Fraud Lawyer in Polo, 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’ll need an expert Polo, MO, criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible.
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.
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
Today, you will learn about:
- What types of crime accusations count as fraud
- The role a fraud lawyer plays in defending you against charges;
- Common fraud charges in Polo, MO;
- Steps to take if you’re facing fraud accusations;
- How Combs Waterkotte sets itself apart in fraud cases;
- Defenses our attorneys use against fraud charges; and
- How to contact our Polo, 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.
The three main elements that make a crime “fraud” are:
- A lie (by commission or omission) told on purpose
- In some way, the supposed offender gains an advantage from the deception
- This benefit directly hurts another person
One example is a charity fraud. In this, a person reaches out pretending to represent a charitable organization, but instead keeps the money for themselves.
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. 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.
How a Fraud Lawyer Defends You Against Criminal Charges
Your fraud lawyer will be by your side from the first phone call, defending your rights and fighting for your freedom. Don’t wait until charges are filed; while you wait, the prosecution is building the case against you.
An expert can help you with the below:
- Breakdown of the Laws – There are many different fraud charges in Polo, MO, and the law isn’t always clear on its definitions. Your lawyer 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 Strategy – You need a proven criminal defense strategy, and an attorney can help you pick the right one.
- Advice on Managing Collateral Consequences – 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).
Find a lawyer that treats you like a person, not a case number. Combs Waterkotte’s Polo, MO, fraud lawyers will do just that.
Credit Card Fraud
§ 570.130 RSMo is the first statute that Missouri has regarding Credit card fraud. It restricts how a credit card can be used, mostly making it illegal to use one when you aren’t authorized to. It also makes it illegal to cancel a credit card payment for property taxes, even if you were authorized to make the payment in the first place. Breaking this law is typically only a class A misdemeanor, but can be elevated to a class E felony if the value is high enough.
The second credit card fraud statute in Missouri is § 570.135 RSMo. This makes it illegal to lie in order to get a credit/debit card, or use one that you know was obtained fraudulently. This offense is also a class A misdemeanor.
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.
§ 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. As a hypothetical, 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 Polo, 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.
Tax Fraud
Never take Tax fraud charges lightly. Tax fraud could mean being accused of intentional tax evasion, or it could mean failing to file a return.
Penalties can vary depending on what specific statute you’re accused of violating, and whether it’s charged at the state or federal level. Taking individual tax evasion as an example, a state charge can result in a 5 year prison sentence and a $10,000 fine, while a federal charge can result in a 5 year prison sentence and a $100,000 fine.
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.
18 U.S.C. § 1343 is the federal statute covering wire fraud. Penalties for a conviction go up to 20 years in prison, or 30 years if a financial institution or federal disaster relief funds were involved. The end sentence is usually determined using §2B1.1 sentencing guidelines.
False Impersonation
False impersonation is not in and of itself a fraud offense, but is often charged alongside fraud charges.
As described in § 575.120 RSMo, false impersonation is when a person allegedly either pretends to be a government official, pretends to hold a professional license, or lies about their identity to the police after being arrested. 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 Polo, MO, That We Can Help Fight
Combs Waterkotte is prepared to build your defense in Polo, MO, whatever you’ve been accused of. Here are some more common charges we can help you with:
- Welfare Fraud
- Medicare/Medicaid Fraud
- Mortgage Fraud
- Immigration Fraud
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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:
- 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.”
- 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 – There are many benefits to posting bail. Pre-trial release can give you a chance to breathe while you build your defense.
- Collect Evidence for Your Defense – Evidence, such as documents, texts, photos, and data, can be crucial in building a strong defense.
- Build a Defense Plan With Your Attorney – You’re not alone; an attorney can help you find the best outcome possible for your unique circumstances.
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.
Set Your Case Up for a Positive Outcome: Contact Combs Waterkotte
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 Polo, MO, court system.
Don’t settle for second best. Here’s more of what sets us apart:
- We have a reputation for excellence.
- We take the time to listen to you.
- We offer flexible payment plans.
- We make it easy to get a hold of us if you have a question or need an update on your case.
If you’re facing charges, we’re ready to help – reach out today to get the legal help you need.
Fraud Defenses Your Lawyer Should Consider
The defensive strategy your Polo, 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.
Here are five possible strategies we may draw from:
- 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 – If you made an opinion-based or vague statement that didn’t hold much weight, we can challenge whether it was enough to qualify as fraud.
- Lack of Victim Reliance – To be fraud, your statement must have impacted the alleged victim’s decision. If the statements did not actually influence the alleged victim’s decision, 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.
- 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 Polo, MO? Call Combs Waterkotte Right Away
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.
Start building your defense with a fraud lawyer in Polo, MO, right away at (314) 900-HELP or tell us what you need online to start building your defense.
