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New York Federal Bank Fraud Lawyer

In recent years, the prosecution of financial crimes by the Department of Justice, especially in the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York, has dramatically increased – and with it the number of bank fraud cases. Whether it emanates from a complex financial transaction or a simple check kiting scheme, the charge of bank fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §1344, is extremely serious – and a conviction carries with it a sentence of up to 30 years imprisonment and a maximum $1 million fine.

The federal bank fraud statute covers two different, though related types fraudulent activity. 18 U.S.C. §1344(1) generally punishes any individual who knowingly executes a scheme to defraud a financial institution. Alternatively, 18 U.S.C. §1344(2) is more limited, punishing any individual who knowingly executes a scheme to obtain money, credit or some other asset owned by, or under the control of a financial institution, by use of false pretenses. A New York federal bank fraud lawyers could help if you are being charged under this statute. Allow our skilled criminal attorneys to prepare a defense and guide you through the legal process.

Convictions Under the Federal Bank Fraud Statute

Specifically, to be convicted of 18 U.S.C. §1344(1), a prosecutor must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant knowingly executed or attempted to execute a scheme to defraud a financial institution insured or chartered by the federal government. Additionally, a prosecutor must establish that a defendant used some material misrepresentation or act of concealment to commit the alleged crime.

To be found guilty of § 1344(2), the prosecutor must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant knowingly executed or attempted to execute a plan to defraud a federal financial institution by using materially false representations or fraudulent pretenses to obtain money or property controlled by the government.

While the statutory language is seemingly broad, defenses to this charge exist. For example, not every misrepresentation made to a bank or financial institution is sufficient to warrant a conviction for this crime. Instead, the Second Circuit Court of Appeals held that a misrepresentation is material only if it is capable of influencing a bank’s actions. See United States v. Rigas, 490 F.3d 208, 231 (2d Cir. 2007); United States v. Rodriguez, 140 F.3d 163, 168 (2d Cir. 1998). Further, the ‘scheme to defraud element’ of both subsections requires more than just a simple act. For example, “depositing checks into a bank account where the depositor knows that he/she is not entitled to the funds,” is not a crime punishable by §1344. Rodriguez, 140 F.3d at 168.

Instead, this element requires that the prosecutor prove that the defendant engaged in a “pattern or course of conduct designed to deceive a … financial institution into releasing property ….” United States v. Stavroulakis, 952 F.2d 686, 964 (2d Cir. 1992) (emphasis supplied). Finally, not every financial institution qualifies for protection under this statute; instead, this term is defined by 18 U.S.C. § 20 and includes insured depository institutions of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, credit unions with accounts insured by the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund, federal home loan banks, small business investment companies, the Federal Reserve bank or a member bank of the Federal Reserve System, and mortgage lending businesses. An attorney is familiar with the federal statutes related to bank fraud and could help someone defend themselves against such charges.

What Are the Penalties Associated with Federal Bank Fraud?

The penalties attached to a federal bank fraud conviction are grave, and may result in lengthy incarceration in addition to steep fines. If convicted, the court can assess a fine up to $1,000,000. A court also may impose a maximum jail sentence of 30 years, either in lieu of or along with the fine amount. A court also may order a person convicted of bank fraud to pay restitution to the financial institution(s).

Moreover, an accused individual may face further penalties besides those named above if convicted, the reason for this being that the most of these charges are accompanied by other offenses. For example, one common charge that is often filed along with bank fraud is attempt and conspiracy to commit fraud, as defined under 18 U.S.C. §1349. A federal defense attorney in New York could assess a bank fraud case and determine what penalties a defendant may face.

What Factors Will the Court Consider in Reaching a Federal Bank Fraud Sentence?

While federal law outlines the penalty procedures for those accused of bank fraud, the judge may take numerous elements of the case into account before determining the final punishment. For instance, whether or not the accused has been convicted of a crime before and the details of the alleged offense can play a part in the court’s final decision. If the alleged fraud involves a considerable sum of money, the offender may face much higher penalties than if the funds in question were posed a smaller loss to the financial institution. A New York attorney should consider these mitigating and aggravating factors in a federal bank fraud case.

What Can a Defense Attorney Do to Help in a Federal Bank Fraud Case?

The most important action someone charged with federal bank fraud can take to help their case is to hire an experienced New York attorney to build their defense. A defense attorney could provide legal guidance and help an individual accused of federal bank fraud better understands their rights and options under the law. An attorney can draw upon a vast array of resources and legal insight to build a thorough defense on behalf of the accused and pursue optimal results.

Contact a New York Federal Bank Fraud Attorney Today

Hiring a skilled New York federal bank fraud attorney to defend you in any prosecution is crucial step to take following these allegations. The lawyers from the Law Offices of Jeffrey Lichtman has the experience and skill to handle any of these cases. To get started on your defense, call today.

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In Jeffrey's world, mine was a small case. He never treated it as a small case. I was facing 9 misdemeanor criminal charges which could have sunk my career and my ability to support my family. He arranged a proffer with the DA's office and once they heard my side of the story, they called and offered to drop everything to 1 non-criminal violation and he got the case sealed. Jeffrey is the best criminal defense lawyer one can have. He is honest, forthright, hard-working, and knows his world better than anyone else. You want him fighting for you.

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