Fraud Lawyer in Adrian, MO. Fraud charges aren’t something you want to handle on your own. These laws are complex, and these cases can be very convoluted. You can’t take these charges lightly, and to protect yourself against them, you need to call an adept Adrian, MO, criminal defense lawyer to get help.
When you feel outmatched against the prosecution, there’s one law firm prepared to stand by your side: Combs Waterkotte. Our fraud defense lawyers are dedicated to fighting for our clients’ rights and want to help you find the best outcome for your unique situation. You can get assistance at any time by calling (314) 900-HELP or using our online contact form.
You need to fight for your best outcome. Get protection from legal professionals.
Cases Handled
Over 10,000
Jail Days Saved
Over 1 Million
Google Reviews
500+ Perfect
Legal Experience
100+ Years
On This Page
On this page, you will learn about:
- What types of crime accusations count as fraud
- The difference that a fraud lawyer can make while going through the justice system;
- Common fraud charges in Adrian, MO;
- What to do if someone accuses you of fraud;
- Why your Adrian, MO, fraud lawyer should be someone from Combs Waterkotte;
- Defenses our attorneys use against fraud charges; and
- How to talk to a fraud lawyer in Adrian, MO, today.
Legal Videos
The Complete Guide to Criminal Defense in Missouri
The Complete Guide to Criminal Defense in Missouri. Attorneys Christopher Combs, Matthew Brown, and Martell Turner from Combs Waterkotte discuss everything you need to know about Missouri criminal …
Are Private Attorneys Better Than Public Defenders?
Are Private Attorneys Better Than Public Defenders? Missouri criminal defense attorney Chris Combs talks about the differences in a defendant's experience when working with a public defender vs. a …
What Is the Process For Getting Bail in Missouri?
What Is the Process For Getting Bail in Missouri? If you've been arrested, the first thing you want to do is get out of jail and get back home. Missouri criminal defense attorney Chris Combs …
How Does Plea Bargaining Work?
Missouri criminal defense attorney Chris Combs discusses how he negotiates the most favorable plea bargaining deals for his clients. You can read a transcript of the interview below.
Can Criminal Charges Be Dropped?
Can your criminal case get dismissed? How can your defense attorney get your case dismissed? Missouri criminal defense attorney Chris Combs discusses what needs to happen to have your charges …
Public Defender Caseloads Are High. Can I Trust One With My Case?
St. Louis defense attorney Chris Combs explains how a private defense lawyer can offer the resources and attention to detail that many public defenders don't have time for. You can read a …
The Complete Guide to Criminal Defense in Missouri
The Complete Guide to Criminal Defense in Missouri. Attorneys Christopher Combs, Matthew Brown, and Martell Turner from Combs Waterkotte discuss everything you need to know about Missouri criminal …
Are Private Attorneys Better Than Public Defenders?
Are Private Attorneys Better Than Public Defenders? Missouri criminal defense attorney Chris Combs talks about the differences in a defendant's experience when working with a public defender vs. a …
What Is the Process For Getting Bail in Missouri?
What Is the Process For Getting Bail in Missouri? If you've been arrested, the first thing you want to do is get out of jail and get back home. Missouri criminal defense attorney Chris Combs …
How Does Plea Bargaining Work?
Missouri criminal defense attorney Chris Combs discusses how he negotiates the most favorable plea bargaining deals for his clients. You can read a transcript of the interview below.
Can Criminal Charges Be Dropped?
Can your criminal case get dismissed? How can your defense attorney get your case dismissed? Missouri criminal defense attorney Chris Combs discusses what needs to happen to have your charges …
Public Defender Caseloads Are High. Can I Trust One With My Case?
St. Louis defense attorney Chris Combs explains how a private defense lawyer can offer the resources and attention to detail that many public defenders don't have time for. You can read a …
How Are Fraud Crimes Defined?
Fraud refers to a collection of white-collar crimes where one person tricks another person into giving away their valuables. This is often money, but can be anything of substantial value.
When trying to determine if an alleged crime counts as “fraud,” look for the following:
- An action taken to deceive another person
- The act benefits the alleged offender
- The gain comes at the expense of someone else
Online shopping scams are a frequent encounter in the internet age – in these, a website sells products or services that allegedly don’t fulfill their promises to customers, while still taking their money.
It is not fraud if you were mistaken about something and unintentionally deceived someone as a result. A failed adoption can fall into either category: Adoption fraud is a process where someone exploits a family for money without any intention to help them adopt a child. But if someone took money from a family with the intention of helping them adopt a child, and something went wrong preventing it from being completed, it would not qualify as fraud.
The Role of a Fraud Lawyer in Adrian, MO
Having a fraud lawyer to defend you is essential when navigating the Adrian, MO, court system. Don’t wait until charges are filed; while you wait, the prosecution is building the case against you.
Here’s what they can provide for you:
- Breakdown of the Case – Some laws are easy to understand, but not all of them. A fraud lawyer in Adrian, MO, can help you understand the ins and outs of the case against you.
- Help During Interrogations – If the police invite you in for questioning, your lawyer can advise you on how to respond.
- Defensive Strategy – You need a proven criminal defense strategy, and an attorney can help you pick the right one.
- Reputation Management – You could face judgment and non-legal consequences as a result of the charges against you. An attorney can give you advice on how to handle it.
- Negotiating Skills – Most criminal cases end in a plea bargain. Your attorney can help you negotiate a favorable one.
- Trial-Ready Defense – If your case reaches trial, your lawyer will present your case before a jury to show reasonable doubt. And if it comes to sentencing, they will advocate for leniency.
Combs Waterkotte is ready to take your case in Adrian, MO. Whatever fraud charge you’re facing, we have the experience and strength to defend you.
Credit Card Fraud
Credit card fraud isn’t a single crime in Adrian, MO, but instead is covered by two different Missouri statutes. The first, § 570.130 RSMo, makes it illegal to use a fake or stolen credit card, use one that has been cancelled, or otherwise use it without permission. It has set restrictions on cancelling a payment if that payment was for property taxes. Penalties range from up to a year in jail, if the value spent was under $750 in a 30-day period, to up to four years in prison for higher amounts.
But even if you didn’t misuse a credit card, you can still be accused of credit card fraud. This is covered under § 570.135 RSMo, which makes it a crime to apply for a credit card with false information or to use another person’s ID without authorization. This charge is also punished as a class A misdemeanor..
It’s possible for a bank fraud case to involve both of the above statutes. It’s important to work with a lawyer who can dissect both and create a comprehensive defense.
Bank Fraud
Bank fraud can be closely related to credit card fraud, and in some cases is even covered by the same statues (for example, if there was a debit card involved). However, bank fraud is also covered by its own broad statute.
This type of fraud is primarily covered by § 570.148 RSMo. This makes it a crime to lie to a bank (or other financial institution) to withdraw money that doesn’t belong to you. If the amount taken was less than $500, it is a class B misdemeanor. If it’s more than that, convictions can range from a class E felony to a class B felony, depending on the alleged offender’s mindset.
Identity Theft
Identity theft is against the law in and of itself, but is more likely to be a part of a greater alleged scheme, and can be just one of multiple charges in these cases. For instance, writing a check for another person’s bank account, forging their signature, and using their ID in the process could result in charges of bank fraud, forgery, and identity theft.
According to § 570.223 RSMo, identity theft hinges on intent. That specific statute covers attempts to obtain and/or use an identity that they are not supposed to, when they have intent to deceive or defraud. This intent can be used to create doubt, but this can be tricky to do in court. Talk with a lawyer about the best strategy for your particular case.
Insurance Fraud
Insurance fraud covers a wide range of deceptive practices. In some cases, it can be supposedly pretending to be an insurance agent and selling fake insurance. In others, it could look like allegedly making a false medical claim to receive benefits you weren’t entitled to.
§ 375.991 RSMo covers all sorts of insurance fraud in Missouri, including auto, health, life, property, and more. In addition to defining insurance fraud and setting penalties, this statute also sets rules for how the state can investigate these charges.
Wire Fraud
Wire fraud may sound like a complicated crime, but it isn’t always. The federal government defines wire fraud as the use of wire (including the internet), radio, or television to send false messages, intending to take someone’s money.
Phishing attacks are a simple form of wire fraud – in these, an individual reaches out over email or messages, impersonating someone else, and requests their personal information. These allegations are serious, even if no money was taken.
Securities Fraud
Securities fraud Missouri has multiple laws that govern securities fraud, but the most important to know about are § 575.120 RSMo, which gives a broad definition, and § 409.5-508 RSMo, which sets the state penalties. § 575.120 RSMo says that securities fraud is when a person manufactures a securities sale dishonestly in order to gain another person’s money. Other statutes set additional rules: For example, § 409.5-502 RSMo sets up additional rules specifically for financial advisors.
These accusations have serious consequences in both the legal and personal realms. If convicted, you could face up to ten years in prison and $1 million in fines, and be up against career-ending restrictions once you’re released.
More Common Fraud Charges in Adrian, MO, That We Can Help Fight
There’s no fraud charge too big for the Adrian, MO, criminal defense lawyers at Combs Waterkotte. In addition to the above, we can help fight the following fraud charges:
- Welfare Fraud
- Medicare/Medicaid Fraud
- Mortgage Fraud
- Immigration Fraud
- Mail Fraud
Free book
How to Choose a Criminal Defense Lawyer
Charged with a crime? The lawyer you hire matters. Combs Waterkotte, recognized for top-tier criminal defense in Missouri and Illinois, created this guide to help you find the right attorney. Learn what to look for, key questions to ask, and red flags to avoid.
How to Handle Fraud Accusations in Adrian, MO
You probably guessed that it’s important to contact an attorney if you’re accused of fraud, but that’s not the only thing you should do. Set yourself up for success by properly handling interviews and laying the groundwork for your defense strategy:
- Don’t Answer Police Questions – You have the right to remain silent, and should use it during any police interviews.
- Call Your Adrian, MO, Fraud Lawyer – You will likely be given the opportunity to make phone calls after an arrest. Make sure your criminal defense attorney is the first one.
- Ask for Conditional Release – There are many benefits to posting bail. Pre-trial release can give you a chance to breathe while you build your defense.
- Gather Evidence WITHOUT Tampering – It’s important to collect evidence that can be used to defend you and share it with your fraud lawyer, but don’t do anything that might look like tampering from the outside.
- Tell Your Attorney Your Side of the Story – No two cases are the same, and your lawyer should listen to you and create a defense that’s tailored to your situation.
Going to trial is always a risk. But Combs Waterkotte is prepared to fight for your rights, from the first day you call until the final verdict. We won’t give up until you get the justice you deserve.
Combs Waterkotte: Expert Fraud Defense in Adrian, MO
You deserve a high-quality defense. Combs Waterkotte can give you that. Our team understands how the prosecution builds its case against you, and will look for weaknesses to exploit.
We are dedicated to our clients, and take pride in offering comprehensive legal services to Adrian:
- We have a stellar reputation with former clients.
- We are focused on you as a person, not just your case.
- We are always honest when evaluating your case.
- You can get a hold of our offices at any time, day or night.
We help good people in bad situations – reach out today to connect with an attorney.
5 Possible Fraud Charge Defenses
Picking a defense for your fraud case isn’t as simple as selecting an option from a list. Your Adrian, MO, fraud lawyer will take the time to listen to your story and develop a defense based around it.
Here are some examples that your lawyer might recommend:
- Lack of Knowledge – In some cases, we can argue that you made a faulty claim unintentionally, and thus had no intent to commit fraud.
- Immaterial (Non-Fraudulent) False Statement – While lying is generally considered immoral, it’s not always illegal. The prosecution has to prove that your statements reached the level of fraud, while we can argue that they were insubstantial.
- Victim Didn’t Rely on Your Statements – Fraud convictions require the alleged victim to have been significantly influenced by your statements. If the statements did not actually influence the alleged victim’s decision, the law does not consider it to be fraud.
- Entraptment – if an undercover officer went too far in encouraging you to commit fraud, we can claim entrapment and build a defense around it.
- Wrong Person Accused – It’s possible that the victim really did experience fraud, but it was at someone else’s hand.
Start Building Your Fraud Defense With Combs Waterkotte Right Away
Combs Waterkotte offers high-quality defenses for Adrian, MO, citizens facing criminal charges, from traffic tickets to felonies. When you call us, you’ll get direct attention from an experienced attorney.
Speak with a fraud lawyer in Adrian, MO, now at (314) 900-HELP or connect with us online to set up a private conversation with an attorney.
