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Understanding and Defending Mail Fraud in Wisconsin

Written by Mark Eisenberg on . Posted in Blog, Criminal Defense.

Know how to defend yourself from Mail Fraud Charges in Wisconsin

Mail fraud is a serious offense, whether at the state or federal level. In Wisconsin, the state classifies mail fraud as a Class H felony. An arrest and conviction bring you up to 6 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine. If you are charged with mail fraud, you need to find an experienced criminal defense attorney right away.

Federal Mail Fraud

Federal mail fraud charges include essentially two elements:

  • Planning or trying to plan a scheme to defraud others; and
  • Using the mail to carry out the scheme.

Usually this comes down to the first element, demonstrating whether or not there was an intent to commit fraud. This means you are trying to trick someone into giving you something of value by offering something that is not worth what you claim. 

Wisconsin Mail Fraud

Wisconsin’s own mail fraud charge expands the definition to include any act to commit financial crimes or fraud that includes either depositing an item with the post office or a commercial carrier, or receiving an item from the post office or a commercial carrier. This can include any of the following:

  • Fraud against senior citizens
  • Fraudulent sweepstakes claims
  • Fraudulent telemarketing schemes
  • Fraudulent employment offers
  • Fraud against veterans

In any of these, once you either drop off or pick up something in the mail, you can be charged with mail fraud for the alleged scheme.

Defending Mail Fraud Charges

Like most crimes, mail fraud requires proving that you intend to commit fraud or financial crimes. Getting arrested does not mean there is no hope. Still, this is a complex area of law that you can’t try to navigate yourself or with someone inexperienced in financial crimes. You need an attorney who understands not only the court system, but the charges and how to defend against them. If you are facing Wisconsin mail fraud charges, contact Eisenberg Law Offices online or at (608)256-8356. We will help protect your rights and your good name.