Federal Mail Fraud Defense Attorney in South Carolina

Under Investigation or Charged with Mail Fraud? Get Strategic Federal Defense Now.

Mail fraud is one of the most frequently used tools by federal prosecutors, both in South Carolina and across the United States. If you are being charged with Mail Fraud under 18 U.S.C. § 1341, you could face decades in prison, steep fines, and a permanent federal felony record. Even if no actual money changed hands, the mere use of the U.S. mail in connection with a scheme to defraud can be enough to trigger federal charges.

At the Law Offices of Nathan S. Williams, we defend individuals and businesses across South Carolina in complex federal fraud investigations and prosecutions, including mail fraud. Nathan is a former Criminal Chief at the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina and has handled some of the most high-profile white-collar cases in the state.

Contact us immediately at (843) 473-7000 for a Free Confidential Consultation if you are under investigation or facing a federal indictment.

What Is Mail Fraud? (18 U.S.C. § 1341)

Mail fraud involves:

  1. A scheme to defraud others of money, property, or honest services;

  2. Use of the U.S. Postal Service or any private or commercial mail carrier (UPS, FedEx, etc.);

  3. Intent to commit fraud.

Each separate mailing can result in an additional charge, meaning multiple counts — and years of potential exposure — even from a single scheme.

Any use of the mails - even sending or receiving a letter, contract, or check in furtherance of an alleged fraud - may trigger a federal mail fraud charge.

Common Mail Fraud Charges We Defend

Nathan Williams defends clients charged with:

  • Business fraud involving contracts, invoices, or misleading mailers

  • Real estate or mortgage fraud schemes

  • Insurance claim fraud through mailed documentation

  • Charitable fraud or fundraising campaigns

  • Bribery or kickback schemes involving mailed communications

  • Government benefit fraud (including pandemic-related programs such as PPP or EIDL loans)

Mail fraud is commonly charged alongside:

  • Wire fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1343)

  • Conspiracy (18 U.S.C. § 371)

  • Money laundering (18 U.S.C. § 1956)

  • False statements (18 U.S.C. § 1001)

Penalties for Federal Mail Fraud

A conviction under 18 U.S.C. § 1341 carries:

  • Up to 20 years in federal prison

  • Up to 30 years if the fraud involves financial institutions or disaster relief programs

  • Fines up to $250,000 for individuals or $1 million for organizations

  • Restitution to alleged victims

  • Forfeiture of assets used in or derived from the fraud

  • Permanent felony conviction and reputational harm

Federal sentencing in mail fraud cases is based heavily on the Federal Setencing Guidelines, which take into account:

  • Alleged loss amount, based upon actual or potential loss

  • Number of victims

  • Whether "sophisticated means" were used

Defense Strategies Against Federal Mail Fraud

Nathan Williams applies a tailored strategy to each case, focusing on:

  • Intent to Defraud: The government must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you intended to deceive — honest mistakes, accounting errors, or poor business judgment are not crimes.

  • Challenging Materiality: Not every misstatement qualifies as fraud or a scheme to defraud. We push back on whether the information allegedly misrepresented was actually important to the alleged victim’s decisions, and as such, was illegal.

  • Timing and Scope of Mail Use: We closely examine whether the mailings actually furthered a fraudulent scheme or were unrelated — this can eliminate key counts.

  • Loss Calculations: In sentencing, we challenge inflated loss amounts used to increase guideline levels.

  • Negotiation or Trial: Some cases can be resolved pre-indictment or through a favorable plea. Others require a skilled trial defense. We’re ready for both.

Why Choose Nathan Williams for Mail Fraud Defense?

  • Former Criminal Chief, U.S. Attorney’s Office (South Carolina) – Supervised white-collar prosecutions and understands how fraud cases are built from the inside.

  • 24+ years of experience – Over 14 years handling federal trials, sentencings, and appeals.

  • Nationally recognized trial experience, including complex financial and fraud prosecutions.

  • Represented professionals, executives, and public officials under investigation or indictment.

  • Based in Charleston, serving clients throughout Columbia, Florence, Greenville, Myrtle Beach, and all federal courts in South Carolina.

Learn more about Nathan Williams here.

Contact Us Today — Time Matters in Federal Fraud Cases

If you’re facing a mail fraud charge or federal investigation, you need experienced legal representation immediately. The earlier we get involved, the more options we have to protect your future.

Call (843) 473-7000 today or contact us online to schedule your Free Confidential Consultation with Nathan Williams.

Federal prosecutors are already building their case. Start building your defense today.

No Other Firm Brings The Experience And Track Record Of Success To The Table.