Fraud Lawyer in Lake Lotawana, MO. Fraud isn’t a single criminal charge. It’s a category of alleged offenses that vary in scope, but are always complex. You can’t take these charges lightly, and to maximize your chance of a positive outcome, you need to call an accomplished Lake Lotawana, MO, criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible.
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.
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Below, we will go over:
- What types of crime accusations count as fraud
- The role a fraud lawyer plays in defending you against charges;
- The types of charges that fall under the ‘fraud’ category in Lake Lotawana, MO;
- What to do if someone accuses you of fraud;
- How Combs Waterkotte sets itself apart in fraud cases;
- 5 strong defenses that our lawyers use in fraud cases; and
- How to contact our Lake Lotawana, MO, fraud attorneys today.
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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 Makes a Crime ‘Fraud’ in Lake Lotawana, 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
- The act benefits the alleged offender
- On the other end of the alleged fraud, someone is left with a loss
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 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.
How a Fraud Lawyer Defends You Against Criminal Charges
It can be complicated and confusing to try and make it through the legal process on your own. A fraud lawyer can help you find your way. Don’t wait until charges are filed; while you wait, the prosecution is building the case against you.
You can expect this from your criminal defense attorney:
- Explanations of Charges – There are many different fraud charges in Lake Lotawana, MO, and the law isn’t always clear on its definitions. Your lawyer can break it down for you.
- Help During Interrogations – If the police invite you in for questioning, your lawyer can advise you on how to respond.
- Defensive Investigation – Investigation isn’t just for the state: A leading criminal defense firm will offer investigative services to find exculpatory evidence.
- Help Dealing With the Public – There can be several collateral consequences of an accusation, even before a verdict. Your lawyer can help you manage them.
- 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.
- Representation at Trial – 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 Lake Lotawana, MO, fraud lawyers will do just that.
Credit Card Fraud
§ 570.130 RSMo is the first statute that Missouri has regarding Credit card fraud. It restricts how a credit card can be used, mostly making it illegal to use one when you aren’t authorized to. It also makes it illegal to cancel a credit card payment for property taxes, even if you were authorized to make the payment in the first place. Breaking this law is typically only a class A misdemeanor, but can be elevated to a class E felony if the value is high enough.
In Lake Lotawana, 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.
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 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 is the main bank fraud statute, which criminalizes tricking a bank into withdrawing money that isn’t yours. Another bank fraud statute is § 570.120 RSMo, which makes it a crime to write a check when you know there isn’t enough money in your account.
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, 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.
Insurance Fraud
Insurance fraud covers a wide range of deceptive practices. In some cases, it can mean a doctor billing insurance for procedures that were never performed. In others, it could mean setting up a car crash to look like an accident, and receive a payout.
§ 375.991 RSMo outlaws several fraudulent insurance acts, including ‘unbundling,’ ‘upcoding,’ ‘exploding,’ and ‘duplicating.’ A first violation can result in up to four years in prison, while repeat offenses can result in up to seven.
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.
Securities Fraud
Securities fraud cases can be complex due to the layers of financial records, communications, and relevant laws. Sometimes, these cases can be very clear, such as creating false financial data. Other times, it can be tougher to accurately classify, such as a person making allegedly misleading statements that influence investor behavior.
As with other criminal convictions, you can face prison time and fines, but with these charges, you can also face major career and financial penalties. If convicted, you could face up to ten years in prison and $1 million in fines, and be up against career-ending restrictions once you’re released.
Additional Fraud Charges in Lake Lotawana, MO
Your fraud lawyer from Combs Waterkotte will fight against the full range of fraud charges in Lake Lotawana, MO. 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.
Facing Fraud Charges? Follow These Guidelines
As soon as you’re accused of fraud, it’s important to take proper steps to protect yourself. We recommend the following:
- Don’t Answer Police Questions – You have the right to remain silent, and should use it during any police interviews.
- Contact Your Lake Lotawana, MO, Attorney – 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.
- Gather Evidence WITHOUT Tampering – Fraud cases often involve high amounts of paperwork and other evidence. Preserve whatever you can and share it with your lawyer.
- Work With Your Lawyer to Develop a Defensive Strategy – No two cases are the same, and your lawyer should listen to you and create a defense that’s tailored to your situation.
If you’ve just been charged with fraud, you probably don’t know where to go. But Combs Waterkotte is prepared to fight for your rights, from the first day you call until the final verdict. We won’t give up until you get the justice you deserve.
Combs Waterkotte: Build a Strong Fraud Charge Defense in Lake Lotawana, MO
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.
Don’t settle for second best. Here’s more of what sets us apart:
- We have a reputation for excellence.
- We treat you like a person, not a case number.
- We don’t charge by the hour.
- 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 – reach out today to get the legal help you need.
5 Defenses We May Use in Your Fraud Case
The defensive strategy your Lake Lotawana, 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.
Below are five common strategies that are effective in fraud cases:
- Lack of Intent/Good Faith – Perhaps you made a false statement, but believed it to be true 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 – 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.
- Entraptment – if an undercover officer went too far in encouraging you to commit fraud, we can claim entrapment and build a defense around it.
- Mistaken Identity – It’s possible that the victim really did experience fraud, but it was at someone else’s hand.
Get Experience on Your Side. 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 Lake Lotawana, MO, available 24/7 at (314) 900-HELP or connect with us online to set up a private conversation with an attorney.
