Fraud Lawyer in Maysville, 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 protect your rights, it’s critical to reach out to an expert Maysville, MO, criminal defense lawyer right away.
When you feel outmatched against the prosecution, there’s one law firm prepared to stand by your side: Combs Waterkotte. Our fraud defense lawyers are dedicated to fighting for our clients’ rights and want to help you find the best outcome for your unique situation. You can get assistance at any time by calling (314) 900-HELP or using our online contact form.
Don’t wait until the prosecution has already built a case against you. Our team is ready for your call 24/7.
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Maysville, MO, Fraud Lawyer: Page Summary
Here, we will go over:
- What makes a crime a ‘fraud crime;’
- How a fraud lawyer can help when you’re accused;
- The types of charges that fall under the ‘fraud’ category in Maysville, MO;
- Your next steps after being accused of fraud;
- Why Combs Waterkotte is Maysville, MO’s leading fraud defense law firm;
- 5 strong defenses that our lawyers use in fraud cases; and
- Where to get started with your Maysville, MO, fraud defense 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 …
What Sets Fraud Charges Apart From Other Accusations in Maysville, MO?
If you’re accused of fraud, the state is alleging that you used lies to trick someone into giving you something of value. This is typically a type of white-collar crime, but it doesn’t always occur in an office setting. This type of dispute can arise from professional or personal relationships.
The three main elements that make a crime “fraud” are:
- An action taken to deceive another person
- The intentions behind the lie were to gain something
- The gain comes at the expense of someone else
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.
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.
How a Fraud Lawyer Defends You Against Criminal Charges
Your fraud lawyer will be by your side from the first phone call, defending your rights and fighting for your freedom. If you learn that you’re charged with fraud or are under investigation, you should contact your defense attorney right away.
An expert can help you with the below:
- Explanations of Laws – There are many different fraud charges in Maysville, 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 Strategy – You need a proven criminal defense strategy, and an attorney can help you pick the right one.
- 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.
- Negotiating Skills – Most criminal cases end in a plea bargain. Your attorney can help you negotiate a favorable one.
- Trial-Ready Defense – Not every case reaches trial, but if yours does, your attorney will argue against the prosecution and for your innocence.
Your lawyer should listen to your side of the story, and your defense should be tailored to you. Combs Waterkotte embodies this philosophy for all of our Maysville, MO, clients. We fight to find the best outcome in your case, and won’t stop until you get the justice you deserve.
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.
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..
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 is closely related to credit card fraud, as they each relate to alleged fraud being committed against financial institutions.
§ 570.148 RSMo covers the main aspects of bank fraud, which involves tricking a financial institution into giving you someone else’s money. These allegations can often be combined with other alleged violations; for example, § 570.090 RSMo makes it illegal to forge or alter a check, which is often an aspect of bank fraud.
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.
According to § 570.223 RSMo, identity theft hinges on intent. That specific statute covers attempts to obtain and/or use an identity that they are not supposed to, when they have intent to deceive or defraud. This intent can be used to create doubt, but this can be tricky to do in court. Talk with a lawyer about the best strategy for your particular case.
Tax Fraud
Tax fraud charges always need to be taken seriously in Maysville, MO. Both the IRS and the Missouri Department of Revenue treat these charges harshly, and you could face years in prison and/or thousands of dollars in fines after a conviction.
Tax fraud cases in Missouri can hinge on intentions. While it’s illegal to underreport your income intentionally, it’s not illegal to make an honest mistake when filing your taxes. Many defenses are built on this distinction.
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.
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.
Additional Fraud Charges in Maysville, MO
Combs Waterkotte is prepared to build your defense in Maysville, MO, whatever you’ve been accused of. 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.
Facing Fraud Charges? Follow These Guidelines
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 Talk to Investigators – All you have to do is say “I am invoking my right to remain silent and would like to speak with my lawyer.”
- Contact Your Maysville, MO, Attorney – A professional lawyer can help you understand the situation and the best paths forward. Call fast, before the situation gets worse.
- Request Release From Jail – Posting bail and securing pre-trial release gives you the flexibility to help build your defense.
- Gather Evidence WITHOUT Tampering – It’s important to collect evidence that can be used to defend you and share it with your fraud lawyer, but don’t do anything that might look like tampering from the outside.
- Plan a Trial-Ready Defense – Your defense attorney will listen to your story, discuss defense strategies, and work with you to create a strong case in your favor.
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.
Combs Waterkotte: Build a Strong Fraud Charge Defense in Maysville, MO
Our team of Maysville, MO, fraud defense attorneys know how to fight cases in Missouri court. We want to give you a quality defense, built on over 100 years of cumulative courtroom experience.
We are dedicated to our clients, and take pride in offering comprehensive legal services to Maysville:
- We have a stellar reputation with former clients.
- We are focused on you as a person, not just your case.
- 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 start your defense right away.
5 Possible Fraud Charge Defenses
Fraud accusations can be stressful, especially if you don’t have experience with the Maysville, MO, legal system. Your fraud lawyer can help you identify the best defense for your case.
Here are some examples that your lawyer might recommend:
- Lack of Intent/Good Faith – Fraud charges in Missouri normally require intent to be found guilty. If you had no ill intentions, we can use this as a defense.
- Statement Was Not Fraudulent – For a deception to count as fraud, it must have been significant enough to influence someone’s decision. Sometimes, a white lie isn’t enough for a conviction.
- 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.
- Entraptment – if an undercover officer went too far in encouraging you to commit fraud, we can claim entrapment and build a defense around it.
- Non-Participant – 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 Hesitate and Watch Your Future Disappear. 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 Maysville, MO, at any time at (314) 900-HELP or connect with us online to start building your defense.
