Fraud Lawyer in Lawson, 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’ll need an adept Lawson, MO, criminal defense lawyer to get help.
If you need help fighting these charges in Lawson, 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.
Don’t wait until the prosecution has already built a case against you. Get protection from legal professionals.
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Today, we will go over:
- What sets fraud charges apart from other criminal accusations
- How a fraud lawyer can help when you’re accused;
- Common fraud charges in Lawson, MO;
- 5 steps you need to take if you’re charged with a fraud crime;
- Why Combs Waterkotte is Lawson, MO’s leading fraud defense law firm;
- Defenses our attorneys use against fraud charges; and
- How to get help now fighting your fraud charge.
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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 Lawson, MO?
Fraud crimes are white-collar crime cases where someone is accused of cheating another person by lying to them. It often consists of a person misrepresenting themselves in order to gain something, often for a financial benefit.
When trying to determine if an alleged crime counts as “fraud,” look for the following:
- A lie (by commission or omission) told on purpose
- The act benefits the alleged offender
- 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. 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.
What Your Lawson, MO, Fraud Lawyer Can Do to Protect You
Your fraud lawyer will be by your side from the first phone call, defending your rights and fighting for your freedom. 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 Statutes – Some laws are easy to understand, but not all of them. A fraud lawyer in Lawson, MO, can help you understand the ins and outs of the case against you.
- Guidance Through Interviews – 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.
- Investigative Expertise – A reputable law firm will work with an experienced investigator to find evidence that will support your case.
- Help Dealing With the Public – Even when the legal issues are under control, your reputation might need some help. A fraud lawyer can help you handle interactions with the press and give you advice on how to move forward with your life.
- Connections Within the State – Many cases’ success depends on relationships with local prosecutors. This can help secure favorable plea deals that protect your life.
- Court Representation – Not every case reaches trial, but if yours does, your attorney will argue against the prosecution and for your innocence.
Combs Waterkotte is ready to take your case in Lawson, MO. Whatever fraud charge you’re facing, we have the experience and strength to defend you.
Credit Card Fraud
Credit card fraud isn’t a single crime in Lawson, MO, but instead is covered by two different Missouri statutes. The first, § 570.130 RSMo, makes it illegal to use a fake or stolen credit card, use one that has been cancelled, or otherwise use it without permission. It has set restrictions on cancelling a payment if that payment was for property taxes. Penalties range from up to a year in jail, if the value spent was under $750 in a 30-day period, to up to four years in prison for higher amounts.
In Lawson, 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.
It’s possible for a bank fraud case to involve both of the above statutes. It’s important to work with a lawyer who can dissect both and create a comprehensive defense.
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 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 often charged alongside other fraud crimes. For instance, 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 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 look like setting up a car crash to look like an accident, and receive a payout.
Missouri’s state statute § 375.991 RSMo is a comprehensive law on insurance fraud, naming several deceptive practices that are outlawed. 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 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.
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.
More Common Fraud Charges in Lawson, MO, That We Can Help Fight
There’s no fraud charge too big for the Lawson, MO, criminal defense lawyers at Combs Waterkotte. Here are some more common charges we can help you with:
- 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.
How to Handle Fraud Accusations in Lawson, 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:
- Stay Silent in Interviews – You are not required to answer any police questions without your lawyer present. Politely decline and request to speak with your attorney.
- Call Your Lawson, 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 – There are many benefits to posting bail. Pre-trial release can give you a chance to breathe while you build your defense.
- Review Any Relevant Evidence – Fraud cases often involve high amounts of paperwork and other evidence. Preserve whatever you can and share it with your lawyer.
- Build a Defense Plan With Your Attorney – You’re not alone; an attorney can help you find the best outcome possible for your unique circumstances.
When you’re first accused, it’s easy to feel lost. 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.
What Sets Combs Waterkotte’s Fraud Defense Team Apart?
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 Lawson, MO, court system.
Don’t settle for second best. Here’s more of what sets us apart:
- We have over 500 five-star reviews.
- We are focused on you as a person, not just your case.
- We are always honest when evaluating your case.
- We have representatives ready for your call during evenings and weekends, because arrests can happen outside of regular business hours.
We’re prepared to take on everyone from the local prosecutor to the United States government – contact us now to start your defense right away.
Fraud Defenses Your Lawyer Should Consider
Picking a defense for your fraud case isn’t as simple as selecting an option from a list. Your Lawson, MO, fraud lawyer will take the time to listen to your story and develop a defense based around it.
Here are five possible strategies we may draw from:
- 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.
- 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.
- Alibi – Depending on the nature of the case, we could prove that you were not involved in the interaction, and were otherwise occupied at the time.
- 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.
Start Protecting Your Rights With Combs Waterkotte Now
This isn’t a time to settle for “good enough.” WIth your future and freedom on the line, you need an expert Lawson, MO, fraud defense attorney. You need someone who will listen to you. You need Combs Waterkotte.
Call a fraud lawyer in Lawson, MO, today at (314) 900-HELP or tell us about your case online to set up a private conversation with an attorney.
