Mail Fraud Lawyer Tampa, FL
When so much communication is digital, from email to DMs or online newsletters, many people may feel a little gobsmacked to be charged with mail fraud. We understand – not many people send letters anymore, but mail fraud encompasses more than just postal irregularities. And, the penalties for a mail fraud conviction can be surprisingly severe.
Florida law defines fraud as situations in which someone uses misrepresentation, deception, or dishonesty to gain financial gain from an entity or individual. Florida and federal prosecutors take fraud cases seriously, even though they are not considered violent offenses.
Mail fraud is a federal crime, as it involves using the U.S. Postal Service to facilitate the fraud. Although some mail fraud schemes begin online, someone could be charged with mail fraud if they used the mail system in any part of the fraudulent transaction.
Trying cases in federal court differs from trying a criminal case in Florida courts. You need a skilled Tampa, FL, mail fraud lawyer, someone with the knowledge and experience defending clients before a federal judge for the best possible outcome in your case. We are ready to help you. Contact Stechschulte Nell today for a consultation with a federal lawyer.
Understanding Mail Fraud – It’s A Federal Crime
Federal law forbids people from using the mail system or the Internet to intentionally deprive another person or entity of their property, money, or assets. This includes perpetrating fraudulent promises, misrepresentations, or other false pretenses to achieve monetary gain.
To be convicted of mail fraud, the federal prosecutor must prove three elements:
- Intent: You intended to deceive the other party for your own financial gain
- Deception: There was a scheme or artifice intended to defraud another party through material misrepresentation
- Mail communication: There was communication via mail between you and the other party
What You Need to Know About Mail Fraud
Mail fraud isn’t limited to using the U.S. Postal Service to facilitate the crime. Someone could be charged with mail fraud if they used private mail carriers such as UPS, FedEx, DHL, or another parcel or mail service.
Many people may be charged with mail crime in the course of their job duties. Perhaps they used the company credit card for a personal purchase or the business bank information to make purchases that seem to be business-related expenses but are, in fact, purchases for personal financial gain.
Because mail fraud cases are prosecuted at the federal level and involve complex issues (including possible conspiracies), you need a skilled Tampa mail fraud lawyer to defend you against these charges.
How Can A Tampa Mail Fraud Lawyer Help Me?
At Stechschulte Nell, we employ many defenses in mail fraud cases, such as working to prove that a purchase was legitimate or that you had a valid reason for your actions. We may also explore other avenues of defense, such as demonstrating an underlying mental health concern that affected the situation. Our legal team thoroughly reviews the facts of your case and meticulously gathers evidence to use on your behalf.
You do not have to face the federal justice system alone. We want to help you. Contact Stechschulte Nell today to schedule a consultation with a mail fraud attorney from our firm.
