Have you been or might you be accused of wire fraud? Wire fraud is a very common criminal charge in today's world, but it's also one of the least understood. What is wire fraud and why are you being charged with it? And how can you raise the best defense possible? Here's what you need to know.

What Is Wire Fraud?

Wire fraud is, as its name suggests, fraud that is perpetrated using wires. In modern terms, these wires refer to any form of telecommunications (with or without wires). Wire fraud can come with harsh penalties, including both jail time and financial penalties. 

Why Are You Charged with Wire Fraud?

With such a broad definition, it's easy to see why wire fraud is a common charge. It is a bit of a catch-all charge which can cover a wide range of offenses. For instance, wire fraud includes phishing emails that impersonate a legitimate institution, phone calls trying to get money from vulnerable people, scam flyers sent through the mail, identity theft, social media hoaxes, Ponzi schemes, and much more.

How Can You Defend Against Wire Fraud?

Because wire fraud is so varied, the defenses against it are varied as well. One defense that many cases have in common is that you legitimately believed what you said or offered was true. You may have genuinely thought that you were recruiting people into a legitimate business rather than a Ponzi or pyramid scheme. Or perhaps you believed in the new business into which you invested. 

Many defenses are related to this idea that you had no intent to defraud. It can come up if there was a mistake of fact. Maybe you weren't aware that what you offered to customers was impossible or a scam. Or you might have even made an error in how you promoted it. 

You might also defend your actions by arguing that it wasn't a fraud but, rather, bad business practices. Not everyone is a great businessperson, but pretty much anyone can get into business. You may have simply been playing fast and loose with reckless business practices — intentionally or unintentionally — but not actually intending to defraud anyone. 

Where Can You Get Help?

Wire fraud is often a federal charge, so there can be serious consequences if you are convicted. To defend yourself in any circumstance, you can work with a criminal defense lawyer in your area. Make an appointment today to learn more about how wire fraud is being used in your case and what your best defenses might be.