Fraud Lawyer in Platte Woods, MO. Fraud charges aren’t something you want to handle on your own. These laws are complex, and these cases can be very convoluted. You can’t take these charges lightly, and to defend against them, you’ll need an experienced Platte Woods, MO, criminal defense lawyer right away.
Combs Waterkotte takes our clients’ freedom seriously and will fight to protect you against fraud accusations in Platte Woods, 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. Get protection from legal professionals.
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Here, we will go over:
- What types of crime accusations count as fraud
- How a fraud lawyer can help when you’re accused;
- Example offenses that are often labelled as ‘fraud’ in Platte Woods, MO;
- Your next steps after being accused of fraud;
- Why your Platte Woods, MO, fraud lawyer should be someone from Combs Waterkotte;
- Different fraud charge defense strategies that you should discuss with your lawyer; and
- How to talk to a fraud lawyer in Platte Woods, MO, today.
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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 …
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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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What Sets Fraud Charges Apart From Other Accusations in Platte Woods, 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.
A crime accusation is considered “fraud” if it fits the following criteria:
- An intentional act of deception
- The act is done in order to gain something
- The gain comes at the expense of someone else
Online shopping scams are a frequent encounter in the internet age – in these, a website sells products or services that allegedly don’t fulfill their promises to customers, while still taking their money.
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 Platte Woods, 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. If you have any reason to suspect you’re being investigated for fraud, reach out to your attorney immediately.
Here’s what they can provide for you:
- Explanations of Charges – Some Missouri statutes are ambiguous and hard to understand. Fraud is no exception, but your attorney can break it down for 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.
- Defensive Investigation – Investigation isn’t just for the state: A leading criminal defense firm will offer investigative services to find exculpatory evidence.
- Advice on Managing Collateral Consequences – 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.
- Representation at Trial – Not every case reaches trial, but if yours does, your attorney will argue against the prosecution and for your innocence.
Find a lawyer that treats you like a person, not a case number. Combs Waterkotte’s Platte Woods, MO, fraud lawyers will do just that.
Credit Card Fraud
Credit card fraud isn’t a single crime in Platte Woods, 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.
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..
In some cases, both of the above statutes are charged together. Your lawyer needs to be someone who knows how to handle multiple charges at once.
Bank Fraud
Platte Woods, MO bank fraud cases can vary widely in scope, but all have to do with lying to a financial institution in some form or another.
§ 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 another alleged crime that can be charged on its own, but is frequently done alongside another alleged violation. For example, 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.
The key identity theft statute in Platte Woods, 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 covers a wide range of deceptive practices. In some cases, it can mean allegedly lying on an insurance application. In others, it could mean setting up a car crash to look like an accident, and receive a payout.
§ 375.991 RSMo outlaws several fraudulent insurance acts, including ‘unbundling,’ ‘upcoding,’ ‘exploding,’ and ‘duplicating.’ 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 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.
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.
False Impersonation
False impersonation is not in and of itself a fraud offense, but people accused of fraud offenses are often also accused of false impersonation.
As outlined in § 575.120 RSMo, false impersonation is when a person pretends to have official authority (like a government job) and uses that authority to either perform an action or convince others to take actions. It can also be a person lying to the police about who they are after being put under arrest. On its own, this charge will only result in six months in jail (or one year, if you allegedly impersonated a police officer). But if the court decides to sentence you consecutively, you could be facing that as an addition to an already lengthy prison term.
More Common Fraud Charges in Platte Woods, MO, That We Can Help Fight
Combs Waterkotte is Missouri’s leading fraud defense law firm, and is prepared to take your case in Platte Woods, 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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5 Steps to Take After Being Accused of Fraud in Platte Woods, 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 Answer Police Questions – When you plead the fifth, be respectful but firm, then ask to see a lawyer.
- 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.
- Secure Pre-Trial Release – There are many benefits to posting bail. Pre-trial release can give you a chance to breathe while you build your defense.
- Look for Exculpatory Evidence – 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.
When you’re first accused, it’s easy to feel lost. But taking some practical steps sets your case up for the right law firm to guide you the rest of the way.
Set Your Case Up for a Positive Outcome: Contact Combs Waterkotte
At Combs Waterkotte, we believe that a proper defense starts with the person at the center of it: You. We’ve helped over thousands of clients make it through the most difficult time in their lives, and bring a client centered approach to every case.
When you work with us, you can look forward to the following:
- We have a reputation for excellence.
- We treat every client with individualized care.
- We offer flexible payment plans.
- We have representatives ready for your call during evenings and weekends, because arrests can happen outside of regular business hours.
We help good people in bad situations – reach out today to start your defense right away.
5 Defenses We May Use in Your Fraud Case
The defensive strategy your Platte Woods, MO, fraud attorney uses can make all the difference in your case’s outcome. We don’t take strategy lightly – we collaborate with you to find the best option.
Your fraud defense might look like one of these:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 they made their decision for entirely other reasons, you did not defraud them.
- Evidentiary Issues – If the state violated your rights or chain of custody while gathering evidence, we can fight to have it suppressed.
- Wrong Person Accused – Perhaps another person was impersonating you while committing the fraud, and the state is accusing the wrong person.
You Need an Experienced Team. Call Combs Waterkotte Today
This isn’t a time to settle for “good enough.” WIth your future and freedom on the line, you need an expert Platte Woods, MO, fraud defense attorney. You need someone who will listen to you. You need Combs Waterkotte.
Speak with a fraud lawyer in Platte Woods, MO, right away at (314) 900-HELP or use our online contact form to set up a free, confidential consultation.
