Criminal Defense Lawyers

Conspiracy to Commit Mail Fraud (18 U.S.C. 1341; 18 U.S.C. 371)

Last Updated on: 11th March 2025, 12:53 am

CONSPIRACY TO COMMIT MAIL FRAUD

If you’re on our website, it’s likely because you or someone you know is worried about federal charges for conspiracy to commit mail fraud. At Spodek Law Group, we are a nationwide federal defense law firm created by Todd Spodek, we have absolutely no tolerance for complacency, and we won’t accept excuses – we will not let you lose, we will not let prosecutors take advantage of you. Our job is to protect your future if you’ve been accused of violating 18 U.S.C. 371 or 18 U.S.C. 1341, which deal with conspiracy and mail fraud. Some people see these types of criminal charges and allegations as straightforward; others see them as very terrifying and complex issues. Either way, if you’re facing these criminal charges, you need to understand your legal situation. Our only mission is to explain these laws, show what defenses might be possible for you, and talk to you about the consequences.

We want you to succeed, but getting success means hearing some tough truths. You need a criminal law firm that was created by someone who understands how to deal with serious situations. You need a criminal defense strategy that forces you out of your comfort zone. You need criminal attorneys who will keep you accountable at every step. That’s who we are at Spodek Law Group.

WHAT IS MAIL FRAUD AND WHY DOES A CONSPIRACY CHARGE MATTER?

Mail fraud is a type of criminal allegation which was developed to stop schemes that target unsuspecting victims through the mail. Mail fraud that involves a conspiracy is especially serious, because 18 U.S.C. 371 punishes individuals who join together to plan or commit an illegal act. The government website https://www.justice.gov has detailed information about how the Department of Justice pursues these cases.

When you face conspiracy charges, this means the government is trying to build against you claiming you agreed with others to break the law. That is a very serious accusation, because prosecutors will use conspiracy charges to build a bigger case against all the defendants. If you are found guilty, then you end up facing major penalties. This can include years in a federal prison, massive fines, and a public record that makes future employment and housing extremely difficult.

Evidence which was obtained through search warrants or subpoenas can be used to strengthen the government’s case against you. If certain evidence is thrown out, then the prosecutors will have a hard time proving their case. This means your defenses can hinge on the legitimacy of how the investigation was handled, or whether the mail system was used in ways the law prohibits.

We know from experience that a conspiracy charge can seem really hard to contend with, and we understand that you might feel scared about your future. That’s exactly why our approach is honest and direct: you need an a strong strategy now, not later.

ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS: WHAT THE GOVERNMENT MUST PROVE

Under 18 U.S.C. 371, prosecutors who want to convict you of conspiracy to commit mail fraud HAVE TO show:

• That there was an agreement between two or more people to commit mail fraud against someone.
• That at least one act was done in furtherance of that.

Mail fraud itself comes from 18 U.S.C. 1341. Prosecutors have to show:

• That a scheme to defraud is in existence.
• That the scheme involved mailing something through the U.S. Postal Service or a private carrier to further it.
• That the defendant took part in the scheme intentionally.

If the government is able to meet these points, you can face a conviction. A conviction that results from satisfying these elements will create life-changing problems. That’s why you need a strategic defense early in the process, long before your trial date.

PENALTIES FOR CONSPIRACY TO COMMIT MAIL FRAUD

Because conspiracy and mail fraud charges often apply to large financial losses or multiple victims, the federal government will likely pursue tough sentences. Some people face up to 20 years in prison just for mail fraud, and if the fraud targeted a financial institution, that penalty can climb to 30 years. If you add conspiracy, then you increase the overall penalty range. When sentences stack up, a person who is convicted could spend many years in federal prison and owe huge fines.

Long prison sentences can affect your life far beyond the court. If you serve a 20-year sentence, then you miss out on your career, your family life, and your financial stability. If your fine is so large that it bankrupts you, then your future might involve financial ruin. This is why we keep pushing our clients to do everything possible to avoid a conviction or at least reduce the penalties.

At Spodek Law Group, we won’t sugarcoat things for you and leave you in the dark. If you’re looking at mail fraud conspiracy charges, there is a genuine risk of losing your freedom and going to jail. But we’re not here to watch you fail. We’re here to help you mount the strongest defense possible, because the consequences of giving up are too high.

HOW WE’D DEFEND YOU: STRATEGIC CONSIDERATIONS

Some people think they have no defense, but that’s not always true. Our job is to go into the facts, figure out what happened, and force the prosecution to prove you are guilty. When we create a strategy, we look at key points that can move your entire case:

• Lack of Specific Intent: Prosecutors have to prove that you intended to commit fraud, and if there is doubt about your state of mind, then the government might fail to prove intent exists of desire to commit a crime. That doubt could come from emails, texts, or witness testimonies. If prosecutors cannot establish intent in your case, then your legal case gets stronger.
• Improper Evidence Collection: Evidence which was illegally obtained can be excluded from trial. If the court suppresses critical evidence that the government is relying on to build their case, then the government’s argument can fall apart. You can’t let them use evidence against you if it was collected in violation of your rights.
• No Knowledge of the Conspiracy: A conspiracy charge requires an agreement. If you had no clue about the illegal activity, then you may have a defense. Proving that you were unaware of the criminal plan can sometimes weaken a prosecutor’s entire case.
• Entrapment: If law enforcement induced you to join a conspiracy that you otherwise would not have joined, then the court might recognize an entrapment defense. This defense that was built on improper conduct by investigators can get charges dropped.

Every defense tactic has consequences. If you argue lack of intent, then you admit you performed certain actions but didn’t know they were fraudulent. If you claim no knowledge, you risk other co-defendants blaming you for the scheme. Our attorneys who were trained in cross-examination techniques know how to handle these issues.

We think in systems, which means we look at how every piece of your situation interacts with the rest. We understand the root causes of how people end up with conspiracy charges, and we build your defense from the ground up. We do not accept half-measures, because we know how high the stakes are.

WHY WE ARE BRUTALLY HONEST AND WHY IT HELPS YOU

Some criminal defense law firms tell you just what you want to hear. At Spodek Law Group, we tell you what you need to hear, because your future depends on being real, honest, and dependable. Our criminal defense lawyers who are dedicated to federal defense are here 24/7, because the sooner we intervene, the better your chances might be. If you withhold information, then you ruin your defense. If you neglect to gather evidence, then you limit our options in court.

We will expect you to be transparent with us. We will demand that you make serious commitments to gathering documentation, locating witnesses, and following our guidance about how to handle investigators. That commitment that was requested of you is not optional. If you fail to follow through, you risk losing your best chance at beating or reducing these charges.

Our role is clear:

– We identify the weak points in the government’s case.
– We force prosecutors to meet the highest burden of proof.
– We explore plea deals only when it’s in your best interest.
– We stand by you at every stage of the process, from investigation to sentencing.

If you want to learn more about mail fraud charges or read official guidelines, visit the Department of Justice’s section on criminal fraud. That section explains how federal prosecutors handle fraud and how they gather evidence. Once you understand their approach, you’ll see why our direct, no-nonsense style is essential. We focus on the real threats, not the hype.

MULTIPLE POINTS OF VIEW: WHY THIS CRIME HAPPENS

One perspective says that conspiracy to commit mail fraud occurs because people knowingly participate in scams to get rich quick . Another point of view says that people might innocently agree to doing something they didn’t realize was illegal, especially if they trusted friends or coworkers who misled them. We’ve seen many different scenarios in our practice. This is why we investigate your side of the story, figure out the facts, and develop a defense strategy that fits your the events.

COMMON CONSEQUENCES BEYOND THE COURTROOM

Mail fraud conspiracy convictions carry MAJOR implications that go far beyond the possibility of prison. A felony record which was created by a federal conviction can make it impossible to get certain jobs, rent apartments, or apply for professional licenses. If you lose your ability to earn an income, then you might struggle to pay restitution or rebuild your family’s future. That is why fighting the allegations is so critical. If we reduce the charge or get it dismissed, you can avoid these serious life disruptions.

Other people might not realize how harmful a fraud conviction can be until it’s too late. You deserve a legal team that is laser-focused on preventing those outcomes, so you can get back to normal life. We have offices nationwide and can represent you wherever you’re located. Todd Spodek, who is our managing attorney, has built a team that was trained to handle complex federal cases from the West Coast to the East Coast.

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YOUR NEXT STEP WITH SPODEK LAW GROUP

If you’re reading this because you or a loved one is facing conspiracy to commit mail fraud charges, time is not on your side. You need a legal team that was shaped by experience in federal court and is unafraid of challenging prosecutors. At Spodek Law Group, we merge expertise in law with a pursuit of what helps our clients – ensuring their interests are protected. Our attorneys who are well-versed in federal cases can meet you anywhere in the country or speak with you over the phone.

We believe in telling you the truth, even when it’s not pleasant. We do that because your life is on the line, and there’s no time for half-hearted truths or tactics. When you reach out to us, we will review the facts, analyze the evidence, and give you a candid opinion on what’s needed to defend your freedom.

Call us now, or fill out the form on our website to request a risk-free consultation. During this consultation, we want you to ask us about the evidence that was presented against you and how we plan to challenge it. We want you to talk openly about any concerns. If you’re serious about protecting your future, we’re serious about helping you.