Fraud Lawyer in Pleasant Hill, 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. Fighting these charges effectively is a tall order, and to defend against them, you need to call an experienced Pleasant Hill, MO, criminal defense lawyer.
Combs Waterkotte takes our clients’ freedom seriously and will fight to protect you against fraud accusations in Pleasant Hill, 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.
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Today, we will go over:
- What makes a crime a ‘fraud crime;’
- The role a fraud lawyer plays in defending you against charges;
- Common fraud charges in Pleasant Hill, MO;
- Your next steps after being accused of fraud;
- How Combs Waterkotte sets itself apart in fraud cases;
- Defenses our attorneys use against fraud charges; and
- Where to get started with your Pleasant Hill, MO, fraud defense today.
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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.
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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 …
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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 Pleasant Hill, 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.
When trying to determine if an alleged crime counts as “fraud,” look for the following:
- An intentional act of deception
- The act benefits the alleged offender
- 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.
The Role of a Fraud Lawyer in Pleasant Hill, MO
Your fraud lawyer will be by your side from the first phone call, defending your rights and fighting for your freedom. If you have any reason to suspect you’re being investigated for fraud, reach out to your attorney immediately.
You can expect this from your criminal defense attorney:
- 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.
- Assistance During Police Interactions – 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 Strategy – You need a proven criminal defense strategy, and an attorney can help you pick the right one.
- Guidance for Your Reputation – 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.
- Relationships in Court – Negotiation is a key part of criminal defense. You need a lawyer who knows how to work with the district attorney.
- Trial-Ready Defense – Trials can be one of the most difficult situations for a person to go through. Your lawyer will help guide you through, from opening arguments to the verdict (or sentencing, if needed).
On your own, you’re in a tough spot against the Pleasant Hill, 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 isn’t a single crime in Pleasant Hill, 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..
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.
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 another alleged crime that can be charged on its own, but is frequently done alongside another alleged violation. For instance, using another person’s information to apply for a credit card would count as both credit card fraud 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.
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.
Sometimes, a wire fraud scheme can arise out of a legitimate transaction. For example, if a person was looking to make a down payment on a house, and a hacker sent a false money request pretending to work for the realtor, the hacker could be charged with wire fraud.
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.
These accusations have serious consequences in both the legal and personal realms. State convictions can result in up to ten years behind bars and $1 million in fines, in addition to major restitution penalties for the alleged victims.
Other Fraud Charges Our Lawyers Defend in Pleasant Hill, MO
Combs Waterkotte is Missouri’s leading fraud defense law firm, and is prepared to take your case in Pleasant Hill, MO. For example, we can help you fight any of the following:
- 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.
What to Do If You’ve Been Accused of Fraud
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 Talk to Investigators – 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.
- Request Release From Jail – 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.
- 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.
- Build a Defense Plan With Your Attorney – Your defense attorney will listen to your story, discuss defense strategies, and work with you to create a strong case in your favor.
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.
Combs Waterkotte: Pleasant Hill, MO’s Leading Fraud Lawyers
Our team of Pleasant Hill, 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 Pleasant Hill:
- We have a stellar reputation with former clients.
- We are focused on you as a person, not just your case.
- We make quality defense affordable.
- We have representatives ready for your call during evenings and weekends, because arrests can happen outside of regular business hours.
If you’re facing charges, we’re ready to help – reach out today to get the legal help you need.
5 Defenses We May Use in Your Fraud Case
Picking a defense for your fraud case isn’t as simple as selecting an option from a list. Your Pleasant Hill, MO, fraud lawyer will take the time to listen to your story and develop a defense based around it.
Here are some examples that your lawyer might recommend:
- No Intent to Defraud – Perhaps you made a false statement, but believed it to be true at the time.
- Immaterial (Non-Fraudulent) False Statement – 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.
- Lack of Victim Reliance – Fraud convictions require the alleged victim to have been significantly influenced by your statements. If they made their decision for entirely other reasons, your statements did not reach the level of fraud.
- False Accusations – If a business deal was legitimate, but didn’t work out, a partner with hard feelings could make a false accusation of fraud. We can build cases designed to cast doubt on the supposed victim’s motives.
- 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.
Don’t Wait. Get Help From an Expert Fraud Lawyer in Pleasant Hill, MO 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.
Speak with a fraud lawyer in Pleasant Hill, MO, right away at (314) 900-HELP or use our online contact form to request a confidential, no-strings case review.
