Fraud Lawyer in Ivanhoe, MO. Missouri doesn’t have a particular law dedicated to “fraud.” Instead, fraud is considered a category of laws that refer to certain types of theft – specifically, non-violent offenses where the supposed offender used deception to allegedly trick another person. Fighting these charges effectively is a tall order, and to protect your rights, you need to call an accomplished Ivanhoe, MO, criminal defense lawyer to get help.
If you need help fighting these charges in Ivanhoe, MO, you need Combs Waterkotte. Our firm is built on our pride in giving every client a high-quality defense, and we will not rest until you get the justice you deserve. Call us at (314) 900-HELP or sent us a note online today 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. Our team is ready for your call 24/7.
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Page Overview
Today, you will learn about:
- What types of crime accusations count as fraud
- How a fraud lawyer can help when you’re accused;
- Common fraud charges in Ivanhoe, MO;
- 5 steps you need to take if you’re charged with a fraud crime;
- Why Combs Waterkotte is Ivanhoe, MO’s leading fraud defense law firm;
- Defenses our attorneys use against fraud charges; and
- How to contact our Ivanhoe, 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.
Can Criminal Charges Be Dropped?
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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 Sets Fraud Charges Apart From Other Accusations in Ivanhoe, MO?
Fraud cases are a subset of white-collar crimes where a person allegedly uses deception to relieve another person of their valuables. This doesn’t have to be money, though, or even a physical object; in some cases, you can be accused of fraud for allegedly tricking someone out of services.
The three main elements that make a crime “fraud” are:
- An intentional act of deception
- The act is done in order to gain something
- The alleged victim experiences some sort of loss
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.
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. 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 Ivanhoe, 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. If you learn that you’re charged with fraud or are under investigation, you should contact your defense attorney right away.
Here’s what they can provide for you:
- Breakdown of the Laws – There are many different fraud charges in Ivanhoe, MO, and the law isn’t always clear on its definitions. Your lawyer can break it down for you.
- Assistance During Police Interactions – On your own, a police interrogation can be intimidating. Working with a lawyer gives you professional protection.
- 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 – 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 – 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).
Combs Waterkotte is ready to take your case in Ivanhoe, MO. Whatever fraud charge you’re facing, we have the experience and strength to defend you.
Credit Card Fraud
Credit card fraud isn’t a single crime in Ivanhoe, 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.
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.
It’s possible for a bank fraud case to involve both of the above statutes. It’s important to work with a lawyer who can dissect both and create a comprehensive defense.
Bank Fraud
Ivanhoe, MO bank fraud cases can vary widely in scope, but all have to do with lying to a financial institution in some form or another.
§ 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 another alleged crime that can be charged on its own, but is frequently done alongside another alleged violation. As a hypothetical, 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.
Insurance Fraud
Insurance fraud covers a wide range of deceptive practices. In some cases, it can mean allegedly lying on an insurance application. 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.’ In addition to defining insurance fraud and setting penalties, this statute also sets rules for how the state can investigate these charges.
Wire Fraud
Wire fraud has a very broad definition in the United States. It essentially refers to any fraud that is committed using electronic communication, like the internet. Unlike other fraud charges, this is usually prosecuted at the federal level because the alleged offense often crosses state lines.
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.
More Common Fraud Charges in Ivanhoe, MO, That We Can Help Fight
Combs Waterkotte is prepared to build your defense in Ivanhoe, 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
Fraud accusations are very serious, and if you’re facing any, you need to know your next steps. You’ll need to contact a fraud lawyer as soon as possible, but in the meantime, don’t forget the following:
- Plead the Fifth – When you plead the fifth, be respectful but firm, then ask to see a lawyer.
- Contact Your Ivanhoe, MO, Attorney – A professional lawyer can help you understand the situation and the best paths forward. Call fast, before the situation gets worse.
- Post Bail – 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.
- Look for Exculpatory Evidence – Evidence, such as documents, texts, photos, and data, can be crucial in building a strong defense.
- Plan a Trial-Ready Defense – It’s your lawyer’s job to present the best defense possible for your case, and build a strategy based on your story.
When you’re first accused, it’s easy to feel lost. But taking some practical steps sets your case up for the right law firm to guide you the rest of the way.
Combs Waterkotte: Ivanhoe, MO’s Leading Fraud Lawyers
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.
Here are more reasons to choose us for your fraud lawyer:
- We have a stellar reputation with former clients.
- We treat you like a person, not a case number.
- We won’t make false promises: We’ll take a realistic approach to your case.
- 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 – contact us now to have a lawyer work on your case.
5 Defenses We May Use in Your Fraud Case
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 Ivanhoe, MO, will take the time to pick the right one for you.
Here are five possible strategies we may draw from:
- Lack of Intent/Good Faith – Perhaps you made a false statement, but believed it to be true at the time.
- Statement Was Not Fraudulent – For a deception to count as fraud, it must have been significant enough to influence someone’s decision. Sometimes, a white lie isn’t enough for a conviction.
- Victim Didn’t Rely on Your Statements – To be fraud, your statement must have impacted the alleged victim’s decision. If the statements did not actually influence the alleged victim’s decision, 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.
- Wrong Person Accused – Perhaps another person was impersonating you while committing the fraud, and the state is accusing the wrong person.
Get Experience on Your Side. Call Combs Waterkotte Today
Combs Waterkotte is determined to deliver a positive outcome for clients, no matter what their situation is. We will look at your case, evaluate its unique circumstances, and give you honest advice on what is achievable for your defense.
Get in touch with a fraud lawyer in Ivanhoe, MO, today at (314) 900-HELP or send us a message online to set up a private conversation with an attorney.
