Fraud Lawyer in Edgerton, 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 maximize your chance of a positive outcome, you need to call an experienced Edgerton, MO, criminal defense lawyer.
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.
Without help, many people accused of fraud feel lost. With a seasoned attorney in your corner, you get the help you deserve. Call now to protect your freedom.
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Below, 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 Edgerton, MO;
- Steps to take if you’re facing fraud accusations;
- How Combs Waterkotte sets itself apart in fraud cases;
- 5 strong defenses that our lawyers use in fraud cases; and
- How to talk to a fraud lawyer in Edgerton, MO, 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 …
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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.
Can Criminal Charges Be Dropped?
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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 Sets Fraud Charges Apart From Other Accusations in Edgerton, MO?
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.
When trying to determine if an alleged crime counts as “fraud,” look for the following:
- An action taken to deceive another person
- The act benefits the alleged offender
- The gain comes at the expense of someone else
Online shopping scams are a frequent encounter in the internet age – in these, a website sells products or services that allegedly don’t fulfill their promises to customers, while still taking their money.
Intention plays a key role in fraud allegations. Without intent to defraud someone, an action is generally 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.
Professional Help That a Fraud Lawyer Can Provide in Edgerton, 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. If you learn that you’re charged with fraud or are under investigation, you should contact your defense attorney right away.
You can expect this from your criminal defense attorney:
- Breakdown of the Charges – Some Missouri statutes are ambiguous and hard to understand. Fraud is no exception, but your attorney can break it down for you.
- Assistance During Police Interactions – It’s possible that you’ll find yourself wanted for questioning because of an alleged violation. Your lawyer can help you navigate police tactics and preserve your freedom.
- Defensive Investigation – Investigation isn’t just for the state: A leading criminal defense firm will offer investigative services to find exculpatory evidence.
- Help Dealing With the Public – There can be several collateral consequences of an accusation, even before a verdict. Your lawyer can help you manage them.
- Negotiating Skills – Most criminal cases end in a plea bargain. Your attorney can help you negotiate a favorable one.
- Court Representation – 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 Edgerton, 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 isn’t a single crime in Edgerton, 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 Edgerton, 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.
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 often charged alongside other fraud crimes. As a hypothetical, 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 Edgerton, 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.
Tax Fraud
Tax fraud charges always need to be taken seriously in Edgerton, MO. Both the IRS and the Missouri Department of Revenue treat these charges harshly, and you could face years in prison and/or thousands of dollars in fines after a conviction.
Tax fraud cases in Missouri can hinge on intentions. While it’s illegal to underreport your income intentionally, it’s not illegal to make an honest mistake when filing your taxes. Many defenses are built on this distinction.
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.
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.
Securities Fraud
Securities fraud cases can be complex due to the layers of financial records, communications, and relevant laws. Sometimes, these cases can be very clear, such as creating false financial data. Other times, it can be tougher to accurately classify, such as a person making allegedly misleading statements that influence investor behavior.
These accusations have serious consequences in both the legal and personal realms. A conviction could lead to a 10-year prison sentence, and when you get out, you might face career restrictions imposed by the SEC.
Additional Fraud Charges in Edgerton, MO
Combs Waterkotte is prepared to build your defense in Edgerton, MO, whatever you’ve been accused of. 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.
What to Do If You’ve Been Accused of Fraud
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 – 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.
- 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 – 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 – It’s your lawyer’s job to present the best defense possible for your case, and build a strategy based on your story.
There are no guaranteed outcomes in criminal court. 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?
Combs Waterkotte has handled over 10,000 cases, many of them just like yours. With more than 100 years of combined legal experience (both for the prosecutor’s office and the state), our attorneys know how to navigate the Edgerton, MO, court system.
Here are more reasons to choose us for your fraud lawyer:
- We have a reputation for excellence.
- We treat every client with individualized care.
- We won’t make false promises: We’ll take a realistic approach to your case.
- 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 have a lawyer work on your case.
5 Defenses We May Use in Your Fraud Case
The defensive strategy your Edgerton, 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.
Here are five possible strategies we may draw from:
- Lack of Knowledge – This is applicable in cases where the alleged offender provided false information to someone without knowing it was false at the time.
- Statement Was Not Fraudulent – 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.
- Alleged Victim Wasn’t Influenced – To be fraud, your statement must have impacted the alleged victim’s decision. If your statement did not impact their choices, your statements did not reach the level of 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.
Get Experience on Your Side. Call Combs Waterkotte Today
Combs Waterkotte offers high-quality defenses for Edgerton, MO, citizens facing criminal charges, from traffic tickets to felonies. When you call us, you’ll get direct attention from an experienced attorney.
Talk to a fraud lawyer in Edgerton, MO, right away at (314) 900-HELP or contact our firm online to set up a free, confidential consultation.
