Wire Fraud Lawyer in Burlington County, NJ — Federal Defense
Wire fraud is a serious federal felony under 18 U.S.C. § 1343, prosecuted in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey. If you are under investigation for electronic fraud in Burlington County, you need a wire fraud lawyer Burlington County with federal experience. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Last verified: March 2026 | U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey | New Jersey Legislature
Federal Wire Fraud Law and Penalties
Wire fraud is defined under federal law as any scheme to defraud that uses interstate wire, radio, or television communications. This includes phone calls, emails, text messages, faxes, or electronic fund transfers sent across state lines as part of a fraudulent plan. The statute, 18 U.S.C. § 1343, is broad and is often used alongside other charges like bank fraud or money laundering. In Burlington County, these cases are investigated by federal agencies like the FBI, IRS, or Secret Service and prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey.
The penalties for a federal wire fraud conviction are severe. Each count carries up to 20 years in federal prison. If the fraud affected a financial institution or was connected to a presidentially declared disaster or emergency, the maximum penalty increases to 30 years per count. Fines can reach $1,000,000 or twice the gross gain/loss from the scheme. Convictions also typically involve orders for restitution to victims and forfeiture of assets connected to the crime.
Key Government Resources
- 18 U.S.C. § 1343 – Wire Fraud (Cornell Legal Information Institute)
- Superior Court of New Jersey, Burlington Vicinage
Local Federal Court Process for Wire Fraud in New Jersey
Federal wire fraud cases in Burlington County follow a strict procedural path in the U.S. District Court. The process often begins with a grand jury investigation in Newark or Camden before an indictment is issued. An experienced federal wire fraud defense lawyer Burlington County can intervene during this investigative stage. After indictment, the case proceeds through arraignment, discovery, pre-trial motions, and potentially trial. The federal sentencing guidelines heavily influence the potential prison term if convicted.
- Initial Investigation: Federal agents may contact you or execute search warrants. Do not speak to investigators without your attorney present.
- Grand Jury & Indictment: A grand jury reviews evidence. If they issue an indictment, you will be formally charged.
- Arraignment: You appear in U.S. District Court to hear the charges and enter a plea of not guilty.
- Discovery & Motions: Your attorney reviews all evidence and files motions to challenge the prosecution’s case.
- Plea Negotiations or Trial: Most cases are resolved through negotiation. If no agreement is reached, the case proceeds to a jury trial.
- Sentencing: If convicted, the judge will impose a sentence based on federal guidelines and statutory factors.
Potential Penalties for Federal Wire Fraud
In Burlington County, a federal wire fraud conviction carries a maximum of 20 years in prison per count, with fines up to $250,000 for individuals.
| Offense Level | Federal Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Wire Fraud | Felony | Up to 20 years | Up to $250,000 (individual) | Restitution, Forfeiture, Supervised Release |
| Wire Fraud Affecting a Financial Institution | Felony | Up to 30 years | Up to $1,000,000 | Mandatory Restitution, Asset Forfeiture |
| Wire Fraud + Aggravating Factors | Felony | 20-30 years + | Varies | Enhanced Guidelines, Longer Supervision |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Federal Wire Fraud Defense
Founded in 1997, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings a deep understanding of federal criminal defense. Our founder, Mr. Sris, is a former prosecutor with a background that provides a strategic advantage in demanding financial cases like wire fraud. We approach each case by meticulously analyzing the electronic evidence, challenging the intent element required for conviction, and exploring all procedural defenses.
Case Results and Client Advocacy
While every case is unique, our firm-wide commitment to vigorous defense has resulted in over 4,739 documented case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. We have successfully defended clients facing serious federal charges by challenging evidence, negotiating favorable plea agreements, and taking cases to trial when necessary.
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) 334-7465
By appointment only.
Our New Jersey location serves clients in Burlington County, including Mount Holly, Mount Laurel, and Moorestown. We offer 24/7 phone consultations — call (888) 437-7747 — meetings are by appointment only.
Wire Fraud Lawyer Burlington County FAQ
What is the difference between wire fraud and mail fraud?
Yes, there is a key difference. Wire fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1343) involves the use of interstate electronic communications, like phone or internet. Mail fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1341) involves the use of the postal service. The elements are otherwise similar, and prosecutors often charge both.
Can I be charged with wire fraud if no money was lost?
It depends. The federal wire fraud statute requires a scheme to defraud and the use of wires to further that scheme. Actual financial loss is not a required element for conviction. The government must prove intent to defraud, which can exist even if the scheme was unsuccessful.
What should I do if federal agents want to question me about wire fraud?
No. You should not speak to agents without an attorney. Politely state you wish to exercise your right to remain silent and your right to an attorney. Then, immediately contact a federal wire fraud defense lawyer Burlington County. Anything you say can be used against you.
How long does a federal wire fraud case take?
A typical federal wire fraud case can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years or more to resolve, depending on difficulty, evidence volume, and whether it goes to trial. The Speedy Trial Act sets general timelines, but demanding cases often have delays for motions and discovery.
What are common defenses to wire fraud charges?
Common defenses include lack of intent to defraud, good faith belief in the legality of actions, challenging the materiality of misrepresentations, statute of limitations, and procedural defenses like challenging the legality of evidence collection. An electronic fraud charge lawyer Burlington County can identify the best strategy.
For more information, see our New Jersey Federal Criminal Defense hub page. We also assist clients in neighboring areas like Camden County and with related charges like business fraud.
Last verified: March 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
Burlington County cases are handled by our New Jersey wire fraud practice, where the whole process is set out.
Your case in Burlington 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 Burlington County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Burlington Vicinage (8th Vicinage), 49 Rancocas Road, Mount Holly, NJ 08060, telephone (609) 518-2500, 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 Burlington 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: Burlington County NJ lawyers directory · Wire Fraud Lawyer Bergen County, NJ · Wire Fraud Lawyer Hudson County, NJ · Wire Fraud Lawyer Monmouth County, NJ.