Mail fraud under 18 U.S.C. § 1341 carries up to 20 years federal prison per count. A Mail Fraud Lawyer Maryland from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can challenge the government’s evidence of intent to defraud and use of the mail. Firm-wide, SRIS has 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Consultation by appointment.
What Is Mail Fraud Under Federal Law?
Mail fraud is a federal crime defined under 18 U.S.C. § 1341. The statute prohibits any scheme or artifice to defraud that uses the United States Postal Service or private interstate mail carriers (such as UPS or FedEx) to execute the scheme. The government must prove three elements beyond a reasonable doubt: (1) the defendant knowingly participated in a scheme to defraud; (2) the defendant acted with specific intent to defraud; and (3) the defendant used the mail or caused the mail to be used in furtherance of the scheme. A Mail Fraud Lawyer Maryland understands that intent is often the central contested issue in these cases.
Last verified: April 2026 | U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland | 18 U.S.C. § 1341 (official U.S. Code)
For the full text of the federal mail fraud statute, see 18 U.S.C. § 1341 (official U.S. Code). For information on the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, visit the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland official website.
Insider Perspective on Federal Mail Fraud Cases in Maryland
Federal mail fraud cases in Maryland are investigated by the FBI, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and other federal agencies. Indictments typically come from a federal grand jury sitting in Baltimore or Greenbelt.
In the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, prosecutors often use mail fraud as a predicate for money laundering and conspiracy charges. A federal mail fraud defense lawyer Maryland must scrutinize the indictment for improper aggregation of separate mailings.
- Step 1 — Grand Jury Indictment: The government presents evidence to a federal grand jury. Your attorney can file motions to dismiss if the indictment lacks specificity.
- Step 2 — Arraignment: You appear before a federal magistrate judge in Baltimore or Greenbelt. Bail conditions are set. A postal fraud charge lawyer Maryland can argue for release on conditions.
- Step 3 — Discovery: The government produces evidence, including mail records, financial documents, and witness statements. Your attorney reviews for Brady material and exculpatory evidence.
- Step 4 — Pretrial Motions: File motions to suppress evidence, dismiss counts, or compel discovery. Challenge the government’s theory of intent.
- Step 5 — Plea Negotiations or Trial: Negotiate with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for a favorable resolution or prepare for trial before a federal district judge.
- Step 6 — Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing follows the Federal Sentencing Guidelines. Your attorney can argue for downward departures based on acceptance of responsibility or minimal role.
In Maryland federal court, a mail fraud conviction under 18 U.S.C. § 1341 carries severe penalties including prison time, fines, and restitution.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mail Fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1341) | Federal Felony | Up to 20 years per count | Up to $250,000 (individual) or $500,000 (organization) | None directly; professional licenses at risk | Restitution; forfeiture; supervised release up to 5 years; potential debarment from federal programs |
| Mail Fraud Affecting a Financial Institution | Federal Felony | Up to 30 years per count | Up to $1,000,000 | None directly; professional licenses at risk | Restitution; forfeiture; supervised release up to 5 years |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Federal Mail Fraud Defense?
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and has handled 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across Virginia, Maryland, Washington D.C., New Jersey, and New York. Our attorneys include former prosecutors who understand how the government builds federal fraud cases. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, demonstrating the firm’s ability to effect change at the highest levels of the legal system. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Federal Criminal Case Results
Firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has handled 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. While specific mail fraud case results for Maryland are not available for this jurisdiction, the firm has achieved dismissals and favorable outcomes in federal criminal matters including fraud, drug trafficking, and sex crimes cases.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Maryland Location Serving Montgomery County and Beyond
Distance: Our Rockville/MD location serves clients at the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland (Baltimore and Greenbelt divisions), accessible via I-270, I-495, and Route 355.
Near-Me: If you are searching for a Mail Fraud Lawyer Maryland near Rockville, Bethesda, or Silver Spring, our office is conveniently located.
Neighborhoods Served: Rockville, Bethesda, Silver Spring, Gaithersburg, Germantown, Wheaton, Kensington, Potomac, Olney, Damascus, Clarksburg, Takoma Park, Chevy Chase.
Availability: 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Maryland
199 E. Montgomery Ave, Suite 100, Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mail Fraud in Maryland
Can I be charged with mail fraud if I did not personally mail anything?
Yes. The government can prove you “caused” the mail to be used if you acted with the intent that the mail be used in furtherance of the scheme. A Mail Fraud Lawyer Maryland can challenge whether the mailing was reasonably foreseeable.
What is the difference between mail fraud and wire fraud?
Mail fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1341) involves use of the postal service or private interstate mail carriers. Wire fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1343) involves electronic communications like phone calls, emails, or wire transfers. Both carry up to 20 years per count.
How long does a federal mail fraud investigation take in Maryland?
It depends. Investigations by the FBI and U.S. Postal Inspection Service can take 6 months to 2+ years before an indictment. Once indicted, the Speedy Trial Act requires trial within 70 days, though continuances are common.
Can mail fraud charges be dismissed before trial?
Yes. A federal mail fraud defense lawyer Maryland can file a motion to dismiss if the indictment fails to state an offense, if the statute of limitations has expired (5 years for mail fraud), or if the government cannot prove intent.
What should I do if I am under investigation for mail fraud in Maryland?
Do not speak to investigators without an attorney present. Contact a postal fraud charge lawyer Maryland immediately. Assert your right to remain silent and your right to counsel. Any statements you make can be used against you.
Is mail fraud a deportable offense for non-citizens?
Yes. Mail fraud is a crime involving moral turpitude and an aggravated felony if the loss exceeds $10,000. A conviction can lead to deportation, removal proceedings, and inadmissibility. Consult both a criminal defense lawyer and an immigration attorney.
Related Practice Areas and Locations
- Maryland Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer — Hub page for federal criminal defense in Maryland
- Wire Fraud Lawyer Maryland — Related federal fraud charge in Maryland
- Bank Fraud Lawyer Maryland — Related federal financial crime in Maryland
- Montgomery County Criminal Defense Lawyer — Criminal defense in Montgomery County
- Prince George’s County Criminal Defense Lawyer — Criminal defense in Prince George’s County
- Our Maryland Office Location
Last verified: April 2026. Information updated as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.