Election fraud, also known as voter fraud, involves allegedly tampering with a political election. The often baseless accusations tend to be politically motivated and generate intense media attention. If you find yourself accused of this serious crime, it is important to retain an attorney in Massachusetts with expertise in the field and experience dealing with the national media. Contact the Law Offices of Geoffrey G. Nathan.
What is Election Fraud?
Election fraud involves interference with the process of an election. Acts of fraud could likely affect vote totals, and could possibly help sway the outcome of an election. This can be done by increasing the vote total of the desired candidate, or by discouraging votes for the rival candidate, or both. Traditionally, election fraud has been conducted through some of the following means:
- Ballot Stuffing, Removal or Alteration
- False Voter Registration
- Multiple Voting
- Disenfranchisement
- Intimidation
- Vote Buying
These days, charges of election fraud are more likely to revolve around illegal campaign donations, and contribution limits as determined by the Federal Elections Commission. Typical charges could involve something like the use of "straw" contributors to funnel contributions to political candidates. In these schemes a group of straw contributors donate the maximum allowable amount, and then get reimbursed by a single person or politically motivated group. This allows that single person or group to contribute well in excess of the limits set by law.
Penalties for Election Fraud
The use of straw contributors can be punished with up to 2 years in prison and a fine of up to $100,000, depending on the size of the illegal contributions. Contributions of this nature also involve making materially false statements to the FEC, which could tack on 5 years to the maximum sentence. If charges of conspiring to defraud the United States of America are included, it could add another 5 years to the sentence. Overzealous prosecutors can take advantage of any number of ambiguous federal statutes to continue to pile charges on top of election fraud charges, which is why it is so important to have top legal representation.
Contact the Law Offices of Geoffrey G. Nathan
Regardless of how you have been wrapped up in one of these political controversies, you need to protect your rights by mounting an aggressive defense. Your reputation and freedom depend on it. Contact a Boston election fraud lawyer from the Law Offices of Geoffrey G. Nathan today.