What Happens After a Federal Wire Fraud Investigation in Western PA

By Amy B. Levenson Jones

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Fraud

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Last Modified on Dec 05, 2025

With Westminster College, the University of Pennsylvania, and PennWest California, Western Pennsylvania has good reason to maintain excellent broadband internet access. While internet access is essential in an evolving world, it’s also an easy avenue for wire fraud. You might be left questioning, “What happens after a federal wire fraud investigation in Western Pennsylvania?”

Wire fraud charges can be a painful reminder that we are living in an increasingly digital world where anything can happen. These charges can feel like you’re suddenly trapped, and they can impact your life, employment, and reputation.

Wire fraud is an interstate crime, which means it’s usually treated as a felony offense. Felony offenses incur higher penalties, including up to 20 years in federal prison. Hiring a Pennsylvania fraud lawyer with experience in internet crimes is critical to fighting wire fraud charges.

Wire fraud is primarily prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Pennsylvania at the U.S. Courthouse at 17 South Park Row in Erie. It is also handled at the Peter F. Weis Junior U.S. Courthouse at 700 Grant Street in Pittsburgh, or the U.S. Courthouse at 208 Penn Traffic Building, 319 Washington Street, Johnstown, PA.

Hire a Wire Fraud Lawyer

Wire fraud is any activity that uses the internet to fraudulently gain access to money or personal information. According to the Pew Research Center, 73% of adults report experiencing some form of online scam. Telecommunications can include:

• Telephone calls
• Faxes
• Emails
• Texts
• Internet messages
• Social media messages
• TV
• Radio transmissions

Wire fraud and other internet crimes cost Pennsylvanians billions each year, and prosecutors have every incentive to assign the strongest charges possible.

An experienced Pennsylvania federal criminal defense attorney can help get your charges dismissed or, if dismissal is unlikely, negotiate for a lesser penalty. At Levenson Law Firm, we have decades of experience in criminal defense cases. We are proficient in defending against wire fraud charges.

Four Elements of Wire Fraud

To prove wire fraud, prosecutors must show without a doubt:

1. The defendant voluntarily devised or participated in the attempt to defraud another person of their money.
2. Intent to defraud.
3. It was reasonably predictable that interstate wire communication would be used.
4. The interstate wire communications were actually used.

Part of the prosecution’s job is to convince the court that you meant to commit wire fraud. These charges cannot be assigned to someone who accidentally defrauds others. This can be used in your potential defense strategy.

However, an actual loss does not need to take place in a case of wire fraud. Intent is more important, even if no one actually lost anything.

If you’re charged with federal wire fraud, it can feel like the cards are stacked against you. You might think that conviction is a foregone conclusion, but that’s a misconception. There are many reasons to stay calm and contact an experienced legal advisor.

A Philadelphia Broadband survey in 2023 showed over 98% of respondents had a device that could access the internet. With so many residents accessing these services, it’s plausible that your charges could stem from a case of mistaken identity, or another person could have used the same equipment. A dedicated wire fraud attorney can investigate your case and present you with options for a strong legal defense.

FAQs

What Happens When You Are Being Investigated for Fraud?

When you are being investigated for fraud in Western PA, investigators will obtain a warrant to collect evidence like emails, text messages, phone records, and other electronic communications. They will also attempt to identify the scheme to prove intent. A Pennsylvania internet crimes lawyer from Levenson Law Firm can gain access to the evidence and examine the collection procedures of the prosecution to ensure your rights are protected.

What Is the Federal Statute of Limitations for Wire Fraud?

The federal statute of limitations for most cases is five years. In the case of mail or wire fraud that affects a federal institution, the statute of limitations is ten years. However, other crimes might have longer statutes of limitations, which could affect your case. Hiring a Western Pennsylvania federal wire fraud lawyer who can fight for your future is the first step toward freedom or lower penalties.

What Don’t You Do If You’re Being Investigated for Wire Fraud?

What not to do if you’re being investigated for wire fraud includes:

1. Remaining silent. Do not speak to law enforcement without a lawyer.
2. Keeping evidence. Do not delete emails, messages, etc. This could lead to additional charges.
3. Refusing unconstitutional searches. Do not offer searches to law enforcement. Politely request that your lawyer be present.
4. Keeping your case private. All communication can be monitored, so do not discuss the case by email, telephone, over text, or via social media.

What Are the Consequences of Wire Fraud?

The consequences of wire fraud are severe. Wire fraud is a federal offense, and, pursuant to U.S. Code 1343, can lead to up to 20 years in federal prison and fines of up to $250,000 for an individual. The prison term may be up to 30 years if it affects a financial institution, with fines significantly higher, up to $1,000,000.

Hire a Federal Wire Fraud Lawyer in Western Pennsylvania

At Levenson Law Firm, our federal wire fraud lawyer can work with you to get a full picture of your charges and the penalties associated with them. We work together with our clients to devise a complete defense for your federal charges. We have decades of experience in the federal criminal courts, and we are well-prepared to take on the massive establishment that is the federal government.

With our vast knowledge of criminal defense law and white collar crimes, we can conduct independent investigations, interview witnesses, and follow the evidence chain. We can take aim at the prosecution’s attempt to prove intent, and we can file pre-trial motions to request lesser charges or dismissal.

We come equipped with all the tools needed for protecting your constitutional rights, your standing in the community, and your freedom. Contact us today to discuss your situation.