Mail fraud is treated as a serious crime in California because of the economic damage it can do. It is a very common federal charge and often used in conjunction with a variety of other charges. Mail fraud is prosecuted by the federal government, but it may have different use depending on the state you live in.
What is mail fraud?
Mail fraud is a white-collar crime that involves the use of the United States Postal System as part of a criminal enterprise. It is a broad charge: If you use the mail in any way as part of your crime, you may be looking at a mail fraud charge.
Don’t let the fact that it is a white-collar crime fool you: The criminal penalties for mail fraud can be severe, and depending on the extent of your crime, you could be looking at a massive fines and jail time. This is why it is so important that you contact a law firm as soon as possible if you are under investigation for mail fraud.
What constitutes mail fraud?
Mail fraud could involve one instance of fraudulent communication or a lengthy scheme. Some common examples include:
- Using the mail to send out fraudulent information
- Receiving checks as part of a criminal enterprise in the mail
- Electronically transmitting money as part of an effort to defraud someone
If you find out that you are under investigation for any crime, including mail fraud, your best bet is to consult a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. A professional may help you determine your legal options and explain how to proceed as an investigation continues.
