Fraud Lawyer in Holden, 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 maximize your chance of a positive outcome, you need to call an experienced Holden, 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.
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On This Page
Here, you can read about:
- What types of crime accusations count as fraud
- Things that your Holden, MO, fraud lawyer will do to set your case up for success;
- Example offenses that are often labelled as ‘fraud’ in Holden, MO;
- 5 steps you need to take if you’re charged with a fraud crime;
- Why your Holden, MO, fraud lawyer should be someone from Combs Waterkotte;
- 5 strong defenses that our lawyers use in fraud cases; and
- How to contact our Holden, MO, fraud attorneys 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.
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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 Crimes Count as Fraud in Holden, 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.
The three main elements that make a crime “fraud” are:
- An action taken to deceive another person
- The act benefits the alleged offender
- This benefit directly hurts another person
Romance scams are a popular form of online fraud. In them, an alleged perpetrator feigns affection for the alleged victim to later ask them for money or other favors.
It is not fraud if you were mistaken about something and unintentionally deceived someone as a result. 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 Holden, MO, Fraud Lawyer Can Do to Protect You
Having a fraud lawyer to defend you is essential when navigating the Holden, MO, court system. If you have any reason to suspect you’re being investigated for fraud, reach out to your attorney immediately.
An expert can help you with the below:
- Breakdown of the Laws – There are many different fraud charges in Holden, MO, and the law isn’t always clear on its definitions. Your lawyer can break it down for you.
- Advice During Questioning – 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.
- Reputation Management – 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.
- 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 – 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 Holden, 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.
Credit card fraud cases in Holden, MO, can also involve § 570.135 RSMo, which is also a class A misdemeanor. This law has less to do with the literal unauthorized use of a credit card, and more to do with how a credit card was gotten. Lying on an application, using someone else’s ID without their permission, or carrying a credit card that was obtained in either of these ways is a violation of this statute.
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.
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 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 instance, 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 Holden, 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
Sometimes, an honest mistake is enough to be accused of Tax fraud. Tax fraud could mean being accused of intentional tax evasion, or it could mean failing to file a return.
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 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.
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.
Additional Fraud Charges in Holden, MO
There’s no fraud charge too big for the Holden, MO, criminal defense lawyers at Combs Waterkotte. 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 Handle Fraud Accusations in Holden, 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 – When you plead the fifth, be respectful but firm, then ask to see a lawyer.
- Get Professional Help – 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 and securing pre-trial release gives you the flexibility to help build 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.
- Build a Defense Plan With Your Attorney – 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 a team of expert fraud defense lawyers can make a major difference in optimizing your outcome. Combs Waterkotte can offer you that.
Set Your Case Up for a Positive Outcome: Contact Combs Waterkotte
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.
We are dedicated to our clients, and take pride in offering comprehensive legal services to Holden:
- We are well regarded by former clients.
- We are focused on you as a person, not just your case.
- We don’t charge by the hour.
- 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 get the legal help you need.
Fraud Defenses Your Lawyer Should Consider
Picking a defense for your fraud case isn’t as simple as selecting an option from a list. Your Holden, MO, fraud lawyer will take the time to listen to your story and develop a defense based around it.
Here are some examples that your lawyer might recommend:
- 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.
- 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, 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.
Start Building Your Fraud Defense With Combs Waterkotte Right Away
Combs Waterkotte offers high-quality defenses for Holden, 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 Holden, MO, right away at (314) 900-HELP or send us a message online to start building your defense.
