Wire Fraud Charges in Chicago

What You Need to Know About Federal Prosecutions

Wire Fraud in Federal Court Isn’t Just a White-Collar Problem

If you’ve been contacted by federal agents, received a target letter, or suspect you’re being investigated in connection with a financial transaction in Chicago, you may be facing wire fraud allegations. Many people think wire fraud is only about Ponzi schemes or big corporate frauds. But in reality, the federal government uses wire fraud charges under 18 U.S.C. § 1343 as a catch-all statute to pursue a wide range of conduct, from business billing disputes to alleged unemployment fraud, online scams, or even real estate closings.

Wire fraud is extremely common in the Northern District of Illinois and is often charged alongside other crimes like identity theft, mail fraud, bank fraud, or conspiracy. The charge itself is very broad. All it takes is an allegation that you used a phone, text, email, wire transfer, or internet communication to further a scheme to defraud someone of money, property, or honest services.

Unlike many state crimes in Illinois, wire fraud is a federal felony, and it comes with very serious consequences. Each count carries up to 20 years in federal prison—or 30 years if a financial institution or federal disaster program was involved. And because wire fraud is often charged with multiple counts (one for each transaction or email), defendants can quickly face sentencing exposure of decades.

If you’re accused of wire fraud in Chicago, you’ll be facing the full weight of the federal government. That includes the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the FBI, IRS-CI, and other agencies with access to subpoena power, forensic accountants, and digital forensics teams. These cases are nothing like state court cases in Cook County or DuPage County. Federal court has different rules, stricter timelines, and higher conviction rates. That’s why the first call you make should be to a federal criminal defense lawyer in Chicago with real experience in wire fraud cases.

What the Government Must Prove in a Federal Wire Fraud Case

The elements of wire fraud may sound simple, but the way the government builds these cases can be incredibly complex. To convict someone of wire fraud under 18 U.S.C. § 1343, prosecutors must prove:

• There was a scheme to defraud
• The defendant had intent to defraud
• There was use of interstate wire communications (phone, internet, email, etc.)
• The wire communication was used in furtherance of the scheme

The wire doesn’t need to be the fraud itself—it just needs to have helped move the scheme along. That means an email confirming a transaction, a text to a client, a phone call to a co-defendant, or even a Venmo transfer can all be used as the “wire” element in the crime.

In Chicago, wire fraud is often charged in cases involving:

• PPP or unemployment fraud
• Business-to-business billing disputes
• Mortgage fraud or real estate wire transfers
• Romance scams and investment scams
• Fake invoice schemes
• Health care or Medicare billing fraud

Many of these cases start with a civil audit, a bank’s fraud alert, or a whistleblower tip. From there, federal agents will build a paper trail of emails, spreadsheets, wire transfers, contracts, and recorded phone calls. If they believe there’s a pattern of deception—even if you thought the other side was being dishonest too—they may decide to pursue an indictment.

That’s why it’s so important to hire a Chicago wire fraud defense attorney as soon as you learn there’s an investigation. The earlier we get involved, the more opportunities we have to push back before charges are filed.

How Federal Wire Fraud Cases Move Through the Criminal Process

Federal cases move quickly, and once you’re indicted or arrested, everything becomes more urgent. You’ll be brought before a magistrate judge for an initial appearance in U.S. District Court (Dirksen Federal Courthouse in Chicago). At that point, the judge will determine if you’re released on bond or held in custody. Unlike in state court, pretrial detention in federal cases is much more common—especially if the government claims the fraud involved large sums of money or offshore accounts.

After the initial hearing, the case enters the discovery and pretrial phase. This is where your Chicago federal criminal lawyer plays a critical role. We request all the evidence the government intends to use—emails, audio recordings, spreadsheets, witness interviews, and internal communications—and analyze it for weaknesses.

Federal prosecutors don’t offer plea deals until they’ve built their entire case. That means waiting for the right time to challenge evidence, file suppression motions, or present your side of the story. In many cases, we push for early intervention—showing the prosecution that the situation is more complex, the evidence is weaker than they claim, or that the alleged conduct doesn’t rise to a criminal level.

If the case goes to trial, we prepare thoroughly—questioning the government’s witnesses, hiring forensic experts, and undermining their timeline and narrative. Wire fraud cases can hinge on a single misunderstood email or text message. We present that message in the proper context, showing the jury what really happened.

Fictional Case Example: Federal Wire Fraud in Logan Square

Let’s say a local entrepreneur in Logan Square runs a digital marketing company. Over the course of three years, they work with dozens of clients and subcontractors. Due to cash flow issues, they sometimes bill clients early or use contract language that overstates deliverables. One former client disputes an invoice, reports it to the bank, and claims fraud. The bank notifies the FBI. The agents begin pulling bank records, emails, Slack messages, and Google Docs.

Months later, the business owner receives a target letter indicating they’re under investigation for wire fraud. They’re stunned. From their perspective, these were business disputes—issues that should’ve been handled in civil court, not federal criminal court.

We step in as their Chicago federal defense attorneys. First, we engage with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and review the evidence. We point out that the contracts were signed by both sides, that services were rendered, and that the client never complained until months later. We show that disputes were resolved through partial refunds and that no scheme existed.

Before charges are filed, we present a detailed memorandum pushing back on the allegations and raising serious concerns about the viability of prosecution. The government agrees not to indict. The matter ends there.

This outcome is only possible with early legal involvement—before the case snowballs into formal charges. Once a grand jury issues an indictment, everything becomes more difficult.

FAQs – Wire Fraud Charges in Chicago Federal Court

What is wire fraud and why is it prosecuted federally instead of in state court?
Wire fraud is a federal crime that involves using electronic communications—like emails, texts, phone calls, or wire transfers—to carry out a scheme to defraud someone. Because these communications usually cross state lines or use the internet, the federal government has jurisdiction. The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Chicago brings these cases in federal court under 18 U.S.C. § 1343. Unlike state fraud statutes, wire fraud doesn’t require actual financial loss—only intent to defraud and use of the wires.

How long does a federal wire fraud investigation last before charges are filed?
Wire fraud investigations can last several months to years. Federal agencies such as the FBI or IRS-CI may quietly gather documents, subpoena bank records, contact third parties, or review emails before you even know you’re a target. In many Chicago cases, the first time someone learns they’re under investigation is when they receive a target letter or are approached by agents. If you suspect you’re being investigated, hiring a federal criminal defense attorney right away gives you a chance to limit your exposure.

What are the penalties for wire fraud in federal court?
Wire fraud is punishable by up to 20 years in federal prison per count. If the scheme involves a financial institution or disaster-related funds, the penalty increases to 30 years per count. Defendants may also face massive fines, forfeiture of assets, and restitution. Sentencing in federal court is governed by the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which consider factors like amount of loss, number of victims, and role in the offense. Even for first-time offenders, prison is a real possibility unless the case is aggressively defended.

Can I be charged with wire fraud for a business dispute or billing error?
Yes—and that’s one of the biggest dangers. Many federal wire fraud cases start as business disagreements. If prosecutors believe you intentionally misrepresented services, altered documents, or billed for work not performed—and used email or wire transfers to do it—they may pursue criminal charges. That’s why it’s critical to bring in a Chicago wire fraud lawyer early to show that the issue was a civil matter, not criminal conduct. Timing, intent, and communication history all matter.

Should I speak to federal agents if they want to “ask some questions”?
No. You should never speak to federal agents without a lawyer present. Anything you say can be used against you—even if you’re innocent or just trying to explain your side. Federal agents are trained interrogators. The safest and smartest move is to say, “I want to speak to my attorney first.” Then call an experienced federal defense attorney in Chicago who handles wire fraud cases.

Why You Need Legal Representation and Why Clients Trust David L. Freidberg

If you’re facing wire fraud allegations, you’re not just dealing with a legal technicality—you’re facing a felony with the potential to ruin your career, business, and freedom. Federal cases are built over time and are often extremely difficult to unwind once charges are filed.

At The Law Offices of David L. Freidberg, we’ve been defending individuals and businesses in Chicago, Cook County, DuPage County, Will County, and Lake County for decades. We understand how federal prosecutors build wire fraud cases—and how to challenge them. From pre-indictment investigation to post-trial litigation, we fight to protect our clients every step of the way.

We don’t wait until the damage is done. We intervene early, analyze complex digital evidence, identify legal defenses, and—when appropriate—negotiate with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to avoid or reduce charges.

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

If you’ve been accused of wire fraud or believe you’re under investigation in Chicago or anywhere in Northern Illinois, don’t wait. The earlier you act, the more options you have. 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.