples of Wire Fraud
Wire fraud can take many forms, often involving schemes to defraud others. Some common examples of wire fraud include:
- Sending phishing emails to collect sensitive information like bank account details.
- Using phone calls to pose as a government agency and demand payment.
- Creating fake websites to sell non-existent products or services.
- Texting fraudulent links claiming to offer lottery winnings.
- Hacking social media accounts to solicit money from contacts.
- Running online investment scams promising high returns.
- Transferring funds electronically as part of a fraudulent real estate scheme.
- Manipulating stock prices through false or misleading information shared online.
Additionally, other types of scams, such as bank fraud, investment fraud, insurance fraud, and healthcare fraud can also be charged as wire fraud if the fraud occurs through the internet or other forms of telecommunication. If you have been accused of multiple related fraud crimes involving the internet, contact a Tampa cyber crime defense attorney at Buda Law to discuss your legal options ASAP.
Wire Fraud vs. Mail Fraud
Wire fraud and mail fraud are similar in that both involve schemes to defraud others of money or property through false pretenses, but they differ in the methods used. Wire fraud relies on electronic communications, such as phone calls, emails, text messages, or internet transmissions, to further the fraudulent scheme.
In contrast, mail fraud involves the use of the postal service or other delivery carriers to send materials related to the fraud. The statute for federal mail fraud charges can be found under 18 U.S. Code § 1341.
While both are federal offenses with similar penalties, wire fraud often covers a broader range of modern communication methods, making it more commonly charged in cases involving digital or electronic schemes.
What Types of Crimes are Mail Fraud and Wire Fraud?
Mail fraud and wire fraud are both types of fraud, due to their use of fraudulent activities in order to obtain property or financial goods from others. Additionally, both mail fraud and wire fraud are almost always charged as federal crimes, due to their use of interstate mail carriers and interstate telecommunications.
If you have been charged with federal mail or wire fraud, you need a federal criminal defense lawyer to help ensure that you understand the charges and potential consequences you’re facing.
What are the Penalties for Wire Fraud?
The penalties for wire fraud vary depending on the jurisdiction and the severity of the crime. The potential punishments for federal wire fraud include:
- up to 20 years in prison and fines
- up to 30 years in prison and fines of up to $1 million if the fraud involves a financial institution or federal disaster relief funds
The punishments for state wire fraud in Florida are based on the value of the property involved, and include:
- If the property is valued at less than $300, it is considered a first-degree misdemeanor in Florida, which is punishable by up to 1 year in jail, up to $1,000 in fines, or both
- If the property is valued at more than $300 but less than $20,000, it is a Florida third-degree felony, punishable by up to 5 years in prison, up to $5,000 in fines, or both
- If the property is valued at more than $20,000 but less than $50,000, this is a second-degree felony and punishable by up to 15 years in prison, up to $10,000 in fines, or both
- If the property is valued at more than $50,000, the crime is a Florida first-degree felony punishable by up to 30 years in prison, up to $10,000 in fines, or both
There are also enhanced punishments if the victim is a minor, over the age of 65, or mentally or physically handicapped. You may also face other punishments if you are charged with another related crime in relation to the fraudulent actions. For example, if you possess and misuse someone’s personal or financial information, you could be charged with identity theft as well as wire fraud.
A Florida wire fraud lawyer can help you understand the potential penalties you may be facing based on the circumstances of your situation.
Why You Need a Skilled Florida Wire Fraud Defense Lawyer
Seeking legal counsel is one of the best things you can do for yourself following a wire fraud arrest, and it’s important that you choose an attorney with the experience necessary to achieve the best outcome in your case.
At Buda Law in Tampa, FL, Andrew Buda brings the unique advantage of being a former prosecutor who knows how the other side builds its cases. With years of experience as a criminal defense lawyer, Andrew provides personalized representation, preparing every case as if it will go to trial. You can trust us to fight aggressively for your rights and work tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome for your wire fraud case.
Our Tampa criminal defense law firm is committed to every client, and you can trust us to fight aggressively for your future and work tirelessly to protect your rights. We can even represent you in state or federal court, depending on the jurisdiction that your case falls under.
Call the Tampa Wire Fraud Defense Lawyers at Buda Law For a Free Consultation Today
Facing wire fraud charges in Florida can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to face them alone. At Buda Law, we are committed to providing the strong defense you need during this challenging time. A Tampa fraud defense lawyer on our team will ensure that you understand the charges brought against you as well as the potential punishments you may be facing.
We’ll then build a defense strategy that is specifically tailored to your needs. Whether you’re facing in-state charges or federal charges of wire fraud, Attorney Buda is here to provide you with the skilled legal representation you need. Our team can also provide you with representation if you have been charged with other related crimes, such as identity theft, mail fraud, bank fraud, and more.
Call our law firm at (813) 322-2832 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with us regarding your situation.
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He has connections and relationships with the court systems, which are crucial in negotiations.
He’s definitely a good choice if you want professional representation. I called him a day before my court date he was on time and fully prepared and he worked with me financially as well. He has lots of information that is beneficial towards my case, helping to calm my nerves and also has connections and relationships with the court systems, which are crucial in negotiations in any case. I highly recommend Buddha law to anyone in need of a defense attorney.
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Andrew Buda was professional, honest, a straight talker, very responsive, good communication and was extremely efficient in representing my case turning a stressful case that resulted in a very favorable outcome. Would highly recommend!
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Mr. Andrew is one of the best lawyers you can find in the Tampa Bay Area. He is not gonna give you false promises, and he will get the job done. I have been to many lawyers before hiring him for my case. The other lawyers told me of the case going to trial and what not but Mr. Andrew got the charges dropped even before it could go to trial. The best thing about him is his ability to connect to his clients and connect with them in a personal level. For him it’s not simply a job, it is his passion to help people. He gave me discount as I was going through some hardships. I recommend him very strongly. He is a man of words and he’s also a role model for others to look up to.
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I had an exceptional experience with Buda Law Group. This group absolutely has the high-level of expertise and dedication required to assist you with your case. The attorneys stayed engaged and I valued their proactive communication. Recommendations were made for actions I could take to help with the final outcome. They treated me as a person, not just a case number. From the beginning to the end, I was treated with respect and genuine empathy, especially when navigating a complicated case.
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My entire experience with Buda Law was absolutely 5 stars! After sending them a message on their website, within minutes I received a phone call from Attorney Julie Adue. Julie is absolutely phenomenal, was with me every step of the way, and answered all my questions throughout the process. Her knowledge and empathy really helped put my mind at ease, and have full confidence in who I chose to represent me. There was even a time I called the office and asked for Julie, and her paralegal, also named Julie was always so helpful! Highly recommend Buda Law overall, their entire team seems to truly care about their clients which isn’t always easy to come by!
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He’s an outstanding lawyer and he’s passionate about helping those in need.
Thanks to Andrew my mom was able to get out a week before my wedding!! He’s an outstanding lawyer and he’s passionate about helping those in need. If I had to recommend someone an amazing lawyer it would be Andrew Buda best there is and best there’ll ever be. I appreciate what you did in the 2 days you had to collect the information and to win the case. Keep up the great work you are doing. From me and my family we thank you for ever!
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WHAT MAKES OUR DEFENSE SO EFFECTIVE?
- Former State Prosecutor
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- Result-Oriented Advocacy
- We Prepare Every Case as if it's Going to Trial
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- Exceptional Negotiator