Fraud Lawyer in Odessa, 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 expert Odessa, MO, criminal defense lawyer to get help.
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.
Without help, it’s easy to feel hopeless. With a seasoned attorney in your corner, you get the help you deserve. Get protection from legal professionals.
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Page Overview
On this page, we will go over:
- What makes a crime a ‘fraud crime;’
- The role a fraud lawyer plays in defending you against charges;
- Example offenses that are often labelled as ‘fraud’ in Odessa, MO;
- 5 steps you need to take if you’re charged with a fraud crime;
- Why Combs Waterkotte is Odessa, MO’s leading fraud defense law firm;
- Defenses our attorneys use against fraud charges; and
- How to talk to a fraud lawyer in Odessa, MO, today.
Legal Videos
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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.
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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 Crimes Count as Fraud in Odessa, 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.
“Fraud” crimes have the following three things in common:
- The act of lying committed with intention
- In some way, the supposed offender gains an advantage from the deception
- The alleged victim experiences some sort of 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.
Sometimes, two very similar actions can be labelled as fraud, but sometimes, one will not fit all the criteria. The most common distinction is that of intention: Without intention to lie to someone, an action is typically 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 Odessa, MO, Fraud Lawyer Can Do to Protect You
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:
- Breakdown of the Charges – Some Missouri statutes are ambiguous and hard to understand. Fraud is no exception, but your attorney can break it down for you.
- Help During Interrogations – It’s possible that you’ll find yourself wanted for questioning because of an alleged violation. Your lawyer can help you navigate police tactics and preserve your freedom.
- 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 – Unfortunately, cases don’t always end in the courtroom. Your attorney can give you guidance on how to handle interactions with the public.
- 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.
- Court Representation – There aren’t any guarantees at trial, and many people find that stressful. With a fraud lawyer, though, you’re putting yourself in the best position for a positive outcome and getting protection if the verdict isn’t what you were hoping for.
On your own, you’re in a tough spot against the Odessa, 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
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 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 instance, 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.
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.
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.
Some wire fraud schemes are vast and complex, but others are relatively straightforward. An alleged advance-fee scam is technically wire fraud and can result in harsh penalties.
Securities Fraud
Securities fraud Missouri has multiple laws that govern securities fraud, but the most important to know about are § 575.120 RSMo, which gives a broad definition, and § 409.5-508 RSMo, which sets the state penalties. § 575.120 RSMo says that securities fraud is when a person manufactures a securities sale dishonestly in order to gain another person’s money. Other statutes set additional rules: For example, § 409.5-502 RSMo sets up additional rules specifically for financial advisors.
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 Odessa, MO
Combs Waterkotte is prepared to build your defense in Odessa, MO, whatever you’ve been accused of. For example, we can help you fight any of the following:
- Welfare Fraud
- Medicare/Medicaid Fraud
- Mortgage Fraud
- Immigration Fraud
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What to Do If You’ve Been Accused of Fraud
As soon as you’re accused of fraud, it’s important to take proper steps to protect yourself. We recommend the following:
- 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.
- Get Professional Help – You will likely be given the opportunity to make phone calls after an arrest. Make sure your criminal defense attorney is the first one.
- 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.
- Collect Evidence for Your Defense – 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.
- 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.
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.
Why Choose Combs Waterkotte As Your Odessa, MO, Fraud Defense Lawyers
Our team of Odessa, 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.
Here are more reasons to choose us for your fraud lawyer:
- We have over 500 five-star reviews.
- We take the time to listen to you.
- 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 connect with an attorney.
5 Defenses We May Use in Your Fraud Case
Fraud accusations can be stressful, especially if you don’t have experience with the Odessa, MO, legal system. Your fraud lawyer can help you identify the best defense for your case.
Here are five possible strategies we may draw from:
- No Intent to Defraud – Perhaps you made a false statement, but believed it to be true at the time.
- Immaterial (Non-Fraudulent) False Statement – An immaterial false statement is generally not enough for a fraud conviction. If you lied about something inconsequential, it may not be enough to count as fraud.
- Lack of Victim Reliance – In some cases, a false statement does not reach the level of fraud, notably when the alleged victim wasn’t influenced by it. If the statements did not actually influence the alleged victim’s decision, your statements did not reach the level of fraud.
- Entraptment – if an undercover officer went too far in encouraging you to commit fraud, we can claim entrapment and build a defense around it.
- 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.
Need a Fraud Lawyer in Odessa, MO? Call Combs Waterkotte Now
Combs Waterkotte offers high-quality defenses for Odessa, MO, citizens facing criminal charges, from traffic tickets to felonies. When you call us, you’ll get direct attention from an experienced attorney.
Talk to a fraud lawyer in Odessa, MO, available 24/7 at (314) 900-HELP or use our online contact form to set up a private conversation with an attorney.
