Fraud Lawyer in Higginsville, 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 protect yourself against them, you’ll need an expert Higginsville, MO, criminal defense lawyer.
When you feel outmatched against the prosecution, there’s one law firm prepared to stand by your side: Combs Waterkotte. Our fraud defense lawyers are dedicated to fighting for our clients’ rights and want to help you find the best outcome for your unique situation. You can get assistance at any time by calling (314) 900-HELP or using our online contact form.
Without help, it’s easy to feel hopeless. 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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Page Overview
On this page, we will go over:
- What makes a crime a ‘fraud crime;’
- How a fraud lawyer can help when you’re accused;
- The types of charges that fall under the ‘fraud’ category in Higginsville, MO;
- Your next steps after being accused of fraud;
- Why your Higginsville, MO, fraud lawyer should be someone from Combs Waterkotte;
- Different fraud charge defense strategies that you should discuss with your lawyer; and
- How to get help now fighting your fraud charge.
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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What Is the Process For Getting Bail in Missouri?
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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?
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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 Sets Fraud Charges Apart From Other Accusations in Higginsville, MO?
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.
When trying to determine if an alleged crime counts as “fraud,” look for the following:
- A lie (by commission or omission) told on purpose
- The act is done in order to gain something
- This benefit directly hurts another person
A common example of fraud is an imposter scam. This could take the form of calling another person, pretending to be a relative in need of financial help.
Intention plays a key role in fraud allegations. Without intent to defraud someone, an action is generally not considered fraud. A failed adoption can fall into either category: Adoption fraud is a process where someone exploits a family for money without any intention to help them adopt a child. But if someone took money from a family with the intention of helping them adopt a child, and something went wrong preventing it from being completed, it would not qualify as fraud.
How a Fraud Lawyer Defends You Against Criminal Charges
Having a fraud lawyer to defend you is essential when navigating the Higginsville, MO, court system. Don’t wait until charges are filed; while you wait, the prosecution is building the case against you.
An expert can help you with the below:
- Breakdown of the Statutes – There are many different fraud charges in Higginsville, MO, and the law isn’t always clear on its definitions. Your lawyer can break it down for you.
- Guidance Through Interviews – 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 – You could face judgment and non-legal consequences as a result of the charges against you. An attorney can give you advice on how to handle it.
- Negotiating Skills – Most criminal cases end in a plea bargain. Your attorney can help you negotiate a favorable one.
- Defense Before a Jury – If your case reaches trial, your lawyer will present your case before a jury to show reasonable doubt. And if it comes to sentencing, they will advocate for leniency.
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 Higginsville, 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
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.
In Higginsville, 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 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 against the law in and of itself, but is more likely to be a part of a greater alleged scheme, and can be just one of multiple charges in these cases. For example, using another person’s information to apply for a credit card would count as both credit card fraud and identity theft.
The key identity theft statute in Higginsville, 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.
Insurance Fraud
Insurance fraud can vary widely depending on the type of insurance and the alleged action. In some cases, it can be allegedly lying on an insurance application. 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. 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 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.
Sometimes, a wire fraud scheme can arise out of a legitimate transaction. For example, if a person was looking to make a down payment on a house, and a hacker sent a false money request pretending to work for the realtor, the hacker could be charged with wire fraud.
Additional Fraud Charges in Higginsville, MO
Your fraud lawyer from Combs Waterkotte will fight against the full range of fraud charges in Higginsville, 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
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 – When you plead the fifth, be respectful but firm, then ask to see a lawyer.
- Call Your Higginsville, MO, Fraud Lawyer – The sooner you bring in your lawyer, the more time they’ll have to develop a strong legal defense.
- Secure Bail – 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 – Evidence, such as documents, texts, photos, and data, can be crucial in building a strong defense.
- 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 a team of expert fraud defense lawyers can make a major difference in optimizing your outcome. Combs Waterkotte can offer you that.
Combs Waterkotte: Build a Strong Fraud Charge Defense in Higginsville, MO
We’ve helped clients avoid over 1 million days in jail, negotiated countless favorable plea deals, and successfully fought for “not guilty” verdicts at trial. We want to bring that tradition of success to your case.
Don’t settle for second best. Here’s more of what sets us apart:
- We have over 500 five-star reviews.
- We treat you like a person, not a case number.
- We offer flexible payment plans.
- You can get a hold of our offices at any time, day or night.
We’re prepared to take on everyone from the local prosecutor to the United States government – send us a note now to connect with an attorney.
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 Higginsville, MO, will take the time to pick the right one for you.
Here are some examples that your lawyer might recommend:
- 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 – 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.
- Lack of Victim Reliance – To be fraud, your statement must have impacted the alleged victim’s decision. If they made their decision for entirely other reasons, you did not defraud them.
- 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.
You Need a Strong Defense. Call Combs Waterkotte Today
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.
Talk to a fraud lawyer in Higginsville, MO, now at (314) 900-HELP or use our online contact form to start building your defense.
