Federal bank fraud under 18 U.S.C. § 1344 carries up to 30 years in prison and a $1 million fine; Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience in Baltimore County, Maryland, handling federal fraud cases with a firm-wide favorable-outcome rate above 93%.

Bank Fraud Lawyer in Baltimore County, Maryland

Understanding Bank Fraud Under Federal Law

Bank fraud is a federal crime defined under 18 U.S.C. § 1344, which prohibits knowingly executing or attempting to execute a scheme to defraud a financial institution or to obtain money, assets, or property under the custody of a financial institution by false or fraudulent pretenses. This statute covers a wide range of conduct, including check kiting, loan fraud, mortgage fraud, and identity theft targeting banks. A conviction under 18 U.S.C. § 1344 carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000. Federal sentencing guidelines apply, and there is no parole in the federal system. Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., Advocacy Without Borders, brings 120+ years combined legal experience.

Last verified: April 2026 | U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland | justice.gov

Official Legal References

Review the full text of the federal bank fraud statute: 18 U.S.C. § 1344 (U.S. Department of Justice — official site).

For Maryland state fraud laws, see: Md. Code, Criminal Law Article (Maryland General Assembly — official site).

What to Expect in a Federal Bank Fraud Case in Baltimore County

In the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, prosecutors routinely seek indictments through federal grand juries. Federal bank fraud cases are investigated by agencies such as the FBI, IRS-Criminal Investigation, and the Secret Service. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland, with divisions in Baltimore and Greenbelt, prosecutes these cases aggressively.

Step 1: Do not speak to investigators without your attorney present. Invoke your right to remain silent.
Step 2: Preserve all financial records, emails, and documents. Do not alter or destroy any evidence.
Step 3: Contact a federal bank fraud defense lawyer immediately. Early legal intervention can affect charging decisions.
Step 4: Your attorney will review the evidence, identify procedural issues, and develop a defense strategy.
Step 5: Prepare for arraignment in U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, where charges will be formally presented.
Step 6: Negotiate with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for potential plea agreements or dismissal of charges.

In Baltimore County, federal bank fraud under 18 U.S.C. § 1344 carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and a $1 million fine.

Offense	Classification	Incarceration	Fine	License Impact	Additional Consequences
Bank Fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1344)	Federal Felony	Up to 30 years	Up to $1,000,000	None directly, but professional licenses may be affected	Restitution, asset forfeiture, supervised release, no parole
Conspiracy to Commit Bank Fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1349)	Federal Felony	Up to 30 years	Up to $1,000,000	None directly, but professional licenses may be affected	Restitution, asset forfeiture, supervised release, no parole

Results may vary.

Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Bank Fraud Defense?

Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings 120+ years combined legal experience, 4,739+ documented firm-wide results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ, and a favorable-outcome rate above 93%. The firm has handled numerous federal criminal cases, including bank fraud, wire fraud, and other white-collar offenses. Mr. Sris, with his background in accounting and information systems, applies analytical rigor to complex financial cases. The firm’s tagline, Advocacy Without Borders, reflects its commitment to providing aggressive, experienced representation across multiple jurisdictions.

Your Legal Team

Kristen M. Fisher

Kristen M. Fisher, Former Maryland Assistant State’s Attorney, Of Counsel (independent attorney working with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.), joined the firm in 2010 and dedicates 75% of her practice to litigation. She is admitted to the Maryland Bar and Virginia Bar, and has extensive experience in federal and state criminal defense. Her background as a former prosecutor provides unique insight into the strategies used by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Case Results in Baltimore County and Beyond

Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive documented results in federal criminal defense matters firm-wide across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ. While specific Baltimore County bank fraud case results are not listed, the firm has achieved favorable outcomes in numerous fraud and theft-related cases, including dismissals, reductions, and probationary dispositions. Results may vary.

Our Location and Service Area

Our location in Rockville, Maryland is approximately 40 miles from the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland (Baltimore Division) at 101 W Lombard St, Baltimore, MD 21201, with access via I-695 (Baltimore Beltway), I-83, and I-95.

Searching for a Bank Fraud Lawyer near Baltimore County? We serve clients throughout the region.

Serving the communities of Towson, Dundalk, Essex, Catonsville, Pikesville, Cockeysville, Reisterstown, Owings Mills, Perry Hall, White Marsh, and Timonium.

24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.

Our Location: 199 E. Montgomery Avenue, Suite 100, Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850 | (888) 437-7747 | By appointment only.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bank Fraud in Baltimore County

What is bank fraud under federal law?

Bank fraud under 18 U.S.C. § 1344 is a federal crime involving a scheme to defraud a financial institution. Penalties include up to 30 years in prison and a $1 million fine. Cases are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland in U.S. District Court.

What should I do if I am under investigation for bank fraud in Baltimore County?

Contact a federal bank fraud defense lawyer immediately. Do not speak to investigators without counsel. Preserve all documents. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland prosecutes these cases in U.S. District Court. Early legal intervention can affect outcomes.

What is the difference between state and federal bank fraud charges?

Federal bank fraud under 18 U.S.C. § 1344 carries up to 30 years and a $1 million fine, with no parole. State charges under Maryland law may carry lesser penalties. Federal cases are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office with federal sentencing guidelines.

Can bank fraud charges be reduced or dismissed in Baltimore County?

It depends on the evidence. Defense strategies include challenging intent, examining procedural compliance, and negotiating with prosecutors. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland may consider plea agreements. An experienced federal bank fraud defense lawyer can evaluate your case.

Do I need a lawyer for a federal bank fraud investigation in Baltimore County?

Yes, immediately. Federal cases at U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office with federal investigative resources (FBI, IRS-CI). Federal sentencing guidelines often include mandatory minimums. Early engagement before indictment materially affects outcomes.

Related Practice Areas and Locations

Criminal Defense Lawyer Maryland — State hub page
Criminal Defense Lawyer Howard County — Nearby locality
Criminal Defense Lawyer Montgomery County — Nearby locality
Criminal Defense Lawyer Calvert County — Nearby locality

Bank Fraud Lawyer in Baltimore County, MD | SRIS, P.C.