Wire fraud under 18 U.S.C. § 1343 carries up to 20 years in federal prison. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a Wire Fraud lawyer Arlington County who understands federal court procedure in the Eastern District of Virginia. Our team has 4,739+ firm-wide case results. 24/7 phone consultations available.
Understanding Wire Fraud Charges in Arlington County
Last verified: April 2026 | Arlington County General District Court | 18 U.S.C. § 1343 (official U.S. Code)
Wire fraud is a federal crime under 18 U.S.C. § 1343. The statute prohibits any scheme to defraud that uses wire, radio, or television communication in interstate or foreign commerce. A Wire Fraud lawyer Arlington County from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can explain how this law applies to your specific situation. Federal prosecutors in the Eastern District of Virginia (Alexandria Division) handle these cases. The law requires proof of a intentional scheme to defraud and the use of interstate wires to carry out that scheme. Penalties include up to 20 years in federal prison per count, fines up to $250,000 for individuals, and mandatory restitution to victims. If the fraud affects a financial institution or involves a presidentially declared disaster, the maximum sentence increases to 30 years.
External Citation Links
Review the official statute: 18 U.S.C. § 1343 (official U.S. Code). For federal court procedures in this district, visit the Eastern District of Virginia federal court website.
- Step 1: Do Not Speak to Investigators — If FBI, IRS-CI, or other federal agents contact you, politely decline to answer questions. Tell them you need a lawyer present. Anything you say can be used against you.
- Step 2: Preserve Evidence — Do not delete emails, financial records, or any documents related to the alleged scheme. Destroying evidence can lead to separate obstruction charges.
- Step 3: Hire a Federal Wire Fraud Defense Lawyer — Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. immediately. Federal cases require attorneys who understand federal sentencing guidelines and the Eastern District of Virginia’s local rules.
- Step 4: Understand the Charges — Your lawyer will explain the specific allegations, potential penalties, and available defenses. Wire fraud charges often involve complex financial transactions that require careful analysis.
- Step 5: Prepare for Court — Your attorney will represent you at initial appearance, detention hearing, arraignment, and all subsequent proceedings. Federal cases move fast — preparation is critical.
In Arlington County, wire fraud under 18 U.S.C. § 1343 carries up to 20 years in federal prison, fines up to $250,000, and mandatory restitution.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wire Fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1343) | Federal Felony | Up to 20 years | Up to $250,000 | N/A (federal offense) | Restitution, supervised release, potential loss of professional licenses |
| Wire Fraud Affecting Financial Institution | Federal Felony | Up to 30 years | Up to $1,000,000 | N/A (federal offense) | Restitution, supervised release, potential loss of professional licenses |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Federal Wire Fraud Case?
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C. Our team includes attorneys with federal court experience who understand the unique challenges of wire fraud cases. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia Code § 20-107.3, demonstrating his deep understanding of complex legal matters. We handle each case with a case-specific approach, focusing on the facts and law that matter most to your situation.
Bryan Block, Defense Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA. Former Virginia State Trooper (15 years). View Bryan Block’s Profile
Matthew Greene, Senior Defense Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA. 30+ years criminal defense. Death penalty certified (formerly). View Matthew Greene’s Profile
Case Results
Firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC: 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Results include dismissals, not guilty verdicts, and charge reductions. For Arlington County specifically, our criminal defense team has 21 documented results: 11 dismissed/not guilty, 10 reduced/amended (100% favorable outcome rate).
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Arlington Location
1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719, Arlington, VA 22209
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: 703-589-9250
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Our Arlington location is near the Arlington County courts, accessible from major highways. We serve clients throughout Arlington County, including Arlington, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Clarendon, Ballston, Pentagon City, and Shirlington. If you need a Wire Fraud lawyer Arlington County, contact us today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wire Fraud in Arlington County
What is the difference between wire fraud and mail fraud?
Yes. Wire fraud under 18 U.S.C. § 1343 involves electronic communications like emails, phone calls, or wire transfers. Mail fraud under 18 U.S.C. § 1341 involves the U.S. Postal Service or private carriers. Both carry similar penalties. An electronic fraud charge lawyer Arlington County can explain which statute applies to your case.
Can wire fraud charges be defended?
Yes. Common defenses include lack of intent to defraud, insufficient evidence of a scheme, or that the communications were not interstate. A federal wire fraud defense lawyer Arlington County can evaluate the government’s evidence and identify weaknesses in their case.
How long does a federal wire fraud case take in Arlington County?
It depends. The Speedy Trial Act requires indictment within 30 days of arrest and trial within 70 days of indictment. However, excludable delays can extend the timeline. Typical federal cases in the Eastern District of Virginia take 6-18 months from indictment to resolution.
What should I do if federal agents contact me about a wire fraud investigation?
No. Do not speak to investigators without a lawyer present. Politely decline to answer questions and state that you need to speak with your attorney first. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. immediately for guidance.
Can wire fraud charges be reduced or dismissed?
It depends. Dismissal is possible if the government cannot prove intent or the interstate nexus. Reduction may occur through plea negotiations, cooperation agreements, or pretrial diversion programs. Your Wire Fraud lawyer Arlington County will explore all available options.
What is the “Rocket Docket” in the Eastern District of Virginia?
The Eastern District of Virginia is known as the “Rocket Docket” because cases move quickly from indictment to trial. This means your defense team must act fast to file motions, conduct discovery, and prepare for trial. An experienced electronic fraud charge lawyer Arlington County understands these local procedures.
Related Practice Areas
If you are facing federal charges, you may also need representation in related areas. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles business law in Arlington County, civil litigation in Arlington County, and contract law in Arlington County. For other localities, see our Albemarle County federal criminal lawyer or Alexandria federal criminal lawyer pages.
Return to our Virginia federal criminal defense hub for more information.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.