Fraud Lawyer in Clinton, 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. These accusations need to be taken seriously, and to protect yourself against them, it’s critical to reach out to an expert Clinton, MO, criminal defense lawyer.
If you need help fighting these charges in Clinton, 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.
You need to fight for your best outcome. When you feel alone against the system, we’re here to help.
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Below, you can read about:
- What types of crime accusations count as fraud
- The difference that a fraud lawyer can make while going through the justice system;
- The types of charges that fall under the ‘fraud’ category in Clinton, MO;
- Your next steps after being accused of fraud;
- How Combs Waterkotte sets itself apart in fraud cases;
- Different fraud charge defense strategies that you should discuss with your lawyer; and
- How to get help now fighting your fraud charge.
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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 Clinton, 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:
- An action taken to deceive another person
- In some way, the supposed offender gains an advantage from the deception
- The gain comes at the expense of someone else
A common example of fraud is an imposter scam. This could take the form of calling another person, pretending to be a relative in need of financial help.
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 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.
What Your Clinton, MO, Fraud Lawyer Can Do to Protect You
Having a fraud lawyer to defend you is essential when navigating the Clinton, MO, court system. 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 Laws – Fraud cases in Clinton, 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 – Get help beyond just pleading the fifth; your lawyer can help you understand when it’s a good idea to talk to the police and when it’s best to stay silent.
- 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 – 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.
- Connections Within the State – Many cases’ success depends on relationships with local prosecutors. This can help secure favorable plea deals that protect your life.
- Representation at Trial – There aren’t any guarantees at trial, and many people find that stressful. With a fraud lawyer, though, you’re putting yourself in the best position for a positive outcome and getting protection if the verdict isn’t what you were hoping for.
On your own, you’re in a tough spot against the Clinton, MO, prosecutor. With Combs Waterkotte at your side, you have a team that’s strong, experienced, and cares about your well-being.
Credit Card Fraud
§ 570.130 RSMo is the first statute that Missouri has regarding Credit card fraud. It restricts how a credit card can be used, mostly making it illegal to use one when you aren’t authorized to. It also makes it illegal to cancel a credit card payment for property taxes, even if you were authorized to make the payment in the first place. Breaking this law is typically only a class A misdemeanor, but can be elevated to a class E felony if the value is high enough.
Credit card fraud cases in Clinton, MO, can also involve § 570.135 RSMo, which is also a class A misdemeanor. This law has less to do with the literal unauthorized use of a credit card, and more to do with how a credit card was gotten. Lying on an application, using someone else’s ID without their permission, or carrying a credit card that was obtained in either of these ways is a violation of this statute.
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.
§ 570.148 RSMo is the main bank fraud statute, which criminalizes tricking a bank into withdrawing money that isn’t yours. Another bank fraud statute is § 570.120 RSMo, which makes it a crime to write a check when you know there isn’t enough money in your account.
Identity Theft
Identity theft is another alleged crime that can be charged on its own, but is frequently done alongside another alleged violation. For example, 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.
The key identity theft statute in Clinton, MO, is § 570.223 RSMo. This sets a very broad definition of identity theft, including any use of another person’s identity, without authorization, if they had intent to commit fraud.
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.
Some wire fraud schemes are vast and complex, but others are relatively straightforward. An alleged advance-fee scam is technically wire fraud and can result in harsh penalties.
False Impersonation
False impersonation is covered under its own statute, but people accused of fraud offenses are often also accused of false impersonation.
As outlined 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.
Additional Fraud Charges in Clinton, MO
Combs Waterkotte is Missouri’s leading fraud defense law firm, and is prepared to take your case in Clinton, MO. For example, we can help you fight any of the following:
- Welfare Fraud
- Medicare/Medicaid Fraud
- Mortgage Fraud
- Immigration Fraud
- Mail Fraud
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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 Clinton, 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 – When you plead the fifth, be respectful but firm, then ask to see a lawyer.
- Get Professional Help – The sooner you bring in your lawyer, the more time they’ll have to develop a strong legal defense.
- 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.
- Review Any Relevant Evidence – Fraud cases often involve high amounts of paperwork and other evidence. Preserve whatever you can and share it with your lawyer.
- Work With Your Lawyer to Develop a Defensive Strategy – It’s your lawyer’s job to present the best defense possible for your case, and build a strategy based on your story.
It’s impossible to perfectly predict the outcome of a case. But a team of expert fraud defense lawyers can make a major difference in optimizing your outcome. Combs Waterkotte can offer you that.
Set Your Case Up for a Positive Outcome: Contact Combs Waterkotte
We’ve helped clients avoid over 1 million days in jail, negotiated countless favorable plea deals, and successfully fought for “not guilty” verdicts at trial. We want to bring that tradition of success to your case.
Here are more reasons to choose us for your fraud lawyer:
- We have a stellar reputation with former clients.
- We treat you like a person, not a paycheck.
- We won’t make false promises: We’ll take a realistic approach to your case.
- 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 – contact us now to get the legal help you need.
5 Possible Fraud Charge Defenses
Picking a defense for your fraud case isn’t as simple as selecting an option from a list. Your Clinton, MO, fraud lawyer will take the time to listen to your story and develop a defense based around it.
Below are five common strategies that are effective in fraud cases:
- 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.
- 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 – In some cases, a false statement does not reach the level of fraud, notably when the alleged victim wasn’t influenced by it. If they made their decision for entirely other reasons, the law does not consider it to be fraud.
- False Accusations – If a business deal was legitimate, but didn’t work out, a partner with hard feelings could make a false accusation of fraud. We can build cases designed to cast doubt on the supposed victim’s motives.
- Wrong Person Accused – Perhaps another person was impersonating you while committing the fraud, and the state is accusing the wrong person.
Don’t Wait. Get Help From an Expert Fraud Lawyer in Clinton, MO Immediately
This isn’t a time to settle for “good enough.” WIth your future and freedom on the line, you need an expert Clinton, MO, fraud defense attorney. You need someone who will listen to you. You need Combs Waterkotte.
Get help from a fraud lawyer in Clinton, MO, right away at (314) 900-HELP or use our online contact form to set up a free, confidential consultation.
