Fraud Lawyer in East Side KC, MO. Fraud isn’t a single criminal charge. It’s a category of alleged offenses that vary in scope, but are always complex. You can’t take these charges lightly, and to defend against them, you need to call an accomplished East Side KC, MO, criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible.
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.
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East Side KC, MO, Fraud Lawyer: Page Summary
On this page, 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;
- Common fraud charges in East Side KC, MO;
- Steps to take if you’re facing fraud accusations;
- Why Combs Waterkotte is East Side KC, MO’s leading fraud defense law firm;
- Examples of fraud charge defense strategies; and
- Where to get started with your East Side KC, 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 …
How Are Fraud Crimes Defined?
Fraud refers to a collection of white-collar crimes where one person tricks another person into giving away their valuables. This is often money, but can be anything of substantial value.
The three main elements that make a crime “fraud” are:
- An action taken to deceive another person
- The act is done in order to gain something
- On the other end of the alleged fraud, someone is left with a 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. As an example, if you sold your house and did not tell the buyer about a leak in the roof, but you weren’t aware of it yourself, you would not be guilty of fraud.
What Your East Side KC, MO, Fraud Lawyer Can Do to Protect You
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.
When you work with a fraud lawyer, you’re getting the following:
- Breakdown of the Statutes – There are many different fraud charges in East Side KC, MO, and the law isn’t always clear on its definitions. Your lawyer can break it down for you.
- Advice During Questioning – If the police invite you in for questioning, your lawyer can advise you on how to respond.
- Defensive Investigation – Investigation isn’t just for the state: A leading criminal defense firm will offer investigative services to find exculpatory evidence.
- Advice on Managing Collateral Consequences – There can be several collateral consequences of an accusation, even before a verdict. Your lawyer can help you manage them.
- 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).
On your own, you’re in a tough spot against the East Side KC, 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
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.
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, 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.
§ 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 instance, 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.
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 mean a doctor billing insurance for procedures that were never performed. In others, it could look like allegedly making a false medical claim to receive benefits you weren’t entitled to.
§ 375.991 RSMo outlaws several fraudulent insurance acts, including ‘unbundling,’ ‘upcoding,’ ‘exploding,’ and ‘duplicating.’ 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 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.
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 because impersonating someone else is a common tactic used by alleged fraudsters, it’s normal for it to be charged alongside fraud charges.
As outlined in § 575.120 RSMo, false impersonation is when a person pretends to have official authority (like a government job) and uses that authority to either perform an action or convince others to take actions. It can also be a person lying to the police about who they are after being put under arrest. On its own, this charge will only result in six months in jail (or one year, if you allegedly impersonated a police officer). But if the court decides to sentence you consecutively, you could be facing that as an addition to an already lengthy prison term.
Other Fraud Charges Our Lawyers Defend in East Side KC, MO
Combs Waterkotte is Missouri’s leading fraud defense law firm, and is prepared to take your case in East Side KC, MO. Here are some more common charges we can help you with:
- Welfare Fraud
- Medicare/Medicaid Fraud
- Mortgage Fraud
- Immigration 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 East Side KC, 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:
- Don’t Talk to Investigators – You have the right to remain silent, and should use it during any police interviews.
- Contact Your East Side KC, 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 Release From Jail – Posting bail does more than give you a more comfortable place to wait for your trial: It lets you be an active participant in building your defense.
- Review Any Relevant Evidence – 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.
- Build a Defense Plan With Your Attorney – You’re not alone; an attorney can help you find the best outcome possible for your unique circumstances.
There are no guaranteed outcomes in criminal court. 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 East Side KC, MO, Fraud Defense Lawyers
Our team of East Side KC, 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.
Here are more reasons to choose us for your fraud lawyer:
- We have over 500 five-star reviews.
- We are focused on you as a person, not just your case.
- We are always honest when evaluating your case.
- We make it easy to get a hold of us if you have a question or need an update on your case.
We’re prepared to take on everyone from the local prosecutor to the United States government – reach out today to have a lawyer work on your case.
Fraud Defenses to Discuss With Your Lawyer
We take the time to listen to your story, investigate and learn about your case, and then craft a defense based on what will work best for you. There are many overarching strategies to draw from, and a fraud lawyer in East Side KC, MO, will take the time to pick the right one for you.
Here are five possible strategies we may draw from:
- 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.
- Alleged Victim Wasn’t Influenced – To be fraud, your statement must have impacted the alleged victim’s decision. If they made their decision for entirely other reasons, the law does not consider it to be fraud.
- Lack of Evidence It’s on the prosecution to prove the case against you. If they don’t have strong enough evidence, we will argue that they failed to provide proof beyond a reasonable doubt.
- 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.
Don’t Let the Prosecution Get an Advantage. Call Combs Waterkotte Now
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 East Side KC, MO, today at (314) 900-HELP or send us a message online to start building your defense.
