Fraud Lawyer in Concordia, MO. Fraud charges aren’t something you want to handle on your own. These laws are complex, and these cases can be very convoluted. These accusations need to be taken seriously, and to defend against them, it’s critical to reach out to an accomplished Concordia, MO, criminal defense lawyer to get help.
If you need help fighting these charges in Concordia, 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.
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On This Page
On this page, you can read about:
- What makes a crime a ‘fraud crime;’
- Things that your Concordia, MO, fraud lawyer will do to set your case up for success;
- Example offenses that are often labelled as ‘fraud’ in Concordia, MO;
- Your next steps after being accused of fraud;
- How Combs Waterkotte sets itself apart in fraud cases;
- 5 strong defenses that our lawyers use in fraud cases; and
- Where to get started with your Concordia, MO, fraud defense 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 crimes are white-collar crime cases where someone is accused of cheating another person by lying to them. It often consists of a person misrepresenting themselves in order to gain something, often for a financial benefit.
A crime accusation is considered “fraud” if it fits the following criteria:
- The act of lying committed with intention
- In some way, the supposed offender gains an advantage from the deception
- The alleged victim experiences some sort of loss
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.
Professional Help That a Fraud Lawyer Can Provide in Concordia, MO
Your fraud lawyer will be by your side from the first phone call, defending your rights and fighting for your freedom. If you learn that you’re charged with fraud or are under investigation, you should contact your defense attorney right away.
An expert can help you with the below:
- Explanations of Case – Fraud cases in Concordia, 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Negotiating Skills – Most criminal cases end in a plea bargain. Your attorney can help you negotiate a favorable one.
- Representation at Trial – 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).
Find a lawyer that treats you like a person, not a case number. Combs Waterkotte’s Concordia, MO, fraud lawyers will do just that.
Credit Card Fraud
There are two statutes that discuss credit card fraud in Missouri: The first, § 570.130 RSMo, sets restrictions on how a credit card can be used. For example, it outlaws the use of a credit card that does not belong to you without permission. The maximum penalty depends on the amount that the user allegedly spent with the card: Less than $750 (in a 30-day period) is a class A misdemeanor with up to a year in jail and $2,000 in fines. Any more than that is a class E felony, which can be punished by up to four years in prison and $10,000 in fines.
Credit card fraud cases in Concordia, 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 covers the main aspects of bank fraud, which involves tricking a financial institution into giving you someone else’s money. These allegations can often be combined with other alleged violations; for example, § 570.090 RSMo makes it illegal to forge or alter a check, which is often an aspect of bank fraud.
Identity Theft
Identity theft is another alleged crime that can be charged on its own, but is frequently done alongside another alleged violation. As a hypothetical, identity theft can be tied to immigration fraud in cases where one person allegedly stole someone’s passport and impersonated that person in order to enter the country.
Identity theft, according to § 570.223 RSMo, can range anywhere from a class B misdemeanor to a class B felony, depending on the value involved and the individual’s prior history.
Insurance Fraud
Insurance fraud covers a wide range of deceptive practices. In some cases, it can be a doctor billing insurance for procedures that were never performed. In others, it could consist of setting up a car crash to look like an accident, and receive a payout.
§ 375.991 RSMo covers all sorts of insurance fraud in Missouri, including auto, health, life, property, and more. A first violation can result in up to four years in prison, while repeat offenses can result in up to seven.
Wire Fraud
Wire fraud is often charged as a federal crime, rather than a state crime. It is a form of internet fraud and has a very broad definition, including any use of wire, radio, or television to allegedly trick someone into giving you their money or property.
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.
Other Fraud Charges Our Lawyers Defend in Concordia, MO
Combs Waterkotte is Missouri’s leading fraud defense law firm, and is prepared to take your case in Concordia, 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 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.
How to Handle Fraud Accusations in Concordia, MO
Criminal fraud cases can last a while, and it’s important to start building your defense early. When you take the following five steps, you’re improving your chance of a positive outcome:
- Stay Silent in Interviews – All you have to do is say “I am invoking my right to remain silent and would like to speak with my lawyer.”
- Get a Lawyer – The first call after an arrest should be your defense attorney. They can help you manage interviews and will all of the following steps.
- 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.
- 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 – No two cases are the same, and your lawyer should listen to you and create a defense that’s tailored to your situation.
It’s impossible to perfectly predict the outcome of a case. 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.
What Sets Combs Waterkotte’s Fraud Defense Team Apart?
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.
Here are more reasons to choose us for your fraud lawyer:
- We have a reputation for excellence.
- We are focused on you as a person, not just your case.
- We don’t charge by the hour.
- We make it easy to get a hold of us if you have a question or need an update on your case.
Our clients are our motivation to fight in court – send us a note now to get the legal help you need.
5 Defenses We May Use in Your Fraud Case
Fraud accusations can be stressful, especially if you don’t have experience with the Concordia, MO, legal system. Your fraud lawyer can help you identify the best defense for your case.
Below are five common strategies that are effective in fraud cases:
- Lack of Knowledge – In some cases, we can argue that you made a faulty claim unintentionally, and thus had no intent to commit fraud.
- Statement Was Not Fraudulent – 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.
- Victim Didn’t Rely on Your Statements – To be fraud, your statement must have impacted the alleged victim’s decision. If the statements did not actually influence the alleged victim’s decision, you did not defraud them.
- Alibi – Depending on the nature of the case, we could prove that you were not involved in the interaction, and were otherwise occupied at the time.
- Lack of Participation – Somtimes, larger fraud conspiracies can appear to involve people who aren’t participating in the scheme. If you were swept up unintentionally, we can use this to build a defensive narrative.
Get Concordia, MO’s Leading Fraud Lawyer on Your Side
Combs Waterkotte offers high-quality defenses for Concordia, 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 Concordia, MO, today at (314) 900-HELP or send us a message online to set up a private conversation with an attorney.
