Fraud Lawyer in Greenwood, MO. Fraud charges aren’t something you want to handle on your own. These laws are complex, and these cases can be very convoluted. Fighting these charges effectively is a tall order, and to defend against them, you need to call an expert Greenwood, MO, criminal defense lawyer right away.
Combs Waterkotte takes our clients’ freedom seriously and will fight to protect you against fraud accusations in Greenwood, 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, it’s easy to feel hopeless. With a seasoned attorney in your corner, you get the help you deserve. Call now to protect your freedom.
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Today, you will learn about:
- What sets fraud charges apart from other criminal accusations
- The role a fraud lawyer plays in defending you against charges;
- Example offenses that are often labelled as ‘fraud’ in Greenwood, MO;
- 5 steps you need to take if you’re charged with a fraud crime;
- How Combs Waterkotte sets itself apart in fraud cases;
- Different fraud charge defense strategies that you should discuss with your lawyer; and
- Where to get started with your Greenwood, MO, fraud defense today.
Legal Videos
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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 Greenwood, 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.
The three main elements that make a crime “fraud” are:
- A lie (by commission or omission) told on purpose
- In some way, the supposed offender gains an advantage from the deception
- 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.
It is not fraud if you were mistaken about something and unintentionally deceived someone as a result. 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.
What Your Greenwood, 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 – 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 Strategy – You need a proven criminal defense strategy, and an attorney can help you pick the right one.
- Guidance for Your Reputation – Unfortunately, cases don’t always end in the courtroom. Your attorney can give you guidance on how to handle interactions with the public.
- Plea Bargaining Assistance – Most cases end in plea deals. If you get an offer, your lawyer can help you decide whether to take it or to push for something better.
- Court Representation – Not every case reaches trial, but if yours does, your attorney will argue against the prosecution and for your innocence.
Your lawyer should listen to your side of the story, and your defense should be tailored to you. Combs Waterkotte embodies this philosophy for all of our Greenwood, MO, clients. We fight to find the best outcome in your case, and won’t stop until you get the justice you deserve.
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.
In Greenwood, 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 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.
According to § 570.223 RSMo, identity theft hinges on intent. That specific statute covers attempts to obtain and/or use an identity that they are not supposed to, when they have intent to deceive or defraud. This intent can be used to create doubt, but this can be tricky to do in court. Talk with a lawyer about the best strategy for your particular case.
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.
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.
Securities Fraud
Securities fraud is split across a few different statutes in Missouri, most notably: § 575.120 RSMo, which defines it as lying to someone about an investment in order to take their money away, and § 409.5-508 RSMo which defines the penalties.
These accusations have serious consequences in both the legal and personal realms. State convictions can result in up to ten years behind bars and $1 million in fines, in addition to major restitution penalties for the alleged victims.
Additional Fraud Charges in Greenwood, MO
Your fraud lawyer from Combs Waterkotte will fight against the full range of fraud charges in Greenwood, MO. For example, we can help you fight any of the following:
- 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.
What to Do If You’ve Been Accused of Fraud
As soon as you’re accused of fraud, it’s important to take proper steps to protect yourself. We recommend the following:
- Don’t Talk to Investigators – You have the right to remain silent, and should use it during any police interviews.
- Get a Lawyer – The sooner you bring in your lawyer, the more time they’ll have to develop a strong legal defense.
- Ask for Conditional Release – 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.
- 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.
- Plan a Trial-Ready Defense – You’re not alone; an attorney can help you find the best outcome possible for your unique circumstances.
When you’re first accused, it’s easy to feel lost. 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.
Set Your Case Up for a Positive Outcome: Contact Combs Waterkotte
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.
We are dedicated to our clients, and take pride in offering comprehensive legal services to Greenwood:
- We have a reputation for excellence.
- We treat you like a person, not a paycheck.
- We make quality defense affordable.
- You can get a hold of our offices at any time, day or night.
We help good people in bad situations – contact us now to get the legal help you need.
Fraud Defenses Your Lawyer Should Consider
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 Greenwood, 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.
- Immaterial (Non-Fraudulent) False Statement – An immaterial false statement is generally not enough for a fraud conviction. If you lied about something inconsequential, it may not be enough to count as fraud.
- Lack of Victim Reliance – In some cases, a false statement does not reach the level of fraud, notably when the alleged victim wasn’t influenced by it. If your statement did not impact their choices, 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.
- 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 Greenwood, MO Today
Combs Waterkotte offers high-quality defenses for Greenwood, 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 Greenwood, MO, today at (314) 900-HELP or tell us what you need online to set up a free, confidential consultation.
