Conspiracy to Commit Fraud lawyer Maryland, MD
A federal conspiracy to commit fraud charge in Maryland means the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland has evidence that two or more people agreed to carry out a scheme to defraud—under 18 U.S.C. § 1341-1349, mail fraud, wire fraud, bank fraud, or health care fraud are common underlying offenses. These cases are investigated by the FBI, IRS-Criminal Investigation, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and other federal agencies before a grand jury convenes at the U.S. District Court in Baltimore or Greenbelt. Because conspiracy carries the same maximum penalty as the completed fraud—up to 20 years in prison, or 30 years if a financial institution is affected—the exposure is severe. For anyone in Montgomery, Prince George’s, Howard, Anne Arundel, Frederick, or any Maryland county, retaining experienced counsel early can shape how an investigation unfolds. Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor, and his Of Counsel team at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. bring extensive combined legal experience to federal conspiracy defense in Maryland. To request a consultation, reach our Rockville location at (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
What Conspiracy to Commit Fraud Means in Maryland
In the District of Maryland, federal conspiracy to commit fraud is charged under 18 U.S.C. § 1349, which targets agreements to violate the principal federal fraud statutes. The government must prove an agreement between at least two persons, an intent to defraud, and an overt act taken toward carrying out the scheme. Even if the planned fraud was never completed, the agreement itself can sustain a conviction. The U.S. Attorney’s Office handles these cases from its main office in Baltimore and its Greenbelt division, which covers Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties. Judges at both locations apply the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, factoring in loss amount, the defendant’s role in the conspiracy, and whether aggravating circumstances exist—such as the use of sophisticated means or victimizing elderly individuals.
Because Maryland’s economy includes a concentration of government contractors, biotech firms, and federal grant recipients, conspiracy-to-defraud cases frequently involve government-program fraud, procurement fraud, and healthcare billing schemes. Investigators rely on financial records, cooperating witnesses, and electronic communications to build their cases. A target letter or a grand-jury subpoena is often the first sign that an investigation has moved into an active phase. At that point, speaking with federal defense counsel before providing any statement is critical. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel appear regularly in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, representing clients at every stage from pre‑indictment negotiations through trial and sentencing.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Conspiracy to Commit Fraud Cases
When someone contacts Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. about a possible federal conspiracy charge, the first step is to understand exactly where the government stands—whether a target letter has been issued, whether a search warrant has been executed, or whether an indictment has already been returned. The firm then works to protect the client’s rights during interviews with agents, before the grand jury, and at the initial appearance and detention hearing. Often, the defense can engage with the prosecutor early to narrow the scope of the investigation or negotiate a resolution before charges are filed.
If the case proceeds to indictment, the focus shifts to contesting the sufficiency of the government’s proof. Defenses common in conspiracy-to-commit-fraud cases include showing that the defendant did not knowingly join the agreement, that any agreement was not about the specific fraud alleged, or that the defendant withdrew from the conspiracy before any overt act occurred. Because many fraud conspiracies involve co‑defendants in other states, the firm’s multi‑state experience—offices in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York—allows coordinated defense across jurisdictions. Throughout the process, the attorneys work to achieve favorable outcomes, whether that means a dismissal, a favorable plea, or a not‑guilty verdict at trial.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Reviewed by Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder
Admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York
Practicing since 1997
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., is a former prosecutor who has been handling federal criminal matters for nearly three decades. He testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). His practice spans complex white‑collar defense in all five jurisdictions where the firm maintains locations. Alongside Mr.‑Sris, the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys contribute additional litigation experience, including courtroom work in federal district courts. Together, Mr.‑Sris and his Of Counsel bring extensive combined legal experience to federal conspiracy defense. Results may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is federal conspiracy to commit fraud under 18 U.S.C. § 1349?
Federal conspiracy to commit fraud occurs when two or more people agree to defraud another of money or property using means that violate a federal fraud statute, and at least one of them takes an overt act to advance the plan. Even if the planned fraud is never completed, the agreement itself is a crime punishable by up to 20 years in prison—or 30 years if the scheme involved a financial institution. The government often uses conspiracy charges to cast a wide net over participants in a fraudulent enterprise, making it essential to challenge whether an actual agreement existed and whether the defendant intended to join it. For a consultation, reach Mr.‑Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437-7747.
What are the penalties for conspiracy to commit fraud in Maryland?
Conviction for conspiracy to commit a federal fraud offense is punished the same as the underlying fraud—generally a prison term of up to 20 years, a fine, and an order of restitution to victims. If the fraud affected a financial institution, the maximum increases to 30 years. The federal sentencing guidelines consider the dollar loss involved, the defendant’s role in the conspiracy, and any aggravating factors. Supervised release follows any prison term, and no parole exists in the federal system. The court may also order asset forfeiture. Because the sentencing exposure is so high, every procedural decision—from plea negotiations to trial strategy—carries significant weight.
What should I do if I am being investigated for conspiracy to commit fraud in Maryland?
If you suspect you are under investigation, do not speak with federal agents or other potential witnesses before consulting federal defense counsel. Retain all records—emails, financial statements, contracts—but do not alter or destroy anything. If you have received a target letter or a grand‑jury subpoena, your immediate priority is to have an attorney experienced in federal fraud cases evaluate the government’s theory and advise you on how to respond. Early engagement can sometimes persuade the prosecutor not to seek an indictment or to resolve the matter by way of a deferred‑prosecution agreement. To discuss your situation, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
How does a Maryland federal defense lawyer defend against conspiracy charges?
A defense lawyer challenges conspiracy charges by attacking the sufficiency of the government’s evidence—showing there was no agreement, that the defendant did not join any agreement knowingly, or that the alleged overt acts do not prove the charged conspiracy. Other common defenses include withdrawal from the conspiracy, entrapment, or that the charged conspiracy is actually multiple separate incidents rather than a single scheme. The firm also examines whether the government improperly obtained evidence in violation of the Fourth or Fifth Amendments. By scrutinizing the discovery and identifying weaknesses in witness credibility, counsel works toward the trusted achievable outcome. Every case is different; results vary.
Can a conspiracy charge be dropped before trial in a federal case?
Yes, a federal conspiracy charge can be dropped before trial if the defense can persuade the prosecutor that the evidence is insufficient, that the defendant was not a knowing participant, or that resolution through a non‑prosecution agreement serves the interests of justice. Dismissal may also occur if a motion to dismiss the indictment succeeds—for example, if the indictment fails to allege an overt act or violates the statute of limitations. While many federal conspiracy cases result in plea agreements, a pretrial dismissal is possible when the government’s case has a fundamental weakness. For guidance on your specific matter, reach Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.
Related practice pages:
Montgomery County Federal Criminal Lawyer | Prince George’s County Federal Criminal Lawyer | Howard County Federal Criminal Lawyer | Anne Arundel County Federal Criminal Lawyer | Frederick County Federal Criminal Lawyer
Primary authority:
U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland — Official Website | Title 18, United States Code, § 1349 — 18 U.S.C. § 1349
Last reviewed: July 2026
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