Experienced Defense for Mail Fraud Charges in Colorado

Mail fraud charges in Colorado often arise from allegations that someone used the mail system as part of a broader scheme involving money, property, or information. Like wire fraud, mail fraud is a federal offense, and it carries severe penalties, including long prison sentences, heavy fines, and lasting professional consequences.

At Pav Law, we defend individuals facing mail fraud charges tied to conduct in Colorado. We understand how federal prosecutors build these cases, how they stack charges, and how to challenge allegations based on documents, correspondence, and assumptions about intent.

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What Is Mail Fraud Under Federal Law?

Mail fraud is governed by 18 U.S.C. § 1341. Prosecutors allege mail fraud when they believe someone used the U.S. Postal Service or a private interstate carrier as part of a scheme to defraud another person or entity of money or property.

Mail fraud allegations may involve:

• Letters or documents sent through the U.S. Postal Service
• Packages shipped through commercial carriers
• Contracts, invoices, or account statements
• Applications, forms, or disclosures
• Physical correspondence tied to alleged financial misconduct

The law does not require that the mail itself contain false information. Prosecutors only need to show that the mailing was incident to an alleged fraudulent scheme.

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Mail Fraud Is Often Charged Alongside Other Crimes

Mail fraud rarely appears in isolation. Federal prosecutors frequently combine mail fraud charges with:

• Wire fraud
• Identity theft
• Bank fraud
• Financial exploitation allegations
• Conspiracy charges

A single course of conduct can result in multiple felony counts, especially when prosecutors charge each mailing as a separate offense.

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The Elements Prosecutors Must Prove

To convict someone of mail fraud, federal prosecutors must prove that the accused:

• Intended to defraud another person or entity
• Participated in a scheme designed to obtain money or property
• Used or caused the use of mail or an interstate carrier
• Did so in furtherance of the alleged scheme

If prosecutors cannot establish intent or overstate how the mailing relates to the alleged scheme, the case may fail.

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Mail Fraud vs. Wire Fraud

Mail fraud and wire fraud are closely related, but they differ based on the method of communication.

• Mail fraud involves physical mail or commercial carriers
• Wire fraud involves electronic or digital communications

In many cases, prosecutors charge both, dramatically increasing exposure. A single alleged scheme involving letters, emails, and online payments can result in dozens of federal felony counts.

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Penalties for Mail Fraud Convictions

Mail fraud is a serious federal felony with harsh consequences.

Potential penalties include:

• Up to 20 years in federal prison per count
• Fines of up to $250,000 for individuals
• Fines of up to $500,000 for organizations

Enhanced penalties may apply if:

• The case involves a financial institution
• The alleged conduct relates to a federally declared emergency or disaster

In those cases, penalties can increase to 30 years in prison and fines up to $1 million.

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Federal Sentencing Guidelines and Charge Stacking

Federal sentencing goes beyond statutory maximums. Judges consider the federal sentencing guidelines, which factor in:

• Alleged financial loss
• Number of alleged victims
• Duration of the alleged scheme
• Use of sophisticated means
• Prior criminal history

Because each mailing can be charged separately, exposure can increase quickly—even when the alleged conduct stems from a single dispute or business relationship.

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Common Defenses to Mail Fraud Charges

Mail fraud cases are document-heavy and fact-specific. At Pav Law, we build defenses tailored to the evidence and procedural posture of each case. Common defenses include:

• Lack of intent to defraud
• Good-faith belief or honest mistake
• Authorized or approved communications
• Civil or contractual disputes mislabeled as crimes
• Mailings unrelated to any fraudulent scheme
• Inflated or speculative loss calculations
• Statute of limitations defenses
• Improper subpoenas or searches
• Constitutional violations

We force prosecutors to prove intent—not simply point to paperwork.

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Why Early Legal Action Matters

Mail fraud investigations often begin quietly. By the time charges appear, prosecutors usually believe they already have enough evidence to convict. Early legal involvement allows us to:

• Intervene during investigations
• Control communication with federal agents
• Challenge subpoenas and warrants
• Prevent damaging statements
• Shape how evidence is framed

Waiting until charges are filed often limits strategic options.

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How Pav Law Defends Mail Fraud Cases in Colorado

Our defense strategy focuses on precision and preparation:

1. Detailed review of correspondence and records
2. Analysis of intent, authorization, and context
3. Independent evaluation of alleged losses
4. Strategic negotiations when appropriate
5. Trial-ready preparation for federal court

Mail fraud cases are not just legal matters—they often involve careers, businesses, and reputations. We defend accordingly.

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