Fraud Lawyer in Pleasant Valley, MO. Missouri doesn’t have a particular law dedicated to “fraud.” Instead, fraud is considered a category of laws that refer to certain types of theft – specifically, non-violent offenses where the supposed offender used deception to allegedly trick another person. You can’t take these charges lightly, and to protect yourself against them, you need to call an expert Pleasant Valley, MO, criminal defense lawyer.
Combs Waterkotte takes our clients’ freedom seriously and will fight to protect you against fraud accusations in Pleasant Valley, 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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Here, you can read about:
- What makes a crime a ‘fraud crime;’
- The difference that a fraud lawyer can make while going through the justice system;
- The types of charges that fall under the ‘fraud’ category in Pleasant Valley, MO;
- Steps to take if you’re facing fraud accusations;
- How Combs Waterkotte sets itself apart in fraud cases;
- Different fraud charge defense strategies that you should discuss with your lawyer; and
- How to talk to a fraud lawyer in Pleasant Valley, MO, 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.
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 Pleasant Valley, MO?
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.
A crime accusation is considered “fraud” if it fits the following criteria:
- The act of lying committed with intention
- The act is done in order to gain something
- On the other end of the alleged fraud, someone is left with a loss
Romance scams are a popular form of online fraud. In them, an alleged perpetrator feigns affection for the alleged victim to later ask them for money or other favors.
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.
Professional Help That a Fraud Lawyer Can Provide in Pleasant Valley, MO
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.
Here’s what they can provide for you:
- Explanations of Laws – Some laws are easy to understand, but not all of them. A fraud lawyer in Pleasant Valley, MO, can help you understand the ins and outs of the case against you.
- Help During Interrogations – 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.
- Trial-Ready Defense – 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.
Find a lawyer that treats you like a person, not a case number. Combs Waterkotte’s Pleasant Valley, MO, fraud lawyers will do just that.
Credit Card Fraud
Credit card fraud isn’t a single crime in Pleasant Valley, 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.
Credit card fraud cases in Pleasant Valley, MO, can also involve § 570.135 RSMo, which is also a class A misdemeanor. This law has less to do with the literal unauthorized use of a credit card, and more to do with how a credit card was gotten. Lying on an application, using someone else’s ID without their permission, or carrying a credit card that was obtained in either of these ways is a violation of this statute.
Bank Fraud
Pleasant Valley, 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 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, 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.
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 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.
Other Fraud Charges Our Lawyers Defend in Pleasant Valley, MO
There’s no fraud charge too big for the Pleasant Valley, MO, criminal defense lawyers at Combs Waterkotte. In addition to the above, we can help fight the following fraud charges:
- 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.
How to Handle Fraud Accusations in Pleasant Valley, 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:
- Stay Silent in Interviews – 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 Pleasant Valley, MO, Fraud Lawyer – 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 and securing pre-trial release gives you the flexibility to help build your defense.
- Look for Exculpatory Evidence – Evidence, such as documents, texts, photos, and data, can be crucial in building a strong defense.
- 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.
Going to trial is always a risk. But taking some practical steps sets your case up for the right law firm to guide you the rest of the way.
Combs Waterkotte: Expert Fraud Defense in Pleasant Valley, MO
Our team of Pleasant Valley, 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.
When you work with us, you can look forward to the following:
- We are well regarded by former clients.
- We take the time to listen to you.
- We are always honest when evaluating your case.
- We’re available 24/7 if you need anything related to your case.
Our clients are our motivation to fight in court – 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 Valley, MO, fraud lawyer will take the time to listen to your story and develop a defense based around it.
Your fraud defense might look like one of these:
- Lack of Intent/Good Faith – Perhaps you made a false statement, but believed it to be true at the time.
- Immaterial (Non-Fraudulent) False Statement – 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 – 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.
- 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
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 Pleasant Valley, MO, today at (314) 900-HELP or tell us what you need online to set up a free, confidential consultation.
