Federal Fraud Defense Guide
UNDER FEDERAL INVESTIGATION?
Time is critical in federal fraud cases. Federal prosecutors have unlimited resources and are building their case against you right now.
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Federal fraud charges carry severe penalties including decades in federal prison, massive fines, and permanent criminal records.
At Adams Defense Law, our experienced federal fraud defense attorneys have successfully defended clients against all types of federal fraud allegations in Chicago, New York City, and Kansas City.
When federal agents investigate fraud cases, they have virtually unlimited resources, sophisticated technology, and years to build their case.
You need an equally sophisticated defense team that understands federal fraud laws, federal sentencing guidelines, and how to challenge the government’s evidence.

Federal Fraud Defense Lawyer
Types of Federal Fraud We Defend
Wire Fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1343)
Wire fraud involves using electronic communications to execute a scheme to defraud. This includes internet fraud, email scams, telephone fraud, and any fraud using electronic transmissions across state lines. Penalties: Up to 20 years in prison, 30 years if affecting a financial institution
Mail Fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1341)
Mail fraud charges arise when the postal service is used to further a fraudulent scheme. Even sending a single letter in furtherance of fraud can trigger federal prosecution. Penalties: Up to 20 years in prison, 30 years if affecting a financial institution
Bank Fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1344)
Bank fraud involves schemes to defraud financial institutions or obtain money under the custody or control of financial institutions through false pretenses. Penalties: Up to 30 years in prison and $1 million fine
Healthcare Fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1347)
Healthcare fraud includes billing for services not provided, upcoding, kickbacks, and other schemes involving Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance. Penalties: Up to 10 years in prison, 20 years if resulting in serious bodily injury
Credit Card Fraud
Federal credit card fraud charges involve unauthorized use of credit cards, identity theft, skimming operations, and trafficking in counterfeit access devices. Penalties: Up to 15 years in prison for each count
Mortgage Fraud
Mortgage fraud includes loan origination fraud, property flipping schemes, foreclosure rescue scams, and other real estate-related fraudulent activities. Penalties: Up to 30 years in prison and $1 million fine
Securities Fraud
Securities fraud involves misrepresentation in connection with the purchase or sale of securities, including insider trading, Ponzi schemes, and investment adviser fraud. Penalties: Up to 25 years in prison and $5 million fine
Tax Fraud
Tax fraud includes tax evasion, filing false returns, identity theft for tax refunds, and other schemes to defraud the Internal Revenue Service. Penalties: Up to 5 years in prison per count and substantial fines
Federal Fraud Penalties Overview
Fraud Type | Maximum Prison | Maximum Fine | Enhanced Penalties |
Wire Fraud | 20 years | $250,000 | 30 years if affecting financial institution |
Mail Fraud | 20 years | $250,000 | 30 years if affecting financial institution |
Bank Fraud | 30 years | $1,000,000 | Additional restitution requirements |
Healthcare Fraud | 10 years | $250,000 | 20 years if serious bodily injury |
Securities Fraud | 25 years | $5,000,000 | Civil penalties and disgorgement |
Tax Evasion | 5 years | $250,000 | Plus cost of prosecution |
FEDERAL SENTENCING ENHANCEMENTS Federal fraud sentences can be dramatically increased based on loss amount, number of victims, sophisticated means, leadership role, and other factors under federal sentencing guidelines.
Our Federal Fraud Defense Process
1. Emergency Response & Case Assessment
We immediately assess your situation, advise on interactions with federal agents, and begin building your defense strategy. If you’re under investigation, we can often intervene before charges are filed.
2. Evidence Analysis & Discovery
Our team meticulously analyzes all government evidence, including financial records, electronic communications, witness statements, and expert testimony to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
3. Federal Court Proceedings
We represent you through all federal court proceedings, including arraignment, detention hearings, motion practice, and trial preparation while exploring all plea negotiation opportunities.
4. Defense Strategy Implementation
We implement a comprehensive defense strategy, which may include challenging evidence, disputing intent, presenting alternative theories, or negotiating favorable plea agreements with federal prosecutors.
5. Sentencing Mitigation
If conviction occurs, we work aggressively to minimize your sentence through comprehensive mitigation presentations, cooperation agreements, and challenging sentencing enhancements.
Why Choose Adams Defense Law for Federal Fraud Defense
Federal fraud cases require attorneys who understand the complex interplay between federal criminal law, federal rules of evidence, federal sentencing guidelines, and the tactics used by federal prosecutors. Our team brings:
- Federal Court Experience: Extensive experience in federal courts across multiple districts
- Complex Case Management: Ability to manage voluminous discovery and complex financial evidence
- Technical Expertise: Understanding of accounting, technology, and industry-specific issues in fraud cases
- Prosecutor Relationships: Professional relationships with federal prosecutors enabling effective negotiation
- Expert Witness Network: Access to forensic accountants, computer experts, and industry specialists
- 24/7 Availability: Immediate response for federal arrests and investigations

Our Offices: Chicago, NYC & Kansas City
Chicago Federal Court
Defending fraud cases in the Northern District of Illinois, including complex white-collar prosecutions from the Chicago U.S. Attorney’s Office.
New York Federal Courts
Representing clients in the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York, handling high-stakes fraud cases in Manhattan and Brooklyn federal courts.
Kansas City Federal Court
Providing federal fraud defense in the Western District of Missouri and surrounding federal districts for clients throughout the Midwest.
DON’T WAIT – CONTACT US IMMEDIATELY Federal fraud investigations move quickly. The sooner we begin your defense, the better we can protect your rights and freedom. Call now for a confidential consultation.
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Contact Adams Defense Law for Federal White Collar Defense
If you’re facing federal white collar charges or under investigation for financial crimes in Chicago, New York City, or Kansas City, immediate legal representation is crucial.
Federal white collar cases are complex, high-stakes matters that require specialized expertise and aggressive defense.
Call (312) 566-9173 for immediate consultation
Available 24/7 for:
✅ Federal target letters and investigation notices
✅ Grand jury subpoenas and document requests
✅ Federal search warrants and asset seizures
✅ Emergency federal court proceedings
Confidential Consultation:
All federal white collar consultations are confidential and protected by attorney-client privilege. We understand the sensitive nature of these cases and provide discreet, professional representation.
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Related Federal Defense Services:
- Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Federal Drug Crimes Defense
- Federal Investigation Defense
- Chicago Federal Criminal Defense
- NYC Federal Criminal Defense
- Kansas City Federal Criminal Defense
Disclaimer: This website provides general information about federal white collar crime defense. It does not constitute legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Federal white collar cases are highly complex and fact-specific. Consult with an experienced federal white collar defense attorney for advice about your specific situation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Federal Fraud Charges
What should I do if federal agents want to interview me?
Never speak to federal agents without an attorney present. Anything you say can and will be used against you. Contact Adams Defense Law immediately at (312) 566-9173 before any interview.
How long do federal fraud investigations take?
Federal fraud investigations can take months or years. The government has no statute of limitations on building their case, which is why early intervention by experienced defense counsel is crucial.
Can federal fraud charges be dismissed?
Yes, federal fraud charges can be dismissed through various legal challenges, including lack of evidence, constitutional violations, prosecutorial misconduct, or successful motion practice.
What is the difference between federal and state fraud charges?
Federal fraud charges typically involve interstate activity, federal agencies, or amounts exceeding certain thresholds. Federal penalties are generally more severe, and federal prosecutors have more resources.

White Collar Federal Lawyers
Check out our other federal lawyer white collar pages.
⚖️ White Collar Federal Defense Home
⚖️ Federal Fraud Defense
⚖️ Federal Securities Fraud Lawyers
⚖️ Federal Tax Crime Defense
⚖️ Federal Money Laundering Lawyer
⚖️ Federal Bribery Corruption Defense