Aggressive Representation Against Federal Crimes in New York
With New York City coined as the “financial capital of the world,” it is also the center of white-collar crime. Unlike other types of crimes, white-collar offenses are characterized as being crimes committed by businessmen and politicians. They are non-violent in nature, instead being motivated by financial greed.
If you are under investigation for a white-collar offense or have been simply accused of a white-collar offense, you need to speak with me, Peter Katz. I have successfully helped clients charged with a federal offense get these charges dropped or reduced.
Wire Fraud
The scheme of using electronic communications to defraud another person is known as wire fraud. Oftentimes, if interstate wire transactions are used, then it is charged as a federal offense. A wire fraud conviction carries up to 20 years in federal prison, with a potential fine of $250,000. Organizations may be fined as much as $500,000.
To obtain a conviction, the prosecution must prove that you either developed or planned to develop a scheme to defraud another person out of money or property. When you acquire an experienced federal criminal defense attorney, you have someone in your corner to question the credibility of the government’s evidence.
Health Care Fraud
Health care fraud may be committed by providers, patients, or anyone that intends to defraud the healthcare system. It involves filing dishonest claims for a patient to receive unlawful benefits or for a provider to turn a profit. It is commonly seen in government-funded health care programs, such as Medicare and Medicaid.
Common examples of healthcare fraud include billing for services not provided, billing for multi-step procedures separately instead of billing in one code (unbundling), altering or duplicating a healthcare ID card, and selling for illicit use.
According to 18 U.S.C. § 1347, healthcare fraud offenders may be imprisoned for ten years, fined, or both. If anyone was injured in relation to the fraud, then offenders may be imprisoned for 20 years, fined, or both. If someone dies, then you may be imprisoned for life, fined, or both.
COVID-19 Pandemic Fraud
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Congress initiated programs to give individuals and businesses financial assistance. Since implementing these programs, the Department of Justice has uncovered more than $8 billion in fraudulent schemes.
Some common COVID-19 scams include:
- Government impersonators: Reaching out to someone via social media, phone calls, e-mail, or going door-to-door asking for money for COVID testing, financial relief, or medical equipment.
- Fraudulent cures: Offering fake treatments related to the COVID-19 virus.
- Work-from-Home Fraud: Contacting someone and requesting payment in exchange for a job.
- Investment Fraud: One of the most lucrative schemes, a scammer will ask someone to invest in a cure for the virus.
If you are facing allegations of developing a scheme in correlation with disaster relief or a federal public health emergency, then you will likely be charged with Fraud in Connection with Major Disaster or Emergency Benefits. If convicted, you may be sentenced to a maximum of 30 years in prison.
Legal Defenses
Common defenses that may be used if someone is accused of a white-collar crime include:
To be convicted of a white-collar crime, the prosecution must not only prove that you engaged in the illegal act but that you intended to defraud someone. This is no easy task, and it is up to the United States Attorney to prove every element of your crime, including intent, beyond a reasonable doubt.
Just because someone committed a crime does not necessarily mean that they knew what they were doing was unlawful. For example, if a supervisor asks a receptionist to send an email as part of a wire fraud scheme, the receptionist may have contributed to the illicit act but had no idea that what they were doing was illegal.
The burden of proof in a criminal case is beyond a reasonable doubt. This means that the prosecution must prove your guilt to the extent that the jury cannot produce any reasonable explanation for the facts presented. As a federal criminal defense attorney, I make it my mission to put doubt into the juror’s minds, preventing the government from proving their case.
Reach Out to a New York Federal Criminal Defense Attorney Now
If you have been arrested or charged with a federal crime, now is the time to obtain the representation you need. To learn how our office can help, contact the Law Offices of Peter Katz by completing the online intake form. All initial consultations are free.
