Fraud Lawyer in Peculiar, MO. Being accused of fraud may sound manageable at first, but these cases only get more complicated. They often involve large amounts of complex records, expert testimony, and intricate relationships. These accusations need to be taken seriously, and to defend against them, you need to call an experienced Peculiar, MO, criminal defense lawyer to get help.
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.
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Peculiar, MO, Fraud Lawyer: Page Summary
Below, you will learn about:
- What sets fraud charges apart from other criminal accusations
- How a fraud lawyer can help when you’re accused;
- Common fraud charges in Peculiar, MO;
- 5 steps you need to take if you’re charged with a fraud crime;
- Why Combs Waterkotte is Peculiar, MO’s leading fraud defense law firm;
- Examples of fraud charge defense strategies; and
- How to contact our Peculiar, MO, fraud attorneys 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 Are Fraud Crimes?
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:
- The act of lying committed with intention
- The act benefits the alleged offender
- 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.
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.
The Role of a Fraud Lawyer in Peculiar, MO
Having a fraud lawyer to defend you is essential when navigating the Peculiar, MO, court system. Don’t wait until charges are filed; while you wait, the prosecution is building the case against you.
When you work with a fraud lawyer, you’re getting the following:
- Breakdown of the Laws – Fraud cases in Peculiar, MO, tend to be complicated. They often involve multiple alleged statute violations. Your lawyer can help you understand the strengths and weaknesses of the case against you.
- Advice During Questioning – 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 Plan Development – Choosing the right criminal defense strategy can make all the difference for your case. Your lawyer can give you insights into what’s best for you.
- 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.
- 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 – 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.
Combs Waterkotte is ready to take your case in Peculiar, 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 Peculiar, 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 Peculiar, 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 can be closely related to credit card fraud, and in some cases is even covered by the same statues (for example, if there was a debit card involved). However, bank fraud is also covered by its own broad statute.
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 instance, using another person’s information to apply for a credit card would count as both credit card fraud 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.
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.
§ 375.991 RSMo covers all sorts of insurance fraud in Missouri, including auto, health, life, property, and more. 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 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.
Additional Fraud Charges in Peculiar, MO
Combs Waterkotte is Missouri’s leading fraud defense law firm, and is prepared to take your case in Peculiar, MO. In addition to the above, we can help fight the following fraud charges:
- Welfare Fraud
- Medicare/Medicaid Fraud
- Mortgage Fraud
- Immigration Fraud
- Mail Fraud
Free book
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
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:
- Plead the Fifth – All you have to do is say “I am invoking my right to remain silent and would like to speak with my lawyer.”
- Call Your Peculiar, MO, Fraud Lawyer – The first call after an arrest should be your defense attorney. They can help you manage interviews and will all of the following steps.
- Secure Pre-Trial Release – Posting bail and securing pre-trial release gives you the flexibility to help build your defense.
- Gather Evidence WITHOUT Tampering – Fraud cases often involve high amounts of paperwork and other evidence. Preserve whatever you can and share it with your lawyer.
- Tell Your Attorney Your Side of the Story – No two cases are the same, and your lawyer should listen to you and create a defense that’s tailored to your situation.
It’s impossible to perfectly predict the outcome of a case. 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 Peculiar, 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 Peculiar, MO, court system.
We are dedicated to our clients, and take pride in offering comprehensive legal services to Peculiar:
- We have a reputation for excellence.
- We treat you like a person, not a paycheck.
- 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.
Our clients are our motivation to fight in court – send us a note now 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 Peculiar, 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 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 – 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.
- Victim Didn’t Rely on Your Statements – 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, the law does not consider it to be fraud.
- Lack of Evidence It’s on the prosecution to prove the case against you. If they don’t have strong enough evidence, we will argue that they failed to provide proof beyond a reasonable doubt.
- Wrong Person Accused – It’s possible that the victim really did experience fraud, but it was at someone else’s hand.
Get Experience on Your Side. 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 help from a fraud lawyer in Peculiar, MO, available 24/7 at (314) 900-HELP or connect with us online to set up a private conversation with an attorney.
