Chicago Federal Bank Fraud Defense Lawyer

Federal Bank Fraud Criminal Offenses: Understanding the Statutes and Consequences

Bank fraud is a criminal offense at both the federal and state levels, and the consequences can be severe, involving hefty fines and substantial jail time. This article provides an in-depth understanding of federal bank fraud criminal offenses, exploring the statutes, penalties, defenses, and why legal representation is crucial in such cases.

Federal Statutes on Bank Fraud

The primary federal statute that governs bank fraud is 18 U.S.C. § 1344, which lays out the elements of the crime and the penalties.

The statute defines bank fraud as knowingly executing or attempting to execute a scheme or artifice:

To defraud a financial institution; or
To obtain any of the money, funds, credits, assets, securities, or other property owned by or under the custody or control of a financial institution by means of false or fraudulent pretenses, representations, or promises.

Elements of Federal Bank Fraud

For a conviction under 18 U.S.C. § 1344, the prosecution must prove the following elements beyond a reasonable doubt:

Scheme or Artifice: The defendant engaged in or attempted to engage in a scheme or artifice to defraud or obtain money, property, etc., under false pretenses.
Intent: The defendant acted knowingly, intending to defraud the bank.
Financial Institution: The target must be a federally insured financial institution.
Materiality: The false statements or actions were material; that is, they would naturally influence or were capable of influencing the decision of the bank.

Penalties if Convicted

Imprisonment: A person convicted of bank fraud can face up to 30 years in federal prison.
Fines: The financial penalties can be substantial, reaching up to $1 million.
Restitution: Convicts may also be required to make restitution, compensating the bank for its losses.
Asset Forfeiture: In certain cases, the court may also order the forfeiture of any personal property used in the fraud or received as a result of the fraud.

Federal Agencies Involved in Investigation and Prosecution

When it comes to federal bank fraud offenses, various federal agencies are often involved in the investigation and prosecution. These may include the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and others. These agencies have enormous resources at their disposal, making it even more imperative to have a legal team that understands how to handle federal cases effectively.

Cooperation Among Federal Agencies

Federal agencies often collaborate to investigate and prosecute bank fraud cases. For instance, the FBI might work closely with the IRS to assess the financial transactions associated with the case. Similarly, in cases involving securities fraud related to bank fraud, the SEC might play an active role. These collaborations amplify the prosecution’s strength, which is why defendants need a knowledgeable attorney to match this level of sophistication.

Use of Forensic Accountants

Federal agencies may employ forensic accountants to scrutinize every financial transaction involved in the alleged scheme meticulously. These specialists can serve as expert witnesses during the trial, adding weight to the prosecution’s case. A defense attorney can challenge the methodologies employed by these experts or present alternative experts to counter the prosecution’s claims.

Statute of Limitations

For federal bank fraud cases, the statute of limitations is usually five years from the date of the alleged offense. However, specific circumstances can extend this period. An experienced attorney can assess the applicable statute of limitations in your case and may use it as a defense strategy if the prosecution has exceeded this timeframe.

Additional Charges

It’s not uncommon for defendants to face additional charges alongside bank fraud. These may include wire fraud, mail fraud, or identity theft, each with its set of federal statutes and penalties. For example, wire fraud is governed by 18 U.S.C. § 1343 and can also carry penalties of up to 30 years in prison if a financial institution is affected.

Having multiple charges can complicate the defense and potentially increase the severity of the penalties. An attorney can help navigate these complexities and might be able to negotiate a deal where additional charges are dropped or lessened.

The Pre-Trial and Trial Phases

Once charged, the legal process for federal bank fraud goes through several phases, starting from arraignment to potential trial. Each stage has its intricacies and requirements:

Arraignment: The defendant is informed of the charges and asked to enter a plea. An attorney can guide you through this and may even negotiate bail terms.
Discovery: Both sides collect evidence. Your attorney will critically examine all evidence to build a robust defense.
Motions: Prior to the trial, attorneys file various motions, such as motions to dismiss or motions to suppress evidence. An effective attorney can use these to weaken the prosecution’s case significantly.
Trial: If a plea deal isn’t reached or if the defendant chooses to go to trial, the case will be argued before a judge or jury. Having a skilled attorney is critical to presenting your case effectively and persuasively.

Post-Trial Consequences

A bank fraud conviction will have long-term ramifications beyond imprisonment and fines. It can affect your ability to find employment, secure housing, or even open a bank account. Certain civil rights, like voting or owning a firearm, may also be affected. Having a conviction overturned or sentence reduced on appeal is difficult but possible, and quality legal representation is essential for this.

Federal bank fraud is an incredibly complex area of law that involves multiple federal agencies, severe penalties, and potential long-term consequences. Legal representation isn’t merely advisable; it’s crucial. The intricacies of federal statutes, the expertise required to build a defense, the negotiation skills for plea bargains, and the courtroom experience for a potential trial make hiring an experienced federal criminal defense attorney an absolute necessity. Given the stakes involved, those facing federal bank fraud charges must seek expert legal advice at the earliest opportunity.

Common Legal Defenses

Lack of Intent: One of the most common defenses is the lack of intent to defraud. The prosecution must prove intent beyond a reasonable doubt, and showing a lack of intent can result in a not-guilty verdict.
Good Faith: If a defendant believed in good faith that their representations were accurate, it could serve as a defense.
Mistake of Fact: If a person engaged in a scheme under a mistaken belief that would negate fraudulent intent, it might be a valid defense.
Entrapment: This is a less common defense but may be relevant if law enforcement officials lured the defendant into committing a crime they would not have otherwise committed.

Why Legal Representation is Crucial

Complexity of Federal Law: Federal statutes, including 18 U.S.C. § 1344, involve intricate legal definitions and principles that can be difficult for laypersons to understand.
Severe Penalties: Given the severe penalties, including the possibility of spending decades in prison, having an experienced federal criminal defense attorney is essential.
Legal Strategies: An experienced lawyer can develop a strong defense strategy, which may include challenging the sufficiency of the evidence, attacking the credibility of witnesses, or proving that certain elements of the crime were not met.
Plea Bargaining: Legal representation can be beneficial for negotiating plea bargains, which could lead to lesser charges or reduced sentences.
Trial Expertise: If the case goes to trial, having a seasoned attorney to present your defense, cross-examine witnesses, and challenge the prosecution’s case can be invaluable.

Bank fraud is a serious federal crime that carries severe penalties and long-lasting consequences. Being charged under 18 U.S.C. § 1344 can be a life-altering experience. The complexities surrounding federal bank fraud offenses make it essential for anyone charged with or under investigation for this crime to consult a qualified federal criminal defense attorney. Such professionals have the necessary knowledge, expertise, and resources to navigate the legal complexities and build a strong defense strategy. Given the gravity of the charges and the potential penalties, legal representation is not just advisable but essential for anyone facing federal bank fraud charges.

Aggressive Chicago Criminal Defense Lawyer with Decades of Experience

Over the past two decades, David L. Freidberg has gained a dearth of knowledge on the Illinois Compiled Statutes Criminal Code, evidence, rules of criminal procedure, and the U.S. Constitution. David L. Freidberg strives to combine his training, experience, skills, and passion for serving vulnerable communities to provide clients with unparalleled representation. To schedule a free consultation, contact The Law Offices of David L. Freidberg 24/7 at (312) 560-7100 or toll free at (800) 803-1442.