Fraud Lawyer in Drexel, MO. Fraud isn’t a single criminal charge. It’s a category of alleged offenses that vary in scope, but are always complex. Fighting these charges effectively is a tall order, and to defend against them, it’s critical to reach out to an accomplished Drexel, MO, criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible.
Combs Waterkotte takes our clients’ freedom seriously and will fight to protect you against fraud accusations in Drexel, MO. If you’re facing criminal charges for bank fraud, wire fraud, or another type of fraud, call us right away at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free consultation.
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 ready for your call 24/7.
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On This Page
Here, you can read about:
- What sets fraud charges apart from other criminal accusations
- How a fraud lawyer can help when you’re accused;
- Common fraud charges in Drexel, MO;
- What to do if someone accuses you of fraud;
- How Combs Waterkotte sets itself apart in fraud cases;
- Defenses our attorneys use against fraud charges; and
- Where to get started with your Drexel, MO, fraud defense today.
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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 …
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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.
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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.
The three main elements that make a crime “fraud” are:
- A lie (by commission or omission) told on purpose
- The act benefits the alleged offender
- 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.
Intention plays a key role in fraud allegations. Without intent to defraud someone, an action is generally 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.
The Role of a Fraud Lawyer in Drexel, MO
It can be complicated and confusing to try and make it through the legal process on your own. A fraud lawyer can help you find your way. Don’t wait until charges are filed; while you wait, the prosecution is building the case against you.
When you work with a fraud lawyer, you’re getting the following:
- Explanations of Charges – Some laws are easy to understand, but not all of them. A fraud lawyer in Drexel, MO, can help you understand the ins and outs of the case against you.
- Help During Interrogations – 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 – Unfortunately, cases don’t always end in the courtroom. Your attorney can give you guidance on how to handle interactions with the public.
- Negotiating Skills – Most criminal cases end in a plea bargain. Your attorney can help you negotiate a favorable one.
- 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.
Combs Waterkotte is ready to take your case in Drexel, 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 Drexel, 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.
The second credit card fraud statute in Missouri is § 570.135 RSMo. This makes it illegal to lie in order to get a credit/debit card, or use one that you know was obtained fraudulently. This offense is also a class A misdemeanor.
Bank Fraud
Bank fraud is closely related to credit card fraud, as they each relate to alleged fraud being committed against financial institutions.
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 another alleged crime that can be charged on its own, but is frequently done alongside another alleged violation. For instance, 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 cases can look very different from each other. In some cases, it can be supposedly pretending to be an insurance agent and selling fake insurance. In others, it could mean making exaggerations on a claim, such as artificially inflating medical bills.
§ 375.991 RSMo covers all sorts of insurance fraud in Missouri, including auto, health, life, property, and more. In addition to prison sentences of up to seven years, the court is required to sentence someone to make restitution payments if they are convicted of breaking this law.
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.
18 U.S.C. § 1343 is the federal statute covering wire fraud. Penalties for a conviction go up to 20 years in prison, or 30 years if a financial institution or federal disaster relief funds were involved. The end sentence is usually determined using §2B1.1 sentencing guidelines.
More Common Fraud Charges in Drexel, MO, That We Can Help Fight
Your fraud lawyer from Combs Waterkotte will fight against the full range of fraud charges in Drexel, MO. Here are some more common charges we can help you with:
- 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.
5 Steps to Take After Being Accused of Fraud in Drexel, MO
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 – When you plead the fifth, be respectful but firm, then ask to see a lawyer.
- Contact Your Drexel, MO, Attorney – The first call after an arrest should be your defense attorney. They can help you manage interviews and will all of the following steps.
- Request Pre-Trial 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 – Evidence, such as documents, texts, photos, and data, can be crucial in building a strong defense.
- Tell Your Attorney Your Side of the Story – Your defense attorney will listen to your story, discuss defense strategies, and work with you to create a strong case in your favor.
Going to trial is always a risk. But if you follow these steps and work with a reputable law firm like Combs Waterkotte, you’ll maximize your chances of a positive outcome.
Why Choose Combs Waterkotte As Your Drexel, MO, Fraud Defense Lawyers
At Combs Waterkotte, we believe that a proper defense starts with the person at the center of it: You. We’ve helped over thousands of clients make it through the most difficult time in their lives, and bring a client centered approach to every case.
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 have representatives ready for your call during evenings and weekends, because arrests can happen outside of regular business hours.
If you’re facing charges, we’re ready to help – contact us now to start your defense right away.
5 Defenses We May Use in Your Fraud Case
Fraud accusations can be stressful, especially if you don’t have experience with the Drexel, MO, legal system. Your fraud lawyer can help you identify the best defense for your case.
Your fraud defense might look like one of these:
- No Intent to Defraud – Perhaps you made a false statement, but believed it to be true at the time.
- Immaterial (Non-Fraudulent) False Statement – For a deception to count as fraud, it must have been significant enough to influence someone’s decision. Sometimes, a white lie isn’t enough for a conviction.
- 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, your statements did not reach the level of 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 – Perhaps another person was impersonating you while committing the fraud, and the state is accusing the wrong person.
Get Drexel, MO’s Leading Fraud Lawyer on Your Side
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 in touch with a fraud lawyer in Drexel, MO, right away at (314) 900-HELP or send us a message online to set up a private conversation with an attorney.
