Wire Fraud Defense Lawyers in NYC
Last updated on May 19, 2026
Wire fraud is the use of phone, radio, television or the internet to defraud another person. It is a serious federal offense. If you have been charged with this crime it could have a grave impact on your future. Crippling fines, prison sentences and more could result. A New York City federal criminal lawyer can fight for you if you have been accused of wire fraud. Our federal wire fraud defense attorneys at Sapone & Petrillo, LLP, have the experience necessary to push back against complex fraud charges.
We understand the severity of wire fraud accusations. We will work with you to build a strong defense that protects your rights and your future. From our offices in New York City and Long Island, we have represented clients facing criminal charges in federal and state courts across the country. As experienced trial lawyers, we are dedicated to using that experience to build a legal strategy tailored to your needs and your defense.
What Is Wire Fraud?
Wire fraud is a fraud charge that includes any fraudulent activity involving electronic communications. With wire fraud, the use of these communications does not have to be central to the crimes committed. Similar to mail fraud crimes, the criminal charges are added on to other charges, simply because you used these regulated forms of communication to commit the crime. Charges associated with wire fraud include:
- Identity theft
- Credit card fraud
- Marketing scams transmitted by phone, fax or internet
- Pyramid schemes
- Child pornography
Before the rise of the internet, wire fraud usually referred to using a telephone or fax machine to defraud someone else. While phone-based fraud still exists, the internet has led to an explosion of wire fraud charges. Here are a few examples of types of wire fraud:
- Phishing: Sending emails posing as a bank or other business to trick recipients into sharing sensitive information, such as their bank account numbers, account names and passwords.
- Advance-fee scams: A type of scam in which the offender emails strangers promising to give them a fortune if the victim pays an advance fee first. The perpetrator then pockets the “fee” without providing the promised fortune that does not exist. The classic example of this type of fraud is the “Nigerian prince scam,” in which the sender pretends to be royalty who needs help getting their vast wealth out of their country. But any scam that falsely promises a lot of money later for a relatively small amount of money today is an advance-fee scam.
- Online money laundering: Someone committing another white-collar crime, such as embezzlement, might try to cover their tracks by making a rapid series of deposits and transfers across several bank accounts. If they use the internet to do this, it could lead to wire fraud charges.
Most charges of wire fraud are felony charges and could lead to hefty fines, paying restitution to victims and lengthy jail sentences. Felony charges can also have an impact on every aspect of your life, from your ability to pass a background check for future employment to your ability to find housing. Because of the severity of these charges, it is important to work with an experienced New York wire fraud defense lawyer whom you can trust to protect you.
How A Wire Fraud Defense Attorney Can Help You
A wire fraud defense attorney serves as your advocate throughout the complex federal criminal justice process. Given the serious consequences of wire fraud charges, including potential decades in prison and substantial financial penalties, having skilled legal representation is essential for protecting your future and constitutional rights.
The first step involves comprehensive case evaluation and the development of a customized legal strategy. Your attorney will meticulously analyze all aspects of your case, including the specific allegations, evidence collected by prosecutors and jurisdictional factors that may affect the proceedings. This thorough assessment allows for the creation of a defense strategy tailored to the unique circumstances of your situation.
Protecting your rights during federal investigations and prosecutions is paramount. Many individuals unknowingly compromise their defense by speaking with investigators without legal counsel present. Your attorney acts as a barrier between you and law enforcement, preventing damaging statements and ensuring that all interactions with authorities occur under proper legal guidance.
An experienced wire fraud defense attorney can provide crucial assistance in several key areas:
- Conducting a thorough evidence review and challenging improperly obtained materials that could weaken the prosecution’s case
- Performing independent investigations to uncover evidence favorable to your defense or expose weaknesses in government allegations
- Negotiating with federal prosecutors to seek reduced charges, alternative sentencing options or case dismissal when appropriate
- Providing aggressive courtroom advocacy during trial proceedings, including cross-examining witnesses and presenting compelling defense arguments
- Protecting your constitutional rights during all phases of the investigation and prosecution process
- Developing comprehensive legal strategies based on the specific facts and circumstances of your case
Evidence review and independent investigation form the backbone of effective defense representation. This process often reveals weaknesses in the prosecution’s case or uncovers evidence favorable to your defense, potentially making the difference between conviction and acquittal. Federal prosecutors have vast resources at their disposal, making it crucial to level the playing field with thorough defense preparation.
Negotiation and plea bargaining represent crucial aspects of federal defense work. Experienced attorneys understand how to engage with federal prosecutors effectively, and early legal intervention often provides the best opportunities for favorable negotiations before prosecutors invest significant resources in trial preparation.
When cases proceed to trial, your attorney provides experienced courtroom advocacy where your freedom and reputation are at stake. This includes presenting compelling arguments to the jury and challenging the prosecution’s evidence at every turn to achieve the best possible outcome. Skilled trial attorneys know how to effectively communicate complex legal concepts to jurors in understandable terms.
Work With An Experienced New York City Federal Criminal Defense Attorney
Have you been charged with wire fraud? Are you under investigation and believe that you might be charged? Don’t wait. Begin building your defense today with a New York City federal criminal defense attorney by calling 646-844-3445 or emailing us.