Internet Fraud

Located in in Stockton, Sacramento, and Northern California, the Law Offices of Allen Sawyer provide state and federal criminal defense for a range of crimes. Federal internet fraud defense attorney Allen Sawyer brings into play his extensive knowledge of federal laws and his years of experience in federal court to provide robust criminal defense for persons charged with internet fraud.

Comprehensive Federal Internet Fraud Defense

Federal Internet Fraud Lawyer  

Internet fraud describes not a single particular crime, but any of a number of fraud crimes committed through the use of the Internet. The Internet’s technological capabilities make certain fraud crimes possible and enhance the ability to carry out others. Due to their scope and the billions of dollars in losses from fraud causes, Internet fraud cases are highly important to federal prosecutors. Being convicted of the federal crime of Internet fraud will result in harsh penalties, particularly when Internet fraud is proven in connection with other criminal offenses. If you’ve been charged with federal Internet fraud or learn you are under investigation for it, do not speak with investigators without first securing representation from a knowledgeable federal defense lawyer who can guide you. Federal Criminal Defense Attorney Allen Sawyer has a thorough understanding of the federal statutes related to Internet fraud and can leverage his experience against federal prosecutors to defend your Internet fraud case.

Types of Internet Fraud

As explained above, Internet fraud can involve any of a range of crimes. Typically federal internet fraud cases involve the following:

• Bank Fraud: 18 U.S.C. § 1344 makes it a crime to knowingly defraud or attempt to defraud a financial institution.
• Computer Crimes: 18 U.S.C. § 1030, known as the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA), makes it a federal crime to violate government or financial computer systems.
• Credit Card Fraud:  18 U.S.C. § 1029 makes it a federal crime to engage in counterfeit or unauthorized access through the use of credit cards.
• Identity Theft: U.S.C. § 1028 makes it a crime to assume a person’s identity or utilize another person’s personal information through fraud, deception, false statements, or misrepresentation, for financial gain.
• Wire Fraud: U.S.C. § 1343 makes devising a scheme to defraud or obtain money or property by false pretenses or promises using electronic means a federal crime.

Other crimes that fall into the category of federal internet fraud include the following:

• Money laundering
• Investment fraud
• Internet drug crimes

Potential Defenses Against Federal Internet Fraud

The onus is on prosecutors to prove each of the elements of Internet fraud, which include the intent to commit fraud, the intent to defraud another person, and the use or planned use of the Internet (via email, websites, social media, or other electronic communication related to the World Wide Web). A common defense is to show that there was no intent to achieve any of the above. Other defenses may involve arguing an illegal search and seizure of your property.