Fraud Lawyer in Knob Noster, 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. You can’t take these charges lightly, and to maximize your chance of a positive outcome, it’s critical to reach out to an accomplished Knob Noster, MO, criminal defense lawyer to get help.
If you need help fighting these charges in Knob Noster, 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, it’s easy to feel hopeless. With a seasoned attorney in your corner, you get the help you deserve. When you feel alone against the system, we’re here to help.
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Knob Noster, MO, Fraud Lawyer: Page Summary
Below, you will learn about:
- What makes a crime a ‘fraud crime;’
- How a fraud lawyer can help when you’re accused;
- Example offenses that are often labelled as ‘fraud’ in Knob Noster, MO;
- Your next steps after being accused of fraud;
- Why Combs Waterkotte is Knob Noster, MO’s leading fraud defense law firm;
- 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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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 Makes a Crime ‘Fraud’ in Knob Noster, 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:
- The act of lying committed with intention
- In some way, the supposed offender gains an advantage from the deception
- The gain comes at the expense of someone else
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.
Professional Help That a Fraud Lawyer Can Provide in Knob Noster, MO
Having a fraud lawyer to defend you is essential when navigating the Knob Noster, 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:
- Explanations of Case – Some Missouri statutes are ambiguous and hard to understand. Fraud is no exception, but your attorney can break it down for you.
- Help During Interrogations – 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.
- Investigative Expertise – A reputable law firm will work with an experienced investigator to find evidence that will support your case.
- Reputation Management – 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.
- Defense Before a Jury – 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 Knob Noster, MO. Whatever fraud charge you’re facing, we have the experience and strength to defend you.
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.
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.
In some cases, both of the above statutes are charged together. Your lawyer needs to be someone who knows how to handle multiple charges at once.
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 example, writing a check for another person’s bank account, forging their signature, and using their ID in the process could result in charges of bank fraud, forgery, and identity theft.
Identity theft, according to § 570.223 RSMo, can range anywhere from a class B misdemeanor to a class B felony, depending on the value involved and the individual’s prior history.
Tax Fraud
Tax fraud charges always need to be taken seriously in Knob Noster, MO. Tax fraud could mean being accused of intentional tax evasion, or it could mean failing to file a return.
Penalties can vary depending on what specific statute you’re accused of violating, and whether it’s charged at the state or federal level. Taking individual tax evasion as an example, a state charge can result in a 5 year prison sentence and a $10,000 fine, while a federal charge can result in a 5 year prison sentence and a $100,000 fine.
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.
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.
More Common Fraud Charges in Knob Noster, MO, That We Can Help Fight
Combs Waterkotte is Missouri’s leading fraud defense law firm, and is prepared to take your case in Knob Noster, 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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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:
- Don’t Answer Police Questions – When you plead the fifth, be respectful but firm, then ask to see a lawyer.
- Get a 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.
- 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.
- Look for Exculpatory Evidence – Evidence, such as documents, texts, photos, and data, can be crucial in building a strong defense.
- Tell Your Attorney Your Side of the Story – It’s your lawyer’s job to present the best defense possible for your case, and build a strategy based on your story.
If you’ve just been charged with fraud, you probably don’t know where to go. 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 Knob Noster, MO, Fraud Defense Lawyers
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.
Don’t settle for second best. Here’s more of what sets us apart:
- We have a stellar reputation with former clients.
- We take the time to listen to you.
- 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 – contact us now to get the legal help you need.
Fraud Defenses to Discuss With Your Lawyer
The defensive strategy your Knob Noster, MO, fraud attorney uses can make all the difference in your case’s outcome. We don’t take strategy lightly – we collaborate with you to find the best option.
Your fraud defense might look like one of these:
- 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 – If you made an opinion-based or vague statement that didn’t hold much weight, we can challenge whether it was enough to qualify as fraud.
- Lack of Victim Reliance – 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, 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.
- Lack of Participation – Somtimes, larger fraud conspiracies can appear to involve people who aren’t participating in the scheme. If you were swept up unintentionally, we can use this to build a defensive narrative.
Don’t Wait While Your Future Slips Away. Call Combs Waterkotte Today
Combs Waterkotte offers high-quality defenses for Knob Noster, MO, citizens facing criminal charges, from traffic tickets to felonies. When you call us, you’ll get direct attention from an experienced attorney.
Call a fraud lawyer in Knob Noster, MO, at any time at (314) 900-HELP or tell us about your case online to set up a private conversation with an attorney.
