Fraud Lawyer in Lathrop, MO. Fraud isn’t a single criminal charge. It’s a category of alleged offenses that vary in scope, but are always complex. These accusations need to be taken seriously, and to maximize your chance of a positive outcome, you’ll need an accomplished Lathrop, MO, criminal defense lawyer to get help.
Combs Waterkotte takes our clients’ freedom seriously and will fight to protect you against fraud accusations in Lathrop, MO. If you’re facing criminal charges for bank fraud, wire fraud, or another type of fraud, call us right away at (314) 900-HELP or contact us online for a free consultation.
Don’t wait until the prosecution has already built a case against you. When you isolated against the state, we’re here to help.
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Today, we will go over:
- What makes a crime a ‘fraud crime;’
- How a fraud lawyer can help when you’re accused;
- Common fraud charges in Lathrop, MO;
- 5 steps you need to take if you’re charged with a fraud crime;
- Why your Lathrop, MO, fraud lawyer should be someone from Combs Waterkotte;
- Examples of fraud charge defense strategies; and
- Where to get started with your Lathrop, MO, fraud defense 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 Lathrop, MO?
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.
A crime accusation is considered “fraud” if it fits the following criteria:
- A lie (by commission or omission) told on purpose
- The intentions behind the lie were to gain something
- This benefit directly hurts another person
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 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 Lathrop, MO
Your fraud lawyer will be by your side from the first phone call, defending your rights and fighting for your freedom. 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:
- Explanations of Case – Some laws are easy to understand, but not all of them. A fraud lawyer in Lathrop, MO, can help you understand the ins and outs of the case against you.
- Assistance During Police Interactions – Get help beyond just pleading the fifth; your lawyer can help you understand when it’s a good idea to talk to the police and when it’s best to stay silent.
- Defensive Strategy – You need a proven criminal defense strategy, and an attorney can help you pick the right one.
- 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.
- 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 Lathrop, MO. Whatever fraud charge you’re facing, we have the experience and strength to defend you.
Credit Card Fraud
There are two statutes that discuss credit card fraud in Missouri: The first, § 570.130 RSMo, sets restrictions on how a credit card can be used. For example, it outlaws the use of a credit card that does not belong to you without permission. The maximum penalty depends on the amount that the user allegedly spent with the card: Less than $750 (in a 30-day period) is a class A misdemeanor with up to a year in jail and $2,000 in fines. Any more than that is a class E felony, which can be punished by up to four years in prison and $10,000 in fines.
In Lathrop, 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.
Bank Fraud
Bank fraud is closely related to credit card fraud, as they each relate to alleged fraud being committed against financial institutions.
This type of fraud is primarily covered by § 570.148 RSMo. This makes it a crime to lie to a bank (or other financial institution) to withdraw money that doesn’t belong to you. If the amount taken was less than $500, it is a class B misdemeanor. If it’s more than that, convictions can range from a class E felony to a class B felony, depending on the alleged offender’s mindset.
Identity Theft
Identity theft is often charged alongside other fraud crimes. For example, using another person’s information to apply for a credit card would count as both credit card fraud and identity theft.
The key identity theft statute in Lathrop, MO, is § 570.223 RSMo. This sets a very broad definition of identity theft, including any use of another person’s identity, without authorization, if they had intent to commit fraud.
Insurance Fraud
Insurance fraud cases can look very different from each other. In some cases, it can mean allegedly lying on an insurance application. In others, it could look like making exaggerations on a claim, such as artificially inflating medical bills.
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 is a federal crime rather than a state crime. Federal charges are particularly challenging to fight because federal prosecutors have extensive resources, and government investigations often go on for months before charges are filed. It’s critical to work with an experienced criminal defense attorney to fight these charges.
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 Lathrop, MO, That We Can Help Fight
Combs Waterkotte is Missouri’s leading fraud defense law firm, and is prepared to take your case in Lathrop, MO. Here are some more common charges we can help you with:
- Welfare Fraud
- Medicare/Medicaid Fraud
- Mortgage Fraud
- Immigration 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.
How to Handle Fraud Accusations in Lathrop, MO
Criminal fraud cases can last a while, and it’s important to start building your defense early. When you take the following five steps, you’re improving your chance of a positive outcome:
- Don’t Talk to Investigators – You have the right to remain silent, and should use it during any police interviews.
- Call Your Lathrop, MO, Fraud Lawyer – You will likely be given the opportunity to make phone calls after an arrest. Make sure your criminal defense attorney is the first one.
- Request Release From Jail – 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.
- Gather Evidence WITHOUT Tampering – 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.
- Work With Your Lawyer to Develop a Defensive Strategy – Your defense attorney will listen to your story, discuss defense strategies, and work with you to create a strong case in your favor.
When you’re first accused, it’s easy to feel lost. But if you follow these steps and work with a reputable law firm like Combs Waterkotte, you’ll maximize your chances of a positive outcome.
Why Choose Combs Waterkotte As Your Lathrop, MO, Fraud Defense Lawyers
Combs Waterkotte has handled over 10,000 cases, many of them just like yours. With more than 100 years of combined legal experience (both for the prosecutor’s office and the state), our attorneys know how to navigate the Lathrop, MO, court system.
Don’t settle for second best. Here’s more of what sets us apart:
- We have a stellar reputation with former clients.
- We treat every client with individualized care.
- We are always honest when evaluating your case.
- We make it easy to get a hold of us if you have a question or need an update on your case.
Our clients are our motivation to fight in court – contact us now to have a lawyer work on your case.
Fraud Defenses to Discuss With Your Lawyer
Picking a defense for your fraud case isn’t as simple as selecting an option from a list. Your Lathrop, 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:
- No Intent to Defraud – Perhaps you made a false statement, but believed it to be true at the time.
- Immaterial (Non-Fraudulent) False Statement – 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 the statements did not actually influence the alleged victim’s decision, the law does not consider it to be fraud.
- 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.
Don’t Let the Prosecution Get an Advantage. Call Combs Waterkotte Now
Combs Waterkotte offers high-quality defenses for Lathrop, 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 Lathrop, MO, right away at (314) 900-HELP or contact our firm online to set up a private conversation with an attorney.
