What Is Wire Fraud? A Federal Crime With Serious Consequences in Chicago

Wire fraud is one of the most aggressively prosecuted federal crimes in Chicago and throughout Illinois. In a city as large and complex as Chicago—with a dense network of financial institutions, businesses, and digital communications—federal prosecutors are quick to charge wire fraud when they suspect any misuse of phone calls, emails, text messages, or electronic transactions to commit a scheme.

As a Chicago federal criminal defense attorney, I’ve seen firsthand how individuals can find themselves facing wire fraud charges for actions that were misunderstood, exaggerated, or taken out of context. The stakes are high. Wire fraud is not only a felony offense, but a conviction can bring years of federal prison time and long-lasting damage to your future.

If you or someone you care about is under investigation or has been charged with wire fraud in Illinois, especially in federal courts in Cook County, DuPage County, Will County, or Lake County, you must take the allegation seriously. You also need to understand the legal process, the defenses available, and why hiring an experienced Chicago criminal defense lawyer is essential.

Let’s take a closer look at how wire fraud cases work, the penalties involved, how investigations unfold, and how I fight these charges every day on behalf of my clients.

Understanding Federal Wire Fraud Charges

Wire fraud is defined under 18 U.S. Code § 1343, which makes it a crime to knowingly devise a scheme to defraud someone of money or property through any form of wire, radio, or television communication that crosses state lines. This includes:

Phone calls (including robocalls or texts)
Emails
Online transactions
Social media messages
Internet or app-based transfers
Faxes and even radio communications

To convict someone of wire fraud, the government must prove:

There was a deliberate scheme to defraud
The defendant used interstate wire communications to further the scheme
The defendant acted with intent to deceive or cheat another person or institution

Even if the fraud was never completed or no one lost money, you can still be convicted based solely on the attempt or plan to commit the fraud.

Because wire fraud is a federal offense, it is prosecuted in U.S. District Courts and investigated by federal agencies like the FBI, IRS, Secret Service, or U.S. Postal Inspectors.

Penalties for Wire Fraud in Illinois

Wire fraud is a felony under federal law, not a misdemeanor. A single count of wire fraud carries up to 20 years in federal prison, plus substantial fines.

If the wire fraud involved a financial institution or a federally declared emergency (such as a natural disaster or pandemic), the penalties increase to:

Up to 30 years in prison
Fines of up to $1,000,000

It’s also common for wire fraud charges to be accompanied by other related charges, such as:

Mail fraud
Bank fraud
Identity theft
Money laundering
Conspiracy under 18 U.S. Code § 371
Aggravated identity theft under 18 U.S. Code § 1028A

In some Chicago-area cases, people charged with wire fraud have also faced forfeiture of assets and civil lawsuits from alleged victims or regulatory agencies.

That’s why early and aggressive legal defense from a Chicago federal criminal defense lawyer is critical.

How Wire Fraud Investigations Unfold in Chicago

In many wire fraud cases, a person is investigated for months or even years before they are formally charged. You may not even know you’re under investigation until you receive a federal subpoena, a target letter, or agents come knocking at your home or workplace.

Federal investigators gather evidence in several ways:

Subpoenaing bank records and financial transactions
Monitoring emails and text messages
Interviewing co-workers or business partners
Using informants or cooperating witnesses
Conducting surveillance or undercover operations
Seizing electronic devices (phones, computers)

Once an arrest is made or an indictment is issued, your case will move quickly through the federal system. You’ll appear in federal court for an initial appearance, followed by a detention hearing where the judge decides whether to release you or keep you in custody.

Federal prosecutors in Chicago often file multiple counts to increase pressure on defendants to take a plea. Without legal guidance, you could be trapped into making damaging statements or agreeing to unfair deals.

Fictional Case Example: Allegations in the West Loop

Let me give you an example of a wire fraud case I’ve handled using fictional details.

Federal prosecutors charged a freelance IT consultant in Chicago’s West Loop with wire fraud for allegedly inflating invoices and misrepresenting services to a national client. The company’s internal audit flagged irregular billing, and they contacted the FBI. Agents later claimed the client was defrauded out of more than $100,000 over a 12-month period, based on wire transfers and email correspondence.

My client was stunned. The services were real, and the rates had been verbally agreed upon. The paper trail was messy, but not criminal. We uncovered that the so-called “victim” company had ongoing contract disputes with multiple vendors.

We built a defense around lack of intent to defraud and emphasized poor documentation—not fraud. We brought in an independent industry expert to show that the billing was in line with custom IT work. Through strategic negotiations, we avoided trial and secured a resolution that spared my client from prison.

This kind of outcome is only possible when you work with a skilled and aggressive wire fraud defense lawyer in Chicago.

Legal Defenses to Federal Wire Fraud Charges

Every case is different, but these are some of the most effective defenses I’ve used as a Chicago federal criminal defense attorney:

Lack of Intent – If you didn’t intend to deceive, there is no wire fraud. Honest mistakes, miscommunications, or negligence do not meet the legal standard for fraud.
No Scheme to Defraud – If the government cannot prove a coordinated plan to defraud, the charge falls apart.
Insufficient Evidence – Investigators may rely on circumstantial or digital evidence that lacks context.
False Accusations – Sometimes, wire fraud charges arise from disgruntled business partners, former employees, or angry clients.
Duress or Coercion – In some cases, a person may have been forced to participate in a scheme under threat.
Statute of Limitations – The government has a limited time to bring charges, generally 5 years under federal law.

I scrutinize every piece of evidence and challenge every aspect of the government’s case. Prosecutors must prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt, and it’s my job to make that as difficult as possible.

Why You Need a Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer in Chicago

Federal cases are not the same as state court matters. The procedures, timelines, and penalties are far more complex and unforgiving. You don’t want to gamble with your freedom by hiring a general criminal defense attorney.

A Chicago federal criminal defense lawyer should have:

Deep understanding of federal statutes and sentencing guidelines
Experience negotiating with federal prosecutors
Familiarity with U.S. District Court rules and judges in the Northern District of Illinois
A track record of success in wire fraud and white-collar defense

I take a hands-on approach to every wire fraud case. From pre-indictment investigations to post-trial appeals, I build a comprehensive defense strategy focused on protecting your rights, your freedom, and your future.

Frequently Asked Questions About Wire Fraud in Chicago

Can I Be Charged With Wire Fraud If No Money Was Lost?
Yes. Under federal law, actual financial loss is not required. The prosecution only needs to show that you intended to commit fraud using wire communications. Even if the scheme failed, you can still face a felony wire fraud charge. This is why it’s so important to hire a Chicago federal criminal defense attorney who understands how to challenge the government’s intent argument.

What Happens If I’m Contacted By Federal Agents About Wire Fraud?
If you are contacted by federal investigators—even casually—do not answer questions without your lawyer present. Anything you say can and will be used against you. Politely decline to speak and immediately contact a Chicago criminal defense lawyer with federal experience. Cooperating without representation often leads to arrest or indictment.

Is Wire Fraud a State or Federal Crime in Illinois?
Wire fraud is a federal crime under 18 U.S. Code § 1343, but state-level fraud charges are also possible depending on the facts. In Chicago, most wire fraud investigations are handled by federal agencies like the FBI and prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Northern District of Illinois. State charges could be brought under Illinois theft or deception statutes, but if electronic communications cross state lines, it typically becomes a federal matter.

What Is the Statute of Limitations for Wire Fraud in Chicago?
Federal prosecutors have 5 years from the date of the alleged wire fraud to file charges. In cases involving a financial institution, the time limit may extend to 10 years. However, prosecutors can sometimes toll (pause) the statute in complex cases. An experienced Chicago wire fraud defense lawyer can help assess whether the statute has expired.

What Are the Collateral Consequences of a Wire Fraud Conviction?
In addition to prison and fines, a federal felony wire fraud conviction can result in:

Permanent criminal record
Immigration consequences for non-citizens
Professional license revocation
Employment and housing difficulties
Federal supervised release conditions

This is why fighting the charge with a qualified federal criminal defense attorney in Chicago is essential.

Why Clients Trust The Law Offices of David L. Freidberg

When your future is on the line, you need more than just a lawyer—you need a fighter. At The Law Offices of David L. Freidberg, I have spent decades defending clients against federal white-collar crimes, including wire fraud, in Chicago and across Illinois.

I provide aggressive, personalized representation at every stage of the process:

Pre-charge investigations
Grand jury subpoenas
Indictments
Federal bond hearings
Motion practice
Federal trial and sentencing

Don’t risk your freedom by waiting too long. Wire fraud charges move fast, and federal agents are trained to build a case before you even know you’re a target.

Call The Law Offices of David L. Freidberg for a Free Consultation 24/7

If you are under investigation or have been charged with wire fraud in Chicago or anywhere in Illinois, contact The Law Offices of David L. Freidberg immediately. We offer free consultations 24/7. We’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Contact us today at (312) 560-7100 or toll-free at (800) 803-1442 for a free consultation. Your future is worth fighting for. We’ll stand with you—and we’ll fight to protect your freedom from the very first call. Early legal representation can make the difference between indictment and defense.