Fraud Lawyer in Lake Winnebago, 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 protect yourself against them, you need to call an adept Lake Winnebago, 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.
Don’t wait until the prosecution has already built a case against you. Call now to protect your freedom.
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Here, you can read about:
- What makes a crime a ‘fraud crime;’
- Things that your Lake Winnebago, MO, fraud lawyer will do to set your case up for success;
- The types of charges that fall under the ‘fraud’ category in Lake Winnebago, MO;
- Your next steps after being accused of fraud;
- Why your Lake Winnebago, MO, fraud lawyer should be someone from Combs Waterkotte;
- Defenses our attorneys use against fraud charges; and
- How to talk to a fraud lawyer in Lake Winnebago, MO, 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 …
How Are Fraud Crimes Defined?
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.
When trying to determine if an alleged crime counts as “fraud,” look for the following:
- A lie (by commission or omission) told on purpose
- In some way, the supposed offender gains an advantage from the deception
- The alleged victim experiences some sort of loss
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.
Intention plays a key role in fraud allegations. Without intent to defraud someone, an action is generally not considered fraud. A failed adoption can fall into either category: Adoption fraud is a process where someone exploits a family for money without any intention to help them adopt a child. But if someone took money from a family with the intention of helping them adopt a child, and something went wrong preventing it from being completed, it would not qualify as fraud.
What Your Lake Winnebago, MO, Fraud Lawyer Can Do to Protect You
Having a fraud lawyer to defend you is essential when navigating the Lake Winnebago, MO, court system. If you have any reason to suspect you’re being investigated for fraud, reach out to your attorney immediately.
You can expect this from your criminal defense attorney:
- Breakdown of the Statutes – Some Missouri statutes are ambiguous and hard to understand. Fraud is no exception, but your attorney can break it down for you.
- Advice During Questioning – 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.
- 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.
- Relationships in Court – Negotiation is a key part of criminal defense. You need a lawyer who knows how to work with the district attorney.
- Court Representation – Not every case reaches trial, but if yours does, your attorney will argue against the prosecution and for your innocence.
On your own, you’re in a tough spot against the Lake Winnebago, 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.
But even if you didn’t misuse a credit card, you can still be accused of credit card fraud. This is covered under § 570.135 RSMo, which makes it a crime to apply for a credit card with false information or to use another person’s ID without authorization. This charge is also punished as a class A misdemeanor..
Bank Fraud
Lake Winnebago, 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.
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 another alleged crime that can be charged on its own, but is frequently done alongside another alleged violation. 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.
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.
Phishing attacks are a simple form of wire fraud – in these, an individual reaches out over email or messages, impersonating someone else, and requests their personal information. These allegations are serious, even if no money was taken.
Additional Fraud Charges in Lake Winnebago, MO
Your fraud lawyer from Combs Waterkotte will fight against the full range of fraud charges in Lake Winnebago, 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
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.
- Contact Your Lake Winnebago, 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.
- Ask for Conditional Release – 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 – Evidence, such as documents, texts, photos, and data, can be crucial in building a strong defense.
- Work With Your Lawyer to Develop a Defensive Strategy – You’re not alone; an attorney can help you find the best outcome possible for your unique circumstances.
Going to trial is always a risk. 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.
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.
Here are more reasons to choose us for your fraud lawyer:
- We have a stellar reputation with former clients.
- We are focused on you as a person, not just your case.
- We make quality defense affordable.
- We’re available 24/7 if you need anything related to your case.
We’re prepared to take on everyone from the local prosecutor to the United States government – reach out today to connect with an attorney.
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 Lake Winnebago, MO, will take the time to pick the right one for you.
Your fraud defense might look like one of these:
- 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 – 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.
- Alleged Victim Wasn’t Influenced – Fraud convictions require the alleged victim to have been significantly influenced by your statements. If your statement did not impact their choices, you did not defraud them.
- False Accusations – If a business deal was legitimate, but didn’t work out, a partner with hard feelings could make a false accusation of fraud. We can build cases designed to cast doubt on the supposed victim’s motives.
- Lack of Participation – In larger fraud schemes, it’s possible for innocent bystanders to unknowingly be caught up in the process. If you weren’t participating in the scheme, you shouldn’t have to face penalties for it.
You Need a Reputable Lake Winnebago, MO, Fraud Lawyer. 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.
Get in touch with a fraud lawyer in Lake Winnebago, MO, at any time at (314) 900-HELP or tell us about your case online to request a confidential, no-strings case review.
