Fraud Lawyer in Kearney, MO. Being accused of fraud may sound manageable at first, but these cases only get more complicated. They often involve large amounts of complex records, expert testimony, and intricate relationships. These accusations need to be taken seriously, and to maximize your chance of a positive outcome, it’s critical to reach out to an accomplished Kearney, 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.
While you’re waiting, the odds are stacking against you. Our team is available 24/7.
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Kearney, MO, Fraud Lawyer: Page Summary
Here, you will learn about:
- What makes a crime a ‘fraud crime;’
- The role a fraud lawyer plays in defending you against charges;
- Example offenses that are often labelled as ‘fraud’ in Kearney, MO;
- What to do if someone accuses you of fraud;
- How Combs Waterkotte sets itself apart in fraud cases;
- Examples of fraud charge defense strategies; and
- Where to get started with your Kearney, MO, fraud defense 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 …
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 …
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 Kearney, 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.
A crime accusation is considered “fraud” if it fits the following criteria:
- The act of lying committed with intention
- The act is done in order to gain something
- This benefit directly hurts another person
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. 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.
Professional Help That a Fraud Lawyer Can Provide in Kearney, MO
Having a fraud lawyer to defend you is essential when navigating the Kearney, MO, court system. 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 Laws – Some laws are easy to understand, but not all of them. A fraud lawyer in Kearney, MO, can help you understand the ins and outs of the case against you.
- Guidance Through Interviews – If the police invite you in for questioning, your lawyer can advise you on how to respond.
- Investigative Expertise – A reputable law firm will work with an experienced investigator to find evidence that will support your case.
- 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.
- Connections Within the State – Many cases’ success depends on relationships with local prosecutors. This can help secure favorable plea deals that protect your life.
- Trial-Ready Defense – 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.
Find a lawyer that treats you like a person, not a case number. Combs Waterkotte’s Kearney, MO, fraud lawyers will do just that.
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 Kearney, 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.
§ 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. 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.
In Missouri, § 570.223 RSMo defines identity theft as intentionally taking or using someone else’s identifying information in order to commit another act of fraud. Normally, this means taking money, goods, or services illegally. Committing identity theft at all is a class B misdemeanor, but this can be elevated up to a class B felony depending on how much was taken.
Insurance Fraud
Insurance fraud can vary widely depending on the type of insurance and the alleged action. In some cases, it can be a doctor billing insurance for procedures that were never performed. In others, it could mean allegedly making a false medical claim to receive benefits you weren’t entitled to.
Missouri’s state statute § 375.991 RSMo is a comprehensive law on insurance fraud, naming several deceptive practices that are outlawed. Breaking this law is a class E felony on a first offense, and a class D felony for any subsequent offense.
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.
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.
False Impersonation
False impersonation is not in and of itself a fraud offense, but people accused of fraud offenses are often also accused of false impersonation.
As described in § 575.120 RSMo, false impersonation is one of three things: 1. Pretending to be a government official, 2. Pretending to be a licensed professional (like a doctor), or 3. Misrepresenting who you are to a police officer, after being placed under arrest. Consequences typically are up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine, but these can be increased to a year in jail and a $2,000 fine if the person allegedly impersonated a police officer.
Additional Fraud Charges in Kearney, MO
Your fraud lawyer from Combs Waterkotte will fight against the full range of fraud charges in Kearney, MO. In addition to the above, we can help fight the following fraud charges:
- 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.
5 Steps to Take After Being Accused of Fraud in Kearney, MO
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.
- Call Your Kearney, MO, Fraud 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 Release From Jail – 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.
- Look for Exculpatory Evidence – Avoiding a not guilty verdict in a fraud case can come down to who has the strongest evidence. Gather any records you have, and avoid taking any actions that could look like tampering.
- Build a Defense Plan With Your Attorney – Your defense attorney will listen to your story, discuss defense strategies, and work with you to create a strong case in your favor.
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.
Why Choose Combs Waterkotte As Your Kearney, MO, Fraud Defense Lawyers
You deserve a high-quality defense. Combs Waterkotte can give you that. Our team understands how the prosecution builds its case against you, and will look for weaknesses to exploit.
Here are more reasons to choose us for your fraud lawyer:
- We have over 500 five-star reviews.
- We treat every client with individualized care.
- We make quality defense affordable.
- You can get a hold of our offices at any time, day or night.
Our clients are our motivation to fight in court – send us a note now to connect with an attorney.
5 Possible Fraud Charge Defenses
Picking a defense for your fraud case isn’t as simple as selecting an option from a list. Your Kearney, 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 – In some cases, we can argue that you made a faulty claim unintentionally, and thus had no intent to commit fraud.
- 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 your statement did not impact their choices, 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.
- Wrong Person Accused – It’s possible that the victim really did experience fraud, but it was at someone else’s hand.
Don’t Wait. Get Help From an Expert Fraud Lawyer in Kearney, MO Today
This isn’t a time to settle for “good enough.” WIth your future and freedom on the line, you need an expert Kearney, MO, fraud defense attorney. You need someone who will listen to you. You need Combs Waterkotte.
Get help from a fraud lawyer in Kearney, MO, today at (314) 900-HELP or contact our firm online to request a confidential, no-strings case review.
