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What are the four elements of wire fraud?

On Behalf of | Jan 21, 2021 | White Collar Crimes

In the state of Oklahoma and elsewhere, the law defines wire fraud as the act of trying to defraud people through equipment that’s connected by interstate wires. This includes telephones, fax machines, computers, radios and even television. Common forms of wire fraud include phone scams and spam emails that invite you to send money to a stranger.

What, exactly, constitutes wire fraud?

Wire fraud is a serious white-collar crime that can result in prison time and hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines. To prove that an individual committed wire fraud, the prosecution must address four elements.

First, the prosecution must prove that the other party deliberately created a scheme with the intent to scam other people out of their money or property. Second, the prosecution must prove that the other party always had the intent to defraud others. Third, he or she must prove that the defendant could have been expected to use wire communications. Fourth, prosecutors must prove that the defendant used wire communications, like phone lines or radio networks, to scam other people out of their assets.

The authorities frequently combine wire fraud with other criminal charges. If a person allegedly committed multiple acts of wire fraud, he or she could receive multiple counts that result in decades of prison time and nearly a million dollars in fines. Therefore, experts highly suggest that you consult an attorney if you’re dealing with allegations of wire fraud.

Is it possible to fight wire fraud charges?

Any case can be argued in court no matter how severe the charges. However, it’s important to hire an attorney who can find the right angle to tackle your case. A lawyer could help you fight charges of wire fraud as well as other crimes, like embezzlement, identity theft, bribery and money laundering. This could help you clear your name if someone is accusing you of a crime you didn’t commit.

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