Bank Fraud Lawyer Bergen County NJ | SRIS, P.C.
Bank Fraud Lawyer in Bergen County, NJ — Federal & State Defense
Bank fraud in Bergen County is a serious federal offense under 18 U.S.C. § 1344, punishable by up to 30 years in prison and $1 million in fines. As a Bank Fraud Lawyer Bergen County NJ, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides a strong defense for clients facing charges from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey.
What Is Bank Fraud Under Federal and New Jersey Law?
Bank fraud involves knowingly executing or attempting to execute a scheme to defraud a financial institution or to obtain its money, assets, or credit under false pretenses. In New Jersey, these cases are typically prosecuted federally but can also involve state charges like theft by deception under N.J.S.A. 2C:20-4. Common schemes include check kiting, loan fraud, mortgage fraud, and identity theft to access bank accounts.
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm brings a background in accounting and information systems that is critical for dissecting complex financial evidence in bank fraud cases.
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the primary federal statute, see 18 U.S.C. § 1344 (bank fraud) on the official U.S. Code website. For New Jersey’s theft statutes, refer to the New Jersey Legislature site. The Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage website provides local rules and procedures for cases that may have parallel state proceedings.
Handling a Bank Fraud Case in Bergen County
Federal bank fraud investigations in Bergen County often begin with subpoenas from agencies like the FBI, IRS, or Secret Service. The key local procedural fact is that these cases are prosecuted in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey, often in the Newark or Hackensack divisions. Early intervention by a skilled Bank Fraud Attorney Bergen County NJ is crucial to challenge the government’s evidence before an indictment is secured.
- Initial Investigation & Grand Jury: Federal agents gather evidence, which is presented to a grand jury in Newark. Your attorney can communicate with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to present mitigating facts.
- Indictment & Arraignment: If indicted, you will be arraigned in federal court. Your lawyer will enter a plea and begin the formal discovery process.
- Pre-Trial Motions: A critical phase where your defense attorney files motions to suppress evidence, dismiss charges, or challenge the prosecution’s legal theories.
- Plea Negotiations or Trial: Most federal cases resolve by plea agreement. Your attorney negotiates for reduced charges or a favorable sentencing recommendation. If a trial is necessary, it will be before a federal judge and jury.
- Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing follows U.S. Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which consider the loss amount, number of victims, and your role in the offense.
Potential Penalties for Bank Fraud
In Bergen County, federal bank fraud carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine per count, with sentencing heavily influenced by the calculated financial loss.
| Offense Level | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Restitution | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Federal Bank Fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1344) | Federal Felony | Up to 30 years | Up to $1M | Mandatory | Asset forfeiture, felony record, loss of professional licenses |
| State Theft by Deception (N.J.S.A. 2C:20-4) | Indictable Crime (2nd-4th degree) | 5-10 years (2nd degree) | Up to $150,000 | Court-ordered | State felony record, civil lawsuits |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Bank Fraud Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to complex federal defenses. Our founder, Mr. Sris, is a former prosecutor with a background in accounting and information systems, providing a distinct advantage in analyzing financial records, forensic audits, and digital evidence central to bank fraud cases. We approach each case with a detailed, evidence-focused strategy.
Our Approach to Bank Fraud Cases
As an experienced Bank Fraud Law Firm Bergen County NJ, we have a documented record of handling complex financial crime defenses. Our approach involves immediate investigation to challenge the intent element (“knowingly defraud”), forensic analysis of financial transactions, and aggressive pre-trial motion practice. We work with financial experts to contest the government’s loss calculations, which directly drive sentencing under the guidelines.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Defense for Bergen County Residents
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
New Jersey Location — 44 Apple St, 1st Floor
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (609)-983-0003 | Local: (732) 455-5120
By appointment only.
Our New Jersey location serves clients across Bergen County. We represent individuals in Hackensack, Fort Lee, Teaneck, Paramus, Englewood, Ridgewood, and surrounding communities. Facing federal charges can be daunting, but you do not have to handle this process alone. We offer 24/7 phone consultations — call (888) 437-7747 — with meetings by appointment only.
Bank Fraud Defense FAQs
What is the difference between state and federal bank fraud charges in NJ?
It depends. Most bank fraud is prosecuted federally (18 U.S.C. § 1344) by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, as banks are federally insured. New Jersey may bring parallel state charges like theft by deception. A dual prosecution requires a defense attorney experienced in both federal and New Jersey courts.
What are common defenses to federal bank fraud?
Common defenses include lack of intent to defraud, mistake of fact, entrapment, insufficient evidence, and challenging the materiality of false statements. An effective defense often involves forensic accounting to dispute the alleged loss amount, which dictates sentencing.
Can I go to prison for a first-time bank fraud offense?
Yes. Federal sentencing guidelines are driven primarily by the financial loss, not the defendant’s criminal history. Even first-time offenders face significant prison time if the loss amount is high. Early intervention by a lawyer is key to mitigating this risk.
What should I do if I am under investigation for bank fraud?
Immediately contact a federal criminal defense attorney. Do not speak to investigators without counsel. Your attorney can engage with prosecutors pre-indictment, potentially influencing whether charges are filed or negotiating more favorable terms.
How long does a federal bank fraud case take?
Typically 1-2 years from indictment to resolution. Complex cases with extensive financial records can take longer. The Speedy Trial Act sets deadlines, but complex cases often have excluded periods for motion practice and review.
Related Practice Areas: If you are facing related charges, explore our pages on Federal Criminal Defense in Bergen County and New Jersey Financial Crimes Defense.
Other Locations: We also assist clients in nearby counties. Visit our pages for Hunterdon County and Morris County.
Learn More: For a broader overview, see our New Jersey Federal Criminal Defense hub page.
Page last verified: 2026-04. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.