Wire Fraud Lawyer Somerset County, NJ
Contact our firm at (888) 437-7747 to request a consultation. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
Bar Admissions: Virginia, Maryland, District of Columbia, New Jersey, New York · Founded 1997 · Languages: English, Spanish, Tamil
New Jersey Location: 44 Apple St, 1st Floor, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724 · By appointment only.
Understanding Wire Fraud Charges in New Jersey and Somerset County
Wire fraud is a serious offense that can be charged under federal law or prosecuted under comparable state statutes. Under 18 U.S.C. § 1343, federal wire fraud involves using electronic communications—such as telephone calls, emails, text messages, or wire transfers—to carry out a scheme to defraud. In New Jersey, similar conduct may also be charged as theft by deception, or as part of a broader conspiracy or racketeering matter. A conviction can carry a maximum federal penalty of 20 years imprisonment, or up to 30 years if the scheme targeted a financial institution, and often includes significant restitution and asset forfeiture.
When a wire fraud investigation or charge arises in Somerset County, the matter will proceed through one of two court systems. Federal wire fraud cases are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey and litigated in the U.S. District Court at the Newark courthouse at 50 Walnut Street. State-level fraud charges, on the other hand, are heard in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Somerset Vicinage, located at 20 North Bridge Street, Somerville, NJ 08876. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel appear regularly in both courts and have the multi-state and multi-level experience to navigate these distinct procedural landscapes.
New Jersey’s approach to pretrial release and alternative resolution also affects how wire fraud cases unfold. Under the Criminal Justice Reform Act of 2017, the state abolished cash bail; instead, a Public Safety Assessment (PSA) determines whether a defendant can be released before trial based on risk of flight and danger to the community. For first-time indictable (felony-equivalent) offenders, New Jersey’s Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI) program may offer a path to dismissal following a period of supervision. While PTI eligibility is evaluated individually, an experienced defense attorney can advocate for a client’s admission and work to keep a fraud charge from resulting in a permanent record. The court addresses these options at the Somerset Vicinage, and our firm routinely guides clients through these local processes.
How Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. approaches Wire Fraud Defense
Defending against a wire fraud allegation requires a thorough examination of the government’s evidence and a strategic, well-prepared response. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel begin by reviewing every detail of the allegations—the alleged scheme, the communications involved, the financial records, and the investigative steps taken by state or federal agents. They work to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, whether those involve flawed interpretations of digital evidence, gaps in the chain of authorship for emails or messages, or procedural errors in the investigation.
Because wire fraud often involves complex financial and technical data, Mr. Sris calls on the collective experience of his team, which includes attorneys with backgrounds in accounting, forensic analysis, and former law enforcement. They develop a defense tailored to the specific facts of the matter—looking at intent, the existence of any legitimate business purpose, the reliability of the electronic record, and the potential for charges to be reduced or dismissed. Throughout the process, the firm maintains regular communication with the client, ensuring that every decision is informed and understood. When no pretrial resolution is available, they prepare the case for trial and provide a thorough courtroom defense in either the District of New Jersey or the Somerset County Superior Court.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced criminal defense since 1997. A former prosecutor, he brings insight into how law enforcement and prosecutors build fraud cases. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova), and he is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. His Of Counsel team, engaged as independent Of Counsel attorneys, adds more than 120 years of combined legal experience to the firm’s defense strategies. Results may vary.
Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have documented 4,739+ case results across all practice areas since 1997. Results may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wire Fraud and Criminal Defense in Somerset County
What should I do if I am facing wire fraud charges in Somerset County?
Contact a federal criminal defense lawyer immediately and do not discuss the case with anyone except your attorney. Wire fraud investigations often begin with subpoenas, search warrants, or contact from FBI or local law enforcement. Preserve all relevant documents and electronic communications, but avoid discussing the facts with colleagues, friends, or family. Early legal intervention can shape the direction of the inquiry and protect your rights throughout any questioning or negotiation.
Can a wire fraud charge be resolved without a trial?
Yes, many wire fraud cases are resolved through negotiation, pretrial motions, or diversion programs without a trial. A thorough defense review may uncover procedural flaws, lack of intent, or evidentiary weaknesses that lead to a dismissal or reduction of charges. In state-level fraud cases, first-time offenders may be eligible for Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI), which can result in a complete dismissal after a period of supervision. The path taken depends on the strength of the evidence and the client’s circumstances.
How does a defense attorney challenge wire fraud evidence?
An attorney can challenge wire fraud evidence by scrutinizing the authenticity of electronic communications, the integrity of digital records, and the methods used to obtain them. Defense strategies may include examining whether the electronic transmissions actually furthered a fraudulent scheme, contesting the chain of custody for digital evidence, and arguing that the defendant lacked the specific intent to defraud. Experienced attorney review of financial records and digital forensics may also support the defense.
If I am not a U.S. Citizen, does a wire fraud charge affect my immigration status?
A wire fraud conviction can have serious immigration consequences, including deportation eligibility and inadmissibility. Under federal immigration law, a conviction for an offense involving fraud or deceit in which the loss to the victim exceeds $10,000 is an aggravated felony, making a noncitizen deportable. Because immigration consequences can be severe, it is critical to involve an attorney who understands the interplay between criminal defense and immigration law. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel have extensive experience representing noncitizens in criminal matters and collaborate to address the dual concerns.
What is the role of the grand jury in a federal wire fraud case?
A grand jury reviews the evidence presented by the prosecutor and decides whether there is probable cause to issue an indictment. In federal wire fraud cases, the U.S. Attorney’s Office typically presents a case to a grand jury at the Newark courthouse. The defense does not have a right to present evidence at this stage, but an attorney can engage with the prosecutor before an indictment is handed down and may be able to negotiate a resolution or shape the scope of the charges.
Do I need a lawyer for a wire fraud charge just because I am innocent?
Yes, even if you believe you are innocent, you need experienced legal counsel to protect your rights and navigate the complexities of a fraud investigation. The government often relies on circumstantial evidence and cooperating witness testimony. Without a defense attorney, innocent mistakes or legitimate business practices can be misinterpreted. A lawyer can present your side of the story, gather exculpatory evidence, and advocate against charges before they are filed or at the earliest possible stage.
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