Daytona Beach Cryptocurrency Fraud Defense Lawyers

Accused of a Crypto Crime? You Need Strategic, Aggressive Defense.

As digital currencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and NFTs have gained popularity, so have investigations and prosecutions related to alleged cryptocurrency crimes. Federal agencies are now aggressively targeting individuals accused of participating in various activities, including crypto investment scams, blockchain-based Ponzi schemes, and fraudulent token sales.

These cases often fall under the category of federal crimes, involving serious charges like wire fraud, securities fraud, and money laundering. While the terminology may be new—such as crypto wallets, decentralized exchanges, and smart contracts—the laws being enforced are often decades old, creating complex legal gray areas. Unfortunately, that confusion can work against you.

Whether you're facing accusations related to a crypto fraud scheme or are under investigation for the misuse of blockchain technology, the stakes are high. Convictions can lead to severe penalties, including prison time, asset forfeiture, and lasting damage to your reputation and career. Even the early stages of an investigation can affect your finances, livelihood, and peace of mind.

At Hager & Schwartz, P.A., we understand the evolving landscape of cryptocurrency prosecutions. Our team has over 50 years of combined legal experience, and as former state prosecutors, we are well-equipped to anticipate the government’s next move. We use that insight to construct robust defenses, challenge the evidence, and advocate for the just outcome you deserve.

If you're facing allegations involving Bitcoin, Ethereum, NFTs, or any digital asset, act fast. The sooner you engage experienced counsel, the more options you may have. Contact our Daytona Beach office to schedule a confidential consultation with a skilled attorney handling cryptocurrency crime defense.

What Is Cryptocurrency Fraud?

As cryptocurrency continues to gain traction in financial markets and mainstream use, the increase in related scams has prompted aggressive enforcement efforts. While blockchain technology offers exciting innovations, it has also created openings for fraud, deception, and exploitation. If you’re under investigation or facing allegations, understanding the extent of these offenses—and the charges and penalties they carry—is crucial to building a strong defense.

Crypto fraud involves illegal schemes that exploit digital assets—such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, NFTs (non-fungible tokens), or other blockchain-based tokens—to deceive, steal, or gain unlawful profit. These scams may seem sophisticated or high-tech, but many adhere to classic patterns of financial deception, rebranded for the digital era.

Common examples of crypto fraud include:

• Bitcoin investment schemes: Individuals pose as financial experts, claiming they can guarantee returns through cryptocurrency investments. Victims are frequently persuaded to deposit large amounts without any actual investment occurring.
• Rug pull schemes: Bad actors launch a new crypto project or token, attracting investor interest, and then disappear with the funds, leaving investors with worthless assets.
• Romance schemes: An individual gains the trust of a victim by pretending to be a romantic partner and then uses that trust to solicit cryptocurrency payments.
• Phishing schemes: Victims are deceived into clicking harmful links that jeopardize private keys or wallet credentials.
• Man-in-the-middle attacks: Sensitive login information is intercepted on public Wi-Fi networks, allowing access to crypto wallets.
• Social media cryptocurrency giveaways: Fake accounts promote bitcoin giveaways and request users to send a “verification” deposit to receive rewards.
• Crypto Ponzi schemes: Individuals promise returns but use funds from new investors to pay earlier participants, with no actual cryptocurrency trading occurring.
• Fake cryptocurrency exchanges: Fraudulent platforms appear legitimate but vanish once users attempt to withdraw funds.
• Fraudulent employment offers: Individuals pose as recruiters or job applicants to trick others into providing access to their crypto wallets.
• AI schemes: Malicious use of AI-powered bots to engage users and promote worthless or non-existent tokens.

Common Criminal Charges Associated with Crypto Fraud

Because cryptocurrency crimes often cross jurisdictional and financial boundaries, they are frequently prosecuted at the federal level.

The most common charges include:

• Wire fraud: Involves the use of telecommunications or the internet to defraud another party.
• Federal securities fraud: Applies when a crypto asset is treated like a security and sold in violation of federal laws.
• Money laundering: Involves concealing the origins of illegally obtained funds, often through layers of crypto transactions.

These offenses frequently intersect with traditional financial crimes, particularly when cryptocurrency is employed to circumvent banks or evade regulatory scrutiny. For example, an alleged NFT scam may result in securities fraud charges if the NFT is deemed an investment contract.

Penalties for Cryptocurrency Fraud

The penalties for offenses related to cryptocurrency are severe.

Depending on the charges and the amount of money involved, individuals may face:

• Lengthy prison sentences: Many white-collar offenses carry potential federal prison terms of 10 years or more.
• Asset forfeiture: The government may seize cryptocurrency holdings and related assets.
• Hefty fines: Penalties can reach hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars.
• Reputational damage: Allegations alone can tarnish professional standing and personal relationships, especially in tech and finance sectors.

Given the high stakes, it's crucial to collaborate with defense attorneys who know how to navigate federal courts and have experience in the rapidly evolving digital economy.

At Hager & Schwartz, P.A., we adopt a proactive and strategic approach to each case. Our attorneys thoroughly analyze the details of every charge, challenge weak evidence, and pursue all legal avenues to reduce or dismiss allegations. Backed by decades of combined experience and the insights of former prosecutors, we are ready to advocate for your future.

How Our Daytona Beach Cryptocurrency Fraud Defense Lawyers Can Help

When you're facing allegations of cryptocurrency fraud, you're not just dealing with complicated technology—you are confronting the full weight of a federal investigation. These are high-stakes cases, often prosecuted with intensity by agencies that possess nearly unlimited resources.

At Hager & Schwartz, P.A., we recognize how overwhelming this can feel, and we are here to provide more than just legal representation; we offer clarity, strategy, and support.

Our defense attorneys have handled a wide range of complex cases, including those involving cryptocurrency fraud defense. As former state prosecutors, we understand how the other side thinks. This inside knowledge enables us to develop legal strategies designed to expose weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, whether it’s faulty digital evidence, improper investigative tactics, or unreliable witnesses.

We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all representation. Every case is unique, and we take the time to understand the nuances of yours. From the moment you contact us, you’ll work directly with a cryptocurrency lawyer who is well-versed in the legal and technical aspects of your case. Our firm is known for crafting tailored legal strategies that fit each client’s unique circumstances.

Here’s how we help:

• Reviewing digital evidence such as blockchain transaction histories, crypto wallet activity, and communications tied to alleged fraud
• Challenging investigative overreach, including unconstitutional searches, asset seizures, or improper surveillance
• Filing pre-trial motions to suppress unlawfully obtained evidence or limit the government’s claims
• Negotiating favorable plea agreements, when appropriate, to reduce charges or avoid harsh federal sentencing
• Preparing for federal trial defense with the precision and diligence these cases demand

Whether you’re under investigation or already facing charges, contact us to schedule a free consultation. You don’t have to face these federal charges alone.