Mail Fraud Lawyer Bergen County — Federal Defense Strategies
If you are under investigation for mail fraud in Bergen County, you face serious federal charges under 18 U.S.C. § 1341, which can lead to decades in prison and massive fines. A mail fraud lawyer Bergen County from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides immediate defense. Our firm, founded in 1997, has a documented record of handling federal cases.
Last verified: March 2026 | U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey | New Jersey Legislature
Federal Mail Fraud Statute and Penalties
Mail fraud is a federal crime prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey. The statute, 18 U.S.C. § 1341, makes it illegal to use the U.S. Postal Service or any private interstate carrier (like UPS or FedEx) in furtherance of a scheme to defraud. The government must prove you had intent to defraud and used the mail to execute the scheme. Each separate mailing can be a separate count, multiplying potential penalties.
Penalties are severe. For each count of mail fraud, you face up to 20 years in federal prison. If the fraud affected a financial institution or involved a presidentially declared emergency, the maximum penalty increases to 30 years. Fines can reach $1,000,000 or twice the gross gain/loss. Restitution to victims and asset forfeiture are also mandatory.
In Bergen County, a federal mail fraud conviction carries up to 20 years imprisonment per count, massive fines, and mandatory restitution under the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mail Fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1341) | Federal Felony | Up to 20 years per count | Up to $250,000 (individual) or $1,000,000 (organization) | Restitution, Forfeiture, Supervised Release |
| Mail Fraud Affecting a Financial Institution | Federal Felony | Up to 30 years per count | Up to $1,000,000 | Mandatory restitution, asset forfeiture |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Insider Edge for Bergen County Federal Mail Fraud Cases
Federal mail fraud investigations in Bergen County often involve agencies like the FBI, USPIS (U.S. Postal Inspection Service), or IRS-CI. Cases are presented to a grand jury in Newark or Camden before indictment. A key local procedural fact is that the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey operates under strict Speedy Trial Act timelines, but fraud cases often take 1-3 years to resolve. Early intervention by a federal mail fraud defense lawyer Bergen County is critical to challenge the indictment or negotiate before formal charges.
- Secure a federal criminal defense attorney immediately upon learning of an investigation.
- Do not speak to federal agents without your lawyer present.
- Your attorney will analyze the indictment for weaknesses in the “scheme to defraud” or “use of the mail” elements.
- Develop a defense strategy focusing on lack of intent, good faith, or challenging the materiality of misrepresentations.
- Negotiate for a favorable plea agreement or prepare for trial, leveraging pre-trial motions to suppress evidence.
Authority and Experience in Federal Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. With over 120 years of combined attorney experience, our firm handles the full spectrum of federal charges. Our approach is grounded in a deep understanding of federal investigative tactics and courtroom procedure. We have a documented record of achieving favorable outcomes for clients facing serious allegations.
Case Results and Client Advocacy
While specific mail fraud results in Bergen County are not disclosed to protect client confidentiality, our firm-wide record across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC includes 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes (dismissals, not guilty verdicts, or charge reductions). We actively practice in federal courts.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
New Jersey Location — 44 Apple St, 1st Floor
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (732) 651-9900
By appointment only.
Our New Jersey location serves clients at federal courts in Newark, Camden, and Trenton. We represent individuals in Hackensack, Fort Lee, Teaneck, Paramus, Englewood, Ridgewood, and throughout Bergen County. As a federal mail fraud defense lawyer Bergen County resource, we offer 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — with meetings by appointment only.
Mail Fraud Lawyer Bergen County FAQ
What is the difference between mail fraud and wire fraud?
Yes, there is a key difference. Mail fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1341) requires use of the U.S. Postal Service or a private interstate carrier. Wire fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1343) involves use of electronic communications like phone, email, or internet. The penalties are similar, but the jurisdictional element differs. A postal fraud charge lawyer Bergen County can analyze which statute applies.
Can I be charged in New Jersey if the mailed item was sent from another state?
Yes. Federal jurisdiction for mail fraud exists if the mailed item passes through New Jersey or if part of the scheme to defraud occurred there. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey can prosecute cases with a NJ connection, even if you live elsewhere.
What are common defenses to a federal mail fraud charge?
It depends on the facts. Common defenses include lack of intent to defraud (good faith), that any misrepresentations were not material, that the use of the mail was not part of the scheme, or insufficient evidence. A skilled mail fraud lawyer Bergen County will scrutinize the indictment and discovery for weaknesses.
How long does a federal mail fraud case take?
Typically 1 to 3 years from indictment to resolution. The Speedy Trial Act sets deadlines, but fraud cases often have delays for extensive discovery and motions. Early intervention by a federal mail fraud defense lawyer Bergen County can sometimes lead to pre-indictment resolution.
What should I do if contacted by a postal inspector about fraud?
Do not answer questions. Politely state you wish to speak with an attorney and immediately contact a lawyer. Anything you say can be used against you. A postal fraud charge lawyer Bergen County can communicate with investigators on your behalf to protect your rights from the start.
For more information on federal statutes, visit the U.S. Code for Mail Fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1341) and the New Jersey Courts website.
See also: New Jersey Federal Criminal Lawyer | Federal Criminal Lawyer Hudson County | Wire Fraud Lawyer Bergen County
Last verified: March 2026. Information subject to change. Consult an attorney for current legal advice.
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
The same rules apply outside Bergen County, and our page on mail fraud charges across New Jersey walks through each stage.
Your case in Bergen County, New Jersey
Federal charges are heard in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey (Newark, Trenton and Camden), not in county court; related state charges are heard in the Criminal Part of the Law Division. In Bergen County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage (2nd Vicinage), 10 Main Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601, telephone (201) 527-2700, open Mon-Fri 8:30AM-4:30PM. Court procedures change; confirm the current schedule on the official vicinage website or with the clerk before you file or appear.
The governing law for this topic is Title 18 of the United States Code and the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles Bergen County matters from its New Jersey location at 44 Apple St 1st Floor, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724; meetings are by appointment. Request a New Jersey consultation at (888) 437-7747 or (609) 983-0003.
Related New Jersey pages: Bergen County NJ lawyers directory · Mail Fraud Lawyer Hudson County, NJ · Mail Fraud Lawyer Monmouth County, NJ.