Federal Mail Fraud Defense Lawyers 18 USC 1341
Facing federal mail fraud charges under 18 U.S.C. § 1341? Here’s what you need to know before taking your next step. We defend federal cases nationwide.
We Bring a Team of Former Government Contracting Officials, Former DOJ Fraud Attorneys, and Former Prosecutors Who Know How the Government Builds a Case Against You. We Represent Both Large and Small Businesses in Federal Wire Fraud Cases and High-Level Cases. Our Lines are Open 24/7. Call 1.866.601.5518
Have you been accused of mail fraud under 18 USC 1341?
If you or your business is facing a federal mail fraud investigation or indictment under 18 U.S.C. § 1341, you’re likely overwhelmed, unsure what comes next, and worried about your reputation, freedom, and financial future. Federal mail fraud charges can carry decades in prison and steep fines, and mail fraud defense attorneys are your best path to challenging the government’s case before it’s too late. Our mail fraud lawyers work with CEOs, federal contractors, and sophisticated clients to identify legal defenses, reduce exposure, and protect what matters most—your liberty, business operations, and long‑term success. We help you understand your risks and options from the very first conversation so you can make informed decisions in a high‑stakes situation. Call now to speak with experienced mail fraud defense lawyers
Sometimes, federal contractors face a tough break when an honest mistake is made or the facts to support the allegations are not true. In either case, the experience of going through a federal investigation or criminal trial can be traumatic and stressful.
What is mail fraud?
Mail fraud under 18 U.S.C. § 1341 occurs when someone uses the postal system to further a scheme to defraud. If you’re under investigation, prosecutors must prove intent and use of the mail. You need legal counsel immediately to protect your rights and your business.
“There are two elements in mail fraud: (1) having devised or intending to devise a scheme to defraud (or to perform specified fraudulent acts), and (2) use of the mail to execute, or attempt to execute, the scheme (or specified fraudulent acts).” Schmuck v. United States, 489 U.S. 705, 721 n. 10 (1989); see also Pereira v. United States, 347 U.S. 1, 8 (1954) (“The elements of the offense of mail fraud under . . . § 1341 are (1) a scheme to defraud, and (2) the mailing of a letter, etc., for the purpose of executing the scheme.”).
In August 2023, Two New York men were sentenced today for participating in a 12-year scheme to mail fraudulent prize notices that tricked elderly and vulnerable consumers into paying fees for falsely promised cash prizes.
Sean Novis, 53, and Gary Denkberg, 59, both of Long Island, were sentenced to 90 and 66 months in prison, respectively for mail fraud. The sentences were imposed by U.S. District Judge Joan M. Azrack, who also ordered Novis to forfeit $60 million and Denkberg to forfeit $19 million.
Federal Mail Fraud Legal Defenses
Lack of Knowledge: If you are a contractor employee and simply followed directions to place a package in the mail, you can show that you were unaware of the fraud. US attorneys are very aggressive in defending a criminal case involving government contracts, pursuing all avenues. Therefore, your federal mail fraud defense attorneys must be just as aggressive and be able to present the facts to a jury.
Not part of the underlying scheme: this is a commonly missed piece when defending a criminal case. The underlying scheme is usually some level of statutory violation. For example, fraud in the SBA 8(a) program could be the issue; developing pass-through contracts without complying with the Limitations on Subcontracting requirements could also be the issue.
No underlying scheme has been proven: In government contracting, prosecutors usually prevail in cases at trial, mostly because juries are not quite familiar with government contracting programs. At Watson & Associates, LLC our mail and wire fraud lawyers work with local criminal attorneys to increase your chances of not being convicted under 18 USC 1341. We accomplish this by bringing the unique knowledge of federal contracting to the table.
No intent to defraud the government. As a government contractor charged with mail fraud, the DOJ or prosecutor must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you had the knowing intent to commit fraud. For example, unintentional statements or misrepresentation through the mail, it is not enough to constitute criminal mail fraud. In federal contracting, bids submitted through the mail can trigger a fraud charge.
Penalties for Mail Fraud
Federal Mail Fraud by government contractors is punishable by imprisonment for 20 years, a fine, or both. Two subsets of fraud are punishable by a $1,000,000 fine, 30 years’ incarceration, or both. These are cases involving a federally declared disaster (such as sending false solicitations to defraud disaster victims) or cases affecting a financial institution. Our federal mail fraud defense attorneys only handle civil and criminal cases involving federal government contracts.
Statute of Limitations for Mail Fraud 18 USC 3282
The statute of limitations for mail fraud under 18 USC 3282 is five years. This would normally apply to government contracting criminal cases. When a case involves fraud schemes that affect financial institutions, then the statute of limitations is ten years. See 18 USC 3293. Call our federal mail fraud attorney for more information.
Nationwide Mail Fraud Fraud Defense Team
Speak to National Practice Leader Theodore Watson (Over 23 Years of Federal Practice – Admitted to the Supreme Court of the United States.
- He oversees False Claims Act Medicare fraud defense attorneys and qui tam defense lawyers and federal healthcare fraud attorneys.
Carolyn L. Oliver – Counsel (Former DOJ Attorney)
Of Counsel to Watson & Associates, LLC: Carolyn L. Oliver brings over 40 years of distinguished legal experience to Watson & Associates’ Federal White Collar Defense and Investigations practice. As a former DOJ Prosecutor and Assistant United States Attorney in the Major Frauds Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California, Oliver provides clients with representation from a federal white collar criminal defense attorney who has prosecuted the very types of cases she now defends. Her extensive federal prosecution background, combined with her proven track record in complex criminal defense, positions her as a formidable advocate for corporations, CEOs, and individuals facing high-stakes federal investigations.
Carolyn is a recognized leader in criminal defense, known for her fierce courtroom advocacy and unwavering commitment to justice. She has successfully defended countless clients, earning a reputation for results-driven strategies and compassionate client care. As Of Counsel to Watson & Associates’ Federal White Collar Defense and Investigations practice, Oliver focuses her practice on representing companies and individuals in federal criminal and civil investigations and prosecutions by government enforcement agencies, as well as complex federal litigation. She also advises companies on high-profile, complex, and sensitive internal investigations. Read more…
Chris Mancini – Of Counsel (Former DOJ Attorney)
Chris Mancini, Counsel, brings 45 years of legal experience to Watson & Associates, to support the firm’s federal white collar defense attorney services, including eight years as an Assistant U.S. Attorney (Former DOJ Prosecutor) in the Southern District of Florida (DOJ), where he served as Deputy Chief of both the Criminal Division and Civil Division.
Chris Mancini specializes in navigating the complexities of the federal court system, providing legal advice, investigating cases, and building strong defense strategies to protect the firm’s clients’ rights and achieve the best possible outcome.
Mancini assists the Watson team with federal civil and criminal matters throughout the United States. His background as a former DOJ attorney and prosecutor aligns with the firm’s emphasis on attorneys with federal agency experience. Mancini’s understanding of federal law enforcement agencies and white collar defense enhances the firm’s capabilities in representing clients facing federal investigations and prosecutions. Mr. Mancini maintains an unblemished 45-year track record of successfully advising and representing corporate and individual clients. His combination of federal prosecution experience and defense practice provides clients with representation from an attorney who understands both sides of federal criminal cases.
If you have been indicted for a federal white collar crime, you should hire experienced white collar crime lawyers to protect your rights and fight back. Read more.
Robert “Bob” Ayers – Of Counsel (Former Prosecutor)
John M. Brandon (Former Prosecutor)
Jon M. Brandon, Of Counsel, is a gifted, award-winning criminal trial lawyer and federal criminal defense lawyer who has spent his career in a courtroom trying complex, high-profile cases. Mr. Brandon was a top prosecutor at one of the largest district attorney offices in the nation, where he also worked as a cross-sworn federal prosecutor (Special Assistant US Attorney) on a large RICO matter.
During his 15-year tenure as a prosecutor in California, Mr. Brandon tried dozens of high-profile trials. He has tried more than 80 trials to verdict. He established himself as an extraordinary white collar trial attorney by winning some of the most serious and complex murder cases statewide.
After serving many years as a homicide prosecutor and government agency leader, Mr. Brandon has turned his attention over the last several years to being a white-collar federal criminal defense lawyer and civil litigation attorney in Texas and the southern region, expanding his repertoire and continuing to employ his litigation skills. Mr. Brandon’s passion for representing individuals, businesses, and organizations thrust into investigations or litigation is apparent in his meticulous case preparation, client-centered approach, insider knowledge, and trial skills. He works tirelessly to ensure every client receives top-notch advocacy and a formidable defense. Read More.
James M. Allen Counsel. (Defense Attorney)
James M. Allen, Of Counsel to Watson & Associates, LLC, is a committed federal white collar criminal defense attorney with experience handling a range of complex matters at the trial and post-conviction levels.
His background includes defending clients in both state and federal forums, with a growing emphasis on federal white collar criminal defense.
As a white collar crime attorney, he maintains a strong professional interest in matters involving procurement fraud, SBA investigations, and regulatory enforcement, and is well-versed in the legal frameworks and defense strategies that shape those cases. James brings a measured, thoughtful approach to every case, prioritizing clarity, strategic planning, and strong client communication.
Wise D. Allen Counsel (Defense Attorney)
Wise D. Allen, Esquire , Counsel, is a former Veteran Lieutenant Commander Judge Advocate for the United States Military. He also has extensive knowledge and experience in resolving corporate defense and litigation in vast international and national legal issues.
He brings a wealth of successful experience to government contractors seeking defense counsel in the various areas of procurement fraud, international contracting, False Claims Act defense, and more.
Mr. Allen’s federal litigation experience as a former appellate attorney representing the United States and federal attorney for defendants in trials that led to his clients receiving overwhelmingly favorable outcomes in contested issues and obtaining non-contested resolutions. Read more..
For a FREE Initial Consultation, call 1.866.601.6618 and speak to Mr. Watson. When you’re under federal investigation, time is not on your side.
Federal mail fraud defense lawyers : At Watson & Associates, LLC, we are the types of mail fraud attorneys who focus on representing federal government contractors and small businesses bidding on government contracts. We understand the complexities of federal regulations and the importance of protecting your reputation and livelihood.
Mail fraud in government contracting is when a contractor uses the U.S. Postal Service in any criminal attempt to acquire funds or things of value through a fraudulent scheme from the government. See 18 USC 1341. Whether the business succeeds or not is not the primary inquiry. At Watson & Associates, our federal mail fraud defense attorneys represent small businesses and large DOD contractors nationwide and overseas facing civil or criminal fraud penalties due to fraud against the federal government.
Nationwide Government Contractor Federal Mail Fraud Defense Attorneys
Are you a federal government contractor being investigated or charged with mail fraud under 18 USC 1341? Call our federal mail fraud attorneys and federal criminal defense attorneys to review your case and legal options.
Nationwide Federal Mail Fraud Defense Attorneys
Our federal mail fraud defense attorney services cover all states regarding federal civil and criminal matters. We assist federal small businesses and large DoD contractors in Alaska, Alabama mail fraud defense attorneys, federal mail fraud lawyer Arizona, Arkansas, California mail fraud lawyer, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida mail fraud attorney, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland mail fraud defense lawyers, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico defense contractor fraud law firm, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee mail fraud lawyer, Texas Mail fraud defense attorneys, U.S. Virgin Islands defense contractor fraud lawyer, Utah, Vermont, Virginia defense contractor fraud lawyer, Washington, Washington, DC mail fraud lawyers, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
Cities in which our government contract fraud attorneys assist federal government contractors include Anchorage, AK; Atlanta, GA; Austin, TX; Chicago, IL; Colorado Springs, CO; Baltimore mail fraud defense attorneys, Dallas mail fraud lawyers, TX; Denver, Colorado; Indianapolis, IN; Las Vegas, NV; Los Angeles mail fraud defense attorneys, CA; Fort Lauderdale, Gainesville, Mobile mail fraud attorneys, Miami mail fraud defense attorneys, FL; Philadelphia, PA; San Antonio mail fraud defense attorneys,, TX; San Diego mail fraud lawyer, CA; Houston mail fraud lawyers; San Francisco, CA; San Jose mail fraud lawyers, CA; Santa Clara, CA; and Tampa, FL.
Contact Our Government Contractor Federal Mail Fraud Defense Attorneys
If you are a federal government contractor seeking a sound legal defense team to represent you in a civil or criminal case under 18 USC 1341, call our federal mail fraud defense lawyers. at 1.866.601.5518 for a free confidential consultation. Speak with Theodore Watson, our local government contractor criminal defense lawyer.