Top Defense Lawyer for Wire Fraud Charges in Colorado

Wire fraud charges in Colorado often come as a shock. Many people first learn they are under investigation long before they are ever arrested—sometimes through a subpoena, a call from federal agents, or questions from a bank or employer. These cases almost always involve federal prosecutors, and they carry some of the most severe penalties in the criminal justice system.

At Pav Law, we defend individuals facing wire fraud charges stemming from conduct in Colorado. We understand how these cases develop, how federal prosecutors build them, and how to challenge allegations built on complex financial records, electronic communications, and assumptions about intent.

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What Is Wire Fraud Under Federal Law?

Wire fraud is a federal offense governed by 18 U.S.C. § 1343. Prosecutors allege wire fraud when they believe someone used electronic or interstate communications as part of a scheme to defraud another person or entity of money or property.

Wire fraud allegations can involve:

• Emails, text messages, or phone calls
• Online banking or payment platforms
• Internet-based transactions
• Communications routed through interstate systems
• Electronic records tied to alleged financial misconduct

The statute is intentionally broad. It applies to both traditional and emerging technologies, which gives prosecutors wide discretion—but also creates significant room for legal challenge.

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Wire Fraud Is Often an Add-On Charge

Wire fraud rarely appears alone. Federal prosecutors frequently add wire fraud charges to other alleged offenses, such as:

• Fraud or theft by deception
• Identity theft
• Financial exploitation
• Business or investment disputes
• Government benefit allegations

What makes wire fraud particularly dangerous is that each electronic communication can be charged as a separate count. A single alleged scheme can turn into dozens—or hundreds—of felony charges based on emails, messages, or transactions.

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The Core Elements Prosecutors Must Prove

To secure a conviction, federal prosecutors must prove every element of wire fraud beyond a reasonable doubt. This includes proving that the accused:

• Intended to defraud another person or entity
• Participated in a scheme designed to obtain money or property
• Could reasonably foresee the use of interstate electronic communications
• Actually used electronic communications to carry out the scheme

Many cases fall apart when prosecutors cannot prove intent, exaggerate the scope of a scheme, or rely on incomplete or misleading records.

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Wire Fraud vs. Mail Fraud

Wire fraud is closely related to mail fraud. The difference lies in the method of communication:

• Wire fraud involves electronic or digital communications
• Mail fraud involves the U.S. Postal Service or commercial carriers

It is common for prosecutors to charge both if a single alleged scheme involved emails, online payments, and physical mail. This stacking dramatically increases exposure and complexity.

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Penalties for Wire Fraud Convictions

Wire fraud is a serious federal felony with harsh sentencing consequences.

Maximum penalties may 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 apply if:

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

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

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Federal Sentencing Guidelines and Exposure

Federal sentencing does not stop at statutory maximums. Judges rely on federal sentencing guidelines, which consider:

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

Because prosecutors often charge multiple counts, exposure can grow quickly—even when the alleged conduct stems from a single course of action.

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Common Defenses to Wire Fraud Charges

Wire fraud cases are complex, but they are also highly defensible. At Pav Law, we tailor defense strategies to the facts, evidence, and procedural posture of each case. Common defenses include:

• Lack of intent to defraud
• Good-faith belief in the legality of conduct
• Mistakes or accounting errors
• Authorized or approved actions
• Civil or business disputes mislabeled as crimes
• Inflated or speculative loss calculations
• Statute of limitations issues
• Unreliable digital evidence
• Constitutional violations in searches, seizures, or subpoenas
• Entrapment or improper government inducement

We force prosecutors to prove intent—not just outcomes.

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Why Early Defense Matters in Wire Fraud Cases

Wire fraud investigations often begin long before charges are filed. By the time prosecutors act, they usually believe they already have sufficient evidence. Early legal involvement allows us to:

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

Waiting until charges are filed often limits options.

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How Pav Law Defends Wire Fraud Cases in Colorado

Our approach to wire fraud defense is deliberate and detail-driven:

1. Comprehensive review of electronic and financial records
2. Analysis of intent, authorization, and business practices
3. Independent evaluation of alleged losses
4. Strategic negotiations when appropriate
5. Trial-ready preparation for federal court

We understand that wire fraud cases are not just legal battles—they are reputational, professional, and financial crises.

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