Mail Fraud Charges
Mail fraud is certainly one of more prevalent forms of criminal deception, accounting for almost one third of all consumer fraud. Cited as any illegal, fraudulent act utilizing the United States Postal Service, or affiliate mail carrier, mail fraud conviction seeks to improve upon the penalties for the criminal activity, justified by the involvement of and exploitation of the US Postal Service in the crime (regardless of the level of involvement). Mail fraud statutes have even been extended to commercial/private mail carriers.
The US Code states that if those involved in a plan to defraud, deceive, counterfeit, etc., places in any post office or authorized depository for mail matter, uses the Postal Service that person shall be:
- Fined, imprisoned for not more than 20 years, or both.
- If a financial institution is affected, than the penalty is a significant fine of not more than $1,000,000, and imprisonment for not more than 30 years, or both.
- Even if one just uses a fictitious name or address, the offense is punishable by a fine and up to five years in prison.
If you or a loved one has been accused of alleged mail fraud, contact mail fraud defense attorney John Teakell for your 100% free consultation by submitting your information here.
