Los Angeles Wire Fraud Defense Lawyers

Are You in Need of a Wire Fraud Defense Lawyer in Los Angeles?

If you’re being investigated or have been arrested for wire fraud in Los Angeles, you are facing a serious federal charge that could carry prison time, massive fines, and irreversible damage to your personal and professional life. The government treats financial crimes with zero tolerance, especially when electronic communications or interstate transactions are involved.

At Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP, we are known for our strategic, no-nonsense approach to defending clients in complex fraud cases. We have successfully represented clients in some of the most high-profile white-collar criminal cases in California.

Why Choose Us Over Other Los Angeles Wire Fraud Attorneys

We don’t back down, and we don’t fold under pressure. When you hire us, you get an elite defense team of seasoned litigators who know how to fight back in federal court.

• Mark Werksman is a former federal prosecutor and Assistant U.S. Attorney with nearly four decades of experience in criminal law.
• Alan Jackson served as Assistant Head Deputy of the Major Crimes Division in the LA County District Attorney’s Office and has won some of the most complex cases in the state.
• Kelly Quinn is a Certified Specialist in Appellate Law, giving your case long-term legal coverage from trial through appeal if necessary.
• AV Preeminent Rated by Martindale-Hubbell for the highest ethical standards and legal ability.
• Recognized by Super Lawyers for white-collar and criminal defense based on peer reviews and independent research.
• Media-Savvy Representation – Our firm regularly represents executives, celebrities, and professionals facing intense public scrutiny.

Accused of Wire Fraud? Call Now.

Protect your future with elite Los Angeles criminal defense lawyers. Call Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP today at (213) 688-0460 for a confidential consultation.

Reasons to Contact a Criminal Wire Fraud Defense Lawyer Right Away

Wire fraud cases rarely begin with an arrest. Instead, they often start with a:

• Grand jury subpoena
• Target letter from the DOJ
• Knock on the door from federal investigators

At this stage, the government already has documents, emails, and wire transfers, and they are building a case. Delaying legal representation could allow prosecutors to define the narrative without challenge.

Early legal intervention helps:

• Prevent formal charges from being filed
• Limit your exposure through negotiation
• Identify exculpatory evidence
• Advise you before interviews with federal agents
• Protect your digital data from unlawful seizures

What Is Wire Fraud?

Wire fraud is a federal crime under 18 U.S.C. §1343, and it occurs when a person uses any form of electronic communication to intentionally defraud another party out of money, property, or honest services.

To prove wire fraud, the government must show:

1. A scheme to defraud
2. The use of interstate wire communications (phone, email, fax, internet)
3. Intent to defraud, not just a business mistake or poor judgment

Wire fraud is often charged alongside other white-collar offenses, especially if the communication crossed state lines or involved a business, investment, or public agency.

Examples of wire fraud allegations include:

• Falsified loan or insurance applications
• Investment scams
• Business email compromise (BEC)
• Securities or cryptocurrency fraud
• Government benefit fraud
• Tech startup misrepresentations to investors

Even if you didn’t personally send the message, if you were part of the alleged scheme, you can still be charged.

What to Do If You Are Arrested for Wire Fraud in Los Angeles

If you are arrested or served with a warrant or subpoena:

1. Do not speak to agents without an attorney present. Federal investigators are trained to extract statements that may later be used against you.
2. Do not delete emails, texts, or files. This could lead to an obstruction of justice charge.
3. Do not talk to coworkers, business partners, or friends about the case. They may later be interviewed or subpoenaed.
4. Contact Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP immediately. The earlier we are involved, the stronger your defense can be.

What Are the Penalties for Wire Fraud?

Wire fraud is a felony, and penalties under federal law are severe:

• Up to 20 years in federal prison
• Fines up to $250,000 for individuals or $500,000 for organizations
• Restitution to victims
• Forfeiture of assets believed to be connected to the crime

If the wire fraud involved a financial institution or was connected to a federal disaster relief program, the penalties can increase to up to 30 years in prison and fines up to $1 million.

Unlike state cases, federal convictions typically require offenders to serve the majority of their sentence without parole.

Additional Consequences of a Conviction

A wire fraud conviction can devastate your life far beyond time in prison:

• Career loss – You may lose professional licenses, board certifications, or public employment eligibility.
• Immigration issues – If you are not a U.S. citizen, a conviction may result in deportation or denial of naturalization.
• Barriers to future employment – Most white-collar industries will not hire someone with a federal felony.
• Financial ruin – Restitution orders can last a lifetime.
• Media exposure – Even an accusation of wire fraud can trigger permanent reputational damage.

Immediately Protecting Your Rights

Do not speak to investigators without counsel. Call (213) 688-0460 to put a proven legal team on your side.

How a Los Angeles Wire Fraud Lawyer Can Help

Defending against wire fraud is not about quick fixes. It requires deep understanding of federal statutes and sentencing guidelines, forensic accounting and financial audits, and strategic motions to exclude or suppress evidence.

At Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP, our Los Angeles federal crime defense attorneys will:

• Conduct an independent investigation into the government’s claims
• Challenge every element of the alleged fraud—intent, materiality, causation
• Retain leading experts in accounting, technology, and business practices
• Pursue dismissal or reduction of charges where possible
• Take your case to trial when necessary—confidently, skillfully, and thoroughly

Related Offenses

Wire fraud is often charged in combination with other financial crimes. You may be facing multiple allegations, including:

Mail Fraud

Like wire fraud, mail fraud (18 U.S.C. §1341) involves a scheme to defraud, but it requires use of the U.S. Postal Service or any interstate carrier. If you sent contracts, payments, or promotional materials through the mail as part of the alleged scheme, you may be charged with both mail and wire fraud.

Internet Fraud

Internet fraud encompasses fraud schemes conducted through websites, email, or online platforms, including:

• Phishing scams
• Fake e-commerce storefronts
• Online investment fraud
• Cybercrime operations

Internet fraud is often investigated by the FBI’s Cyber Division and prosecuted under the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act or related statutes.

Securities Fraud

Securities fraud involves false statements or manipulations that affect the value or sale of investments. This can include:

• Misrepresenting financials to investors
• Insider trading
• Ponzi schemes
• Stock pumping

These cases are typically prosecuted by the SEC, DOJ, or both—and often in tandem with wire fraud charges.

Because each of these offenses comes with its own sentencing guidelines, your total exposure could be decades in prison unless charges are dropped, reduced, or strategically defended.

What Clients Are Saying About Us

Highly recommend!!! -Anonymous (5-Star Avvo Review)

Best attorney to help with my case! He will fight for you all the way. I trusted him with my case and his team to assist me. Will go above and beyond to win and defend you. Highly recommend!!!

Fantastic defense attorney - Alex B. (5-Star Avvo Review)

Fantastic defense attorney. Alan Jackson is an incredibly skilled and seasoned attorney. He has passion for his clients and the law and you would be a fool not to hire him.

Case Results

Unites States Attorney's office drops charges against client accused of securities fraud

Mark Werksman represented a Los Angeles securities trader and hedge fund manager facing federal prosecution for securities fraud. If indicted, he would have been stripped of his securities licenses, and if convicted, he would have done five years in a federal prison. Mark convinced the Unites States Attorney's office to decline prosecution.

No conviction for woman charged with insurance fraud

Mark Werksman, assisted by Elizabeth Little, stopped the LA District Attorney's Office in their tracks by preventing them from convicting their client in a four week workers' compensation insurance fraud trial. Their client, a successful payroll service provider in the Inland Empire was accused of a $3 million fraud against her business clients for allegedly failing to acquire workers' compensation insurance for them. After three days of deliberations, a Los Angeles Superior Court jury deadlocked, causing a mistrial. Werksman's tenacious defense and creative rebuttal of the prosecution's 37-witness case caused the jury to deadlock which prevents the District Attorney's Office from obtaining a conviction against their 63-year-old client. "While a hung jury is not an ideal outcome," Werksman said, "our job is to prevent our client from being convicted and we accomplished that critical goal." The key to success was in the Firm's ability to absorb, digest, and rebut hundreds of thousands of pages of discovery in a complex financial crimes case and to present a coherent and persuasive defense to the jury.

Speak With an Experienced Wire Fraud Attorney in Los Angeles

If you’re facing wire fraud allegations in Los Angeles, your choice of defense counsel could determine your future. You need a firm that understands federal litigation, financial crime, and how to take control of the courtroom.

We offer confidential, no-cost consultations. Contact us at (213) 688-0460 to learn more today. Let our team of talented attorneys get to work protecting your freedom, your reputation, and your future.

Wire Fraud FAQs

What is wire fraud?

Wire fraud is a federal offense that involves using electronic communications, such as phone calls, emails, texts, or internet-based platforms, as part of a scheme to defraud someone of money, property, or services. It is prosecuted under 18 U.S.C. §1343 and often charged alongside other white-collar crimes.

Is wire fraud a felony?

Yes. Wire fraud is a serious federal felony. A single count carries a potential prison sentence of up to 20 years, and even longer if a financial institution or federal disaster relief program is involved.

What are the penalties for a wire fraud conviction?

Penalties include:

• Up to 20 years in federal prison
• Fines up to $250,000 for individuals or $500,000 for businesses
• Restitution to victims
• Asset forfeiture
• If the fraud involved a bank or federal emergency program, penalties can reach 30 years in prison and $1 million in fines.

Can I be charged if I didn’t personally send the wire communication?

Yes. You can be charged if you were part of the alleged scheme, even if someone else sent the electronic communication. Prosecutors often pursue anyone they believe played a role in executing or benefiting from the fraud.

Is wire fraud a state or federal crime?

Wire fraud is exclusively a federal offense. It is investigated by federal agencies such as the FBI, IRS, or U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in federal court.

Can wire fraud charges be dropped or reduced?

Yes, with early and aggressive intervention, wire fraud charges can be challenged, dismissed, or reduced, especially if:

• There is insufficient evidence
• Your actions lacked criminal intent
• Your rights were violated during the investigation

Our firm has successfully resolved many cases before they reach trial.

Meet Our Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorneys

Mark J. Werksman

Mark Werksman is a powerhouse in California criminal defense, known for his commanding courtroom presence, strategic precision, and track record of success in the state’s most serious and high-profile cases. As the founding partner of Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP, Mark leads with more than 35 years of legal experience and a deep understanding of how to dismantle complex prosecutions at both the state and federal level.

Before founding the firm in 1994, Mark served as a Deputy District Attorney in Los Angeles and later as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Central District of California. His experience on both sides of the courtroom gives him a tactical advantage; he knows exactly how prosecutors think and how to challenge their case from every angle.

Alan Jackson

Alan Jackson is one of California’s most accomplished and respected criminal trial attorneys. A former high-ranking prosecutor and now a high-profile defense attorney, Alan brings decades of courtroom experience, strategic insight, and commanding presence to every case he handles.

Before co-founding Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP, Alan served as Assistant Head Deputy of the Major Crimes Division in the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. In that role, he led some of the most complex and high-stakes prosecutions in California, including homicides, sex crimes, and white-collar offenses. As a defense attorney, Alan has earned a reputation for winning cases other lawyers won’t touch.

Kelly Quinn

Kelly Quinn is a skilled criminal defense attorney and Certified Specialist in Appellate Law, recognized for her mastery of post-conviction litigation and complex legal motions. As a partner at Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP, Kelly plays a critical role in developing and executing comprehensive defense strategies, both at trial and on appeal.

Known for her precise legal writing, deep knowledge of criminal law, and commitment to safeguarding clients’ rights, Kelly has successfully overturned convictions, reduced sentences, and exposed flaws in trial procedures that could otherwise lead to injustice. Her work is instrumental in identifying legal errors, exposing due process violations, and crafting the complex arguments needed to seek relief after trial.

Additional Information

• What Is Honest Services Fraud?