It's called the City of Brotherly Love, but a Delaware resident found out the hard way that nepotism in business dealings with the City of Philadelphia doesn't go unpunished.  Felton Hayman was sentenced in November by a federal judge to 12 months and a day in federal prison for exploiting his relationship with a city leader. Hayman got a steal of a deal on three Philly-owned properties that he pledged to build affordable housing units. Instead, he flipped them for a profit, even listing one for sale before acquiring the title! Hayman's misdeeds led him to plead guilty to three counts of wire fraud after he was investigated by the FBI and prosecuted by an Assistant United States Attorney.

Why did federal law apply in this case? Federal criminal law often involves crimes that cross state lines, as was the case here. Wire fraud, specifically, is a federal crime that involves using electronic communications to defraud someone – in this case, the city – for money, property, or services.

Fighting federal criminal charges is complex, as the federal penal system operates under a different set of laws than Pennsylvania's. Many who find they're being accused of a federal offense don't have any idea where to turn or how to best deal with the charges. If you are in this situation, you should turn to the LLF Law Firm's Criminal Defense Team right away.

Our team has a proven track record of defending clients against federal wire fraud and other federal charges. We are dedicated to protecting your rights and providing the aggressive defense you need to achieve the best possible outcome, no matter what charges or penalties you are facing.

Contact the LLF Law Firm's Criminal Defense Team at 888.535.3686 or reach out through our online form. We'll get started right away at developing a strong defense, and we will be with you every step of the way as you navigate the complexities of federal investigations.

Doing Time for a Federal Crime

As you might imagine, the penalties for federal crimes, including wire fraud, can be severe. You need to do everything in your power to reduce or eliminate the impact they will have on your future. It cannot be overstated how a lengthy prison sentence, steep fines, and forfeiture of assets can wreak havoc on your life as well as the lives of your loved ones. In Felton Hayman's case, in addition to prison, he faces three years of supervised release as well as fines, restitution, and forfeiture totaling nearly $260,000.

If you are in a similar position, it's crucial that you secure immediate and experienced legal representation right away. The LLF Law Firm's Criminal Defense Team is ready to hit the ground running for you. This may be the most difficult challenge you face in life, but you can get through it, and, with an aggressive legal defense, lessen its negative impact. Reaching out now is the first step. Call 888.535.3686 or tell us about your case through our online form.