Media Bank Fraud Defense Lawyer: Protect Your Rights
Expert Fraud Defense Services Across Southeastern Pennsylvania
Federal and state prosecutors devote considerable resources into investigations and prosecutions involving bank fraud. Bank fraud is a general term that covers various illegal acts that use deception to obtain funds or other assets from any financial institution or its depositors. Under federal law, bank fraud is defined in a broad way that can include a range of activities.
If you are under investigation or have been formally charged with any type of activity falling under the umbrella of bank fraud, it is highly advised that you contact a Media bank fraud attorney immediately. At The Law Offices of Arthur Thomas Donato Jr., located in Media and serving clients in southeastern Pennsylvania, you can work with a deeply-experienced and reputable attorney.
Arthur Thomas Donato has the in-depth knowledge, resources, and skills needed to be protect your rights, defend you against charges, and safeguard your freedom and future. Our bank fraud attorney has an outstanding history of success involving countless state and federal white collar crime felony allegations and charges.
Contact our Media, Pennsylvania bank fraud defense attorney at (610) 565-4747 or through our online request form to book your confidential consultation today.
Understanding Bank Fraud Investigations & Charges
Under federal law 18 U.S. Code § 1344, bank fraud consists of “knowingly” executing or attempting to execute “a scheme or artifice” to:
- Defraud a financial institution
- Or to obtain any of the moneys, funds, credits, assets, securities, or other property owned by, or under the custody or control of, a financial institution, by means of false or fraudulent pretenses, representations, or promises
A financial institution can include FDIC (Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation) insured banks and credit unions, Federal Reserve Banks, mortgage lenders, and other institutions that retain the deposits and assets of the public.
Under this law, a conviction is punishable by:
- Up to 30 years in prison
- A fine of up to a million dollars
- Or both
At the federal level, these crimes are commonly investigated by the U.S. Secret Service Agency, who is responsible for safeguarding the security of U.S. financial institutions.
Common Examples of Federal Bank Fraud Charges
Bank fraud can include any fraudulent activity designed to obtain the financial resources held by these financial institutions.
These activities can include:
- Check fraud
- Counterfeiting
- Identity theft
- Loan fraud
- Forgery
- Stolen checks
- Bank impersonation
- Direct deposit fraud
- Automatic payment systems fraud
- Obtaining false appraisals
- Embezzlement
- And mortgage fraud
Understanding Pennsylvania Bank Fraud Charges
In Pennsylvania, bank fraud is covered under state law Title 18 Chapter 41 which includes:
- Forgery
- Bad checks
- Access device fraud
- Defrauding secured creditors
- Receiving deposits in a failing financial institution
- Identity Theft
- Misapplication of entrusted property and property of government or financial institutions
How you are charged and the penalties you face will depend on the type of offense for which you were convicted and your previous criminal history, if any.
How Our Bank Fraud Attorney Can Help You
At The Law Offices of Arthur Thomas Donato Jr., we begin building your defense as soon as you suspect a criminal investigation is underway. Our diligent representation tactics draw on your firsthand knowledge of the facts.
We also employ the strategic use of experts, including forensic accountants, to refute charges in pursuit of the most favorable outcome possible. We are committed to protecting your rights.
Our comprehensive defense service begins with fighting to keep charges from being filed in the first place and continue, if necessary, through plea negotiations and trial.
To arrange your initial case review with our Media bank fraud lawyer, call our offices at (610) 565-4747 or complete our online form.
