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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.
As 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
Former U.S. Attorney
Former DA
Amanda Marshall
Former U.S. Attorney
Local Counsel
Joe Brown
Former U.S. Attorney
& Former District Attorney
Local Counsel
John W. Sellers
Former Senior Trial Attorney
U.S. Department of Justice
Local Counsel
Linda Julin McNamara
Former Chief, DOJ Appeals
Local Counsel
Joanne Fine DeLena
Former Assistant U.S. Attorney
Local Counsel
Aaron L. Wiley
Former Federal Prosecutor
Local Counsel
Roger Bach
Former Special Agent (OIG)
Chris Quick
Former Special Agent (FBI & IRS-CI)
Kevin M. Sheridan
Former Special Agent (FBI)
Ray Yuen
Former Supervisory Special Agent (FBI)
Dennis A. Wichern
Former Special Agent-in-Charge (DEA)
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.