Bank Fraud Defense Attorneys

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Experienced Bank Fraud Defense Lawyers

Under 18 U.S.C. ยง 1344, Bank Fraud is punishable by a fine of up to $1,000,000 or imprisonment of up to 30 years or both.

bank fraud investigationAs technology continues to change the way people interact with banks and other financial institutions, federal investigators and prosecutors have become more zealous in their pursuit of individuals and criminal enterprises suspected of bank fraud. If you have been charged with bank fraud, you have no time to waste. By the time you are arrested, the government will very likely have already built a case against you. Federal prosecutors will be working vigilantly to craft arguments to put you behind bars.

Put our highly experienced team on your side

Brian J. Kuester
Brian J. Kuester

Former U.S. Attorney

Former DA

Amanda Marshall
Amanda Marshall

Former U.S. Attorney

Local Counsel

Joe Brown
Joe Brown

Former U.S. Attorney
& Former District Attorney

Local Counsel

John W. Sellers
John W. Sellers

Former Senior Trial Attorney
U.S. Department of Justice

Local Counsel

John W. Sellers
Linda Julin McNamara

Former Chief, DOJ Appeals

Local Counsel

Joanne Fine DeLena
Joanne Fine DeLena

Former Assistant U.S. Attorney

Local Counsel

Aaron L. Wiley
Aaron L. Wiley

Former Federal Prosecutor

Local Counsel

Roger Bach
Roger Bach

Former Special Agent (OIG)

Timothy E. Allen
Timothy E. Allen

Former Senior Special Agent

Chris Quick
Chris Quick

Former Special Agent (FBI & IRS-CI)

Kevin M. Sheridan
Kevin M. Sheridan

Former Special Agent (FBI)

Ray Yuen
Ray Yuen

Former Supervisory Special Agent (FBI)

Bank Fraud Explained

Federal law defines bank fraud broadly as any “scheme or artifice to defraud a federal institution,” which typically involves seeking to obtain money from a bank under false pretenses. This can include attempting to unlawfully obtain money owned by a bank or held by a bank for its customers.

Most bank frauds fall into four primary categories: credit card and debit card fraud, check fraud, Internet frauds, and identify theft.

Credit Card and Debit Card Fraud

Credit card and debit card frauds involve using various techniques to make purchases and withdrawals without the intention or ability to repay what is owed. This can include everything from stealing credit cards in the mail and “skimming” credit card information to making false statements on credit card applications. We frequently see cases involving allegations of credit card fraud and have dedicated an entire page of our website to discussing credit card-related crimes. Read more.

Check Fraud

Improvements in technology are making it easier to forge checks. However, many less-technical, “old-school” methods are still in use, and financial institutions and federal agents spend untold amounts of time and money combating all forms of check fraud. Contact us today if you have been arrested on suspicion of:

  • Check “kiting,” which involves withdrawing funds on a deposited check before the deposit clears the bank
  • Altering amounts or payees on valid checks
  • Creating fraudulent and counterfeit checks
  • Forging signatures on stolen checks

Internet Frauds

Sophisticated computer experts can hack consumers’, banks’ and credit card companies’ computer systems and use various other forms of computer fraud to gain illegal access to accounts and sensitive bank information. Bank employees can also be convicted of fraud for using their login credentials to withdraw funds or gain access to information for unlawful purposes. Individuals accused of Internet-related bank frauds often face criminal charges under a slew of state and federal laws.

Identify Theft

Credit card frauds, check frauds, and Internet frauds can all involve an element of identity theft. However, it is also possible for a bank fraud to involve identity theft all on its own. Due to a heightened public sensitivity to identify theft, financial institutions and federal agencies are particularly focused on combating these types of crimes. Examples of identity theft that can be charged as bank fraud include:

  • Using a fake driver’s license or Passport
  • Submitting forged documents to a bank
  • Using someone else’s checks or credit cards
  • Using someone else’s personal information to create or log in to an online account

Mail Fraud and Wire Fraud

When facing federal bank fraud charges, you are also likely to face charges for mail fraud, wire fraud, or both. Like bank fraud, these crimes are also defined extremely broadly, and prosecutors frequently tack them on to other fraud and theft-related charges in hopes of maximizing a defendant’s punishment or negotiating for at least some form of a criminal conviction. We are familiar with the government’s tactics and can help you fight your charges tooth and nail.

Defending Against Bank Fraud Charges

At The Criminal Defense Firm, we represent clients nationwide who are facing bank fraud and other federal charges. Our bank fraud defense lawyers have significant experience representing clients throughout the course of federal investigations, in negotiations with prosecutors, and in federal court.

Penalties for Bank Fraud Charges

If convicted of bank fraud, you can face up to $1 million in fines and 30 years in federal prison.

Speak with a Bank Fraud Criminal Defense Attorney about Your Case

Bank fraud charges need to be taken extremely seriously. Together with the related charges, you may be facing, a conviction for bank fraud can take everything you own and change your life forever. When you hire The Criminal Defense Firm, we will fight tirelessly to protect your assets and preserve your future. Let us put our knowledge and experience to work for you.

To start fighting back, call us now at 866-603-4540 or schedule your free case evaluation today.

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Dallas 214-817-2053
Houston 713-454-7814
Detroit 313-634-0925
Baton Rouge 225-269-8749
New York 332-239-7345
Winter Park 407-890-0460
Miami 786-751-3247
Portland 207-222-7742
Nationwide 866-603-4540