Fraud Lawyer in Cleveland, MO. Fraud charges aren’t something you want to handle on your own. These laws are complex, and these cases can be very convoluted. Fighting these charges effectively is a tall order, and to maximize your chance of a positive outcome, it’s critical to reach out to an experienced Cleveland, MO, criminal defense lawyer right away.
When you’re in a bad situation, Combs Waterkotte is here to help you out of it. We are a dedicated law firm with over 100 years of combined legal experience, and we want to give you a high-quality, trial-ready legal defense. When you call us, you’ll get to talk with an attorney about your charges and the best way to handle them, no matter what they are and when you need help. Reach out now at (314) 900-HELP or tell us about your case online to get started.
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, we will go over:
- What makes a crime a ‘fraud crime;’
- The role a fraud lawyer plays in defending you against charges;
- The types of charges that fall under the ‘fraud’ category in Cleveland, MO;
- Steps to take if you’re facing fraud accusations;
- What sets Combs Waterkotte apart as leading fraud lawyers in Cleveland, MO;
- Different fraud charge defense strategies that you should discuss with your lawyer; and
- How to get help now fighting your fraud charge.
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 Crimes Count as Fraud in Cleveland, MO?
If you’re accused of fraud, the state is alleging that you used lies to trick someone into giving you something of value. This is typically a type of white-collar crime, but it doesn’t always occur in an office setting. This type of dispute can arise from professional or personal relationships.
A crime accusation is considered “fraud” if it fits the following criteria:
- A lie (by commission or omission) told on purpose
- The act is done in order to gain something
- This benefit directly hurts another person
One example is a charity fraud. In this, a person reaches out pretending to represent a charitable organization, but instead keeps the money for themselves.
Sometimes, two very similar actions can be labelled as fraud, but sometimes, one will not fit all the criteria. The most common distinction is that of intention: Without intention to lie to someone, an action is typically not considered fraud. A vacation fraud is an interesting example: A common example of this fraud would be a person booking a premium vacation package, but finding an inferior room once they arrive. If the proper accommodations were never there to begin with, that would be fraud. But if a plumbing problem damaged the original room and rendered it inoperable, that would not count as fraud.
How a Fraud Lawyer Defends You Against Criminal Charges
Your fraud lawyer will be by your side from the first phone call, defending your rights and fighting for your freedom. If you have any reason to suspect you’re being investigated for fraud, reach out to your attorney immediately.
An expert can help you with the below:
- Explanations of Case – Fraud cases in Cleveland, 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 – On your own, a police interrogation can be intimidating. Working with a lawyer gives you professional protection.
- 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.
- Advice on Managing Collateral Consequences – Unfortunately, cases don’t always end in the courtroom. Your attorney can give you guidance on how to handle interactions with the public.
- Relationships in Court – Negotiation is a key part of criminal defense. You need a lawyer who knows how to work with the district attorney.
- Defense Before a Jury – Trials can be one of the most difficult situations for a person to go through. Your lawyer will help guide you through, from opening arguments to the verdict (or sentencing, if needed).
Combs Waterkotte is ready to take your case in Cleveland, 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 Cleveland, 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.
In Cleveland, MO, you can also face credit card fraud allegations under § 570.135 RSMo. This has less to do with how a credit card is used, and more with how it was obtained in the first place. Lying to get a fraudulent card (or possessing one that you know was obtained fraudulently) is illegal under this statute, and is made 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, similar to credit card fraud, is defined by multiple statutes in Missouri, depending on the specific actions involved. However, in this case, there is one main statute that defines bank fraud.
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 another alleged crime that can be charged on its own, but is frequently done alongside another alleged violation. 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.
Wire Fraud
Wire fraud is a federal crime rather than a state crime. Federal charges are particularly challenging to fight because federal prosecutors have extensive resources, and government investigations often go on for months before charges are filed. It’s critical to work with an experienced criminal defense attorney to fight these charges.
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.
False Impersonation
False impersonation is not in and of itself a fraud offense, but people accused of fraud offenses are often also accused of false impersonation.
As described in § 575.120 RSMo, false impersonation is when a person allegedly either pretends to be a government official, pretends to hold a professional license, or lies about their identity to the police after being arrested. Consequences typically are up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine, but these can be increased to a year in jail and a $2,000 fine if the person allegedly impersonated a police officer.
Other Fraud Charges Our Lawyers Defend in Cleveland, MO
There’s no fraud charge too big for the Cleveland, MO, criminal defense lawyers at Combs Waterkotte. Here are some more common charges we can help you with:
- Welfare Fraud
- Medicare/Medicaid Fraud
- Mortgage Fraud
- Immigration 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.
Facing Fraud Charges? Follow These Guidelines
Fraud accusations are very serious, and if you’re facing any, you need to know your next steps. You’ll need to contact a fraud lawyer as soon as possible, but in the meantime, don’t forget the following:
- Don’t Talk to Investigators – You have the right to remain silent, and should use it during any police interviews.
- Call Your Cleveland, MO, Fraud Lawyer – A professional lawyer can help you understand the situation and the best paths forward. Call fast, before the situation gets worse.
- 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.
- 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.
- Plan a Trial-Ready Defense – It’s your lawyer’s job to present the best defense possible for your case, and build a strategy based on your story.
If you’ve just been charged with fraud, you probably don’t know where to go. But taking some practical steps sets your case up for the right law firm to guide you the rest of the way.
What Sets Combs Waterkotte’s Fraud Defense Team Apart?
Our team of Cleveland, MO, fraud defense attorneys know how to fight cases in Missouri court. We want to give you a quality defense, built on over 100 years of cumulative courtroom experience.
When you work with us, you can look forward to the following:
- We have over 500 five-star reviews.
- We are focused on you as a person, not just your case.
- We offer flexible payment plans.
- We’re available 24/7 if you need anything related to your case.
We’re prepared to take on everyone from the local prosecutor to the United States government – reach out today to start your defense right away.
Fraud Defenses Your Lawyer Should Consider
The defensive strategy your Cleveland, MO, fraud attorney uses can make all the difference in your case’s outcome. We don’t take strategy lightly – we collaborate with you to find the best option.
Below are five common strategies that are effective in fraud cases:
- Lack of Intent/Good Faith – Perhaps you made a false statement, but believed it to be true at the time.
- Immaterial (Non-Fraudulent) False Statement – If you made an opinion-based or vague statement that didn’t hold much weight, we can challenge whether it was enough to qualify as fraud.
- Alleged Victim Wasn’t Influenced – Fraud convictions require the alleged victim to have been significantly influenced by your statements. If your statement did not impact their choices, 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.
- Non-Participant – In larger fraud schemes, it’s possible for innocent bystanders to unknowingly be caught up in the process. If you weren’t participating in the scheme, you shouldn’t have to face penalties for it.
Need a Fraud Lawyer in Cleveland, MO? 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.
Speak with a fraud lawyer in Cleveland, MO, today at (314) 900-HELP or contact our firm online to start building your defense.
