Fraud Lawyer in Braymer, MO. Being accused of fraud may sound manageable at first, but these cases only get more complicated. They often involve large amounts of complex records, expert testimony, and intricate relationships. Fighting these charges effectively is a tall order, and to protect your rights, you’ll need an expert Braymer, MO, criminal defense lawyer right away.
If you need help fighting these charges in Braymer, MO, you need Combs Waterkotte. Our firm is built on our pride in giving every client a high-quality defense, and we will not rest until you get the justice you deserve. Call us at (314) 900-HELP or sent us a note online today to get started.
Without help, many people accused of fraud feel lost. With a seasoned attorney in your corner, you get the help you deserve. Our team is available 24/7.
Cases Handled
Over 10,000
Jail Days Saved
Over 1 Million
Google Reviews
500+ Perfect
Legal Experience
100+ Years
Page Overview
Below, we will go over:
- What makes a crime a ‘fraud crime;’
- The role a fraud lawyer plays in defending you against charges;
- Common fraud charges in Braymer, MO;
- 5 steps you need to take if you’re charged with a fraud crime;
- Why Combs Waterkotte is Braymer, MO’s leading fraud defense law firm;
- Different fraud charge defense strategies that you should discuss with your lawyer; and
- How to contact our Braymer, MO, fraud attorneys 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 …
What Are Fraud Crimes?
Fraud cases are a subset of white-collar crimes where a person allegedly uses deception to relieve another person of their valuables. This doesn’t have to be money, though, or even a physical object; in some cases, you can be accused of fraud for allegedly tricking someone out of services.
“Fraud” crimes have the following three things in common:
- The act of lying committed with intention
- The act benefits the alleged offender
- The alleged victim experiences some sort of loss
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.
Intention plays a key role in fraud allegations. Without intent to defraud someone, an action is generally not considered fraud. 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.
Professional Help That a Fraud Lawyer Can Provide in Braymer, MO
Your fraud lawyer will be by your side from the first phone call, defending your rights and fighting for your freedom. Don’t wait until charges are filed; while you wait, the prosecution is building the case against you.
You can expect this from your criminal defense attorney:
- Breakdown of the Statutes – Fraud cases in Braymer, MO, tend to be complicated. They often involve multiple alleged statute violations. Your lawyer can help you understand the strengths and weaknesses of the case against you.
- Assistance During Police Interactions – If the police invite you in for questioning, your lawyer can advise you on how to respond.
- Defensive Plan Development – Choosing the right criminal defense strategy can make all the difference for your case. Your lawyer can give you insights into what’s best for you.
- Help Dealing With the Public – Even when the legal issues are under control, your reputation might need some help. A fraud lawyer can help you handle interactions with the press and give you advice on how to move forward with your life.
- Plea Bargaining Assistance – Most cases end in plea deals. If you get an offer, your lawyer can help you decide whether to take it or to push for something better.
- Defense Before a Jury – 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.
Your lawyer should listen to your side of the story, and your defense should be tailored to you. Combs Waterkotte embodies this philosophy for all of our Braymer, MO, clients. We fight to find the best outcome in your case, and won’t stop until you get the justice you deserve.
Credit Card Fraud
Credit card fraud is covered by two different statutes. The first is § 570.130 RSMo. This makes it illegal to use a credit or debit card if it’s not yours, if it’s been cancelled, or to pay property taxes with it and then cancel the payment. Normally, a conviction is a class A misdemeanor, but if the total value is more than $750 within 30 days, it becomes a class E felony.
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..
In some cases, both of the above statutes are charged together. Your lawyer needs to be someone who knows how to handle multiple charges at once.
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.
The main bank fraud statute in Missouri is § 570.148 RSMo. This law makes it a crime to try to trick a bank into giving you money that you’re not supposed to. Depending on the amount and other circumstances, a conviction can be anything from a class B misdemeanor to a class B felony.
Identity Theft
Identity theft is often charged alongside other fraud crimes. For instance, using another person’s information to apply for a credit card would count as both credit card fraud and identity theft.
In Missouri, § 570.223 RSMo defines identity theft as intentionally taking or using someone else’s identifying information in order to commit another act of fraud. Normally, this means taking money, goods, or services illegally. Committing identity theft at all is a class B misdemeanor, but this can be elevated up to a class B felony depending on how much was taken.
Tax Fraud
Never take Tax fraud charges lightly. Both the IRS and the Missouri Department of Revenue treat these charges harshly, and you could face years in prison and/or thousands of dollars in fines after a conviction.
Tax fraud cases in Missouri can hinge on intentions. While it’s illegal to underreport your income intentionally, it’s not illegal to make an honest mistake when filing your taxes. Many defenses are built on this distinction.
Wire Fraud
Wire fraud has a very broad definition in the United States. It essentially refers to any fraud that is committed using electronic communication, like the internet. Unlike other fraud charges, this is usually prosecuted at the federal level because the alleged offense often crosses state lines.
Sometimes, a wire fraud scheme can arise out of a legitimate transaction. For example, if a person was looking to make a down payment on a house, and a hacker sent a false money request pretending to work for the realtor, the hacker could be charged with wire fraud.
Additional Fraud Charges in Braymer, MO
There’s no fraud charge too big for the Braymer, MO, criminal defense lawyers at Combs Waterkotte. For example, we can help you fight any of the following:
- Welfare Fraud
- Medicare/Medicaid Fraud
- Mortgage Fraud
- Immigration Fraud
- Mail Fraud
Free book
How a Criminal Defense Attorney Can Protect Your Rights and Future
Combs Waterkotte has over 80 years of experience and over 10,000 cases handled. This ebook helps guide you through the criminal defense process and how an experienced, skilled defense attorney can keep your freedoms intact.
5 Steps to Take After Being Accused of Fraud in Braymer, 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:
- Stay Silent in Interviews – You are not required to answer any police questions without your lawyer present. Politely decline and request to speak with your attorney.
- Contact Your Braymer, MO, Attorney – The sooner you bring in your lawyer, the more time they’ll have to develop a strong legal defense.
- Ask for Conditional Release – You’ll likely be given an opportunity to post bail. This is almost always a good idea, as it secures your freedom while your case progresses.
- Collect Evidence for Your Defense – 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.
- Work With Your Lawyer to Develop a Defensive Strategy – You’re not alone; an attorney can help you find the best outcome possible for your unique circumstances.
If you’ve just been charged with fraud, you probably don’t know where to go. 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.
Why Choose Combs Waterkotte As Your Braymer, MO, Fraud Defense Lawyers
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.
Don’t settle for second best. Here’s more of what sets us apart:
- We have a reputation for excellence.
- We take the time to listen to you.
- We offer flexible payment plans.
- You can get a hold of our offices at any time, day or night.
Our clients are our motivation to fight in court – reach out today to have a lawyer work on your case.
5 Defenses We May Use in Your Fraud Case
Picking a defense for your fraud case isn’t as simple as selecting an option from a list. Your Braymer, MO, fraud lawyer will take the time to listen to your story and develop a defense based around it.
Your fraud defense might look like one of these:
- No Intent to Defraud – Fraud charges in Missouri normally require intent to be found guilty. If you had no ill intentions, we can use this as a defense.
- Statement Was Not Fraudulent – 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.
- Lack of Victim Reliance – In some cases, a false statement does not reach the level of fraud, notably when the alleged victim wasn’t influenced by it. If the statements did not actually influence the alleged victim’s decision, the law does not consider it to be fraud.
- Evidentiary Issues – If the state violated your rights or chain of custody while gathering evidence, we can fight to have it suppressed.
- Mistaken Identity – It’s possible that the victim really did experience fraud, but it was at someone else’s hand.
Get Experience on Your Side. Call Combs Waterkotte Today
The outcome of your case can depend on picking the right attorney. With Combs Waterkotte, you’re getting help from a proven law firm who is dedicated to our clients.
Get help from a fraud lawyer in Braymer, MO, available 24/7 at (314) 900-HELP or send us a message online to request a confidential, no-strings case review.
