Fraud Lawyer in Rayville, 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. These accusations need to be taken seriously, and to protect your rights, it’s critical to reach out to an accomplished Rayville, MO, criminal defense lawyer.
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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On This Page
On this page, we will go over:
- What types of crime accusations count as fraud
- The role a fraud lawyer plays in defending you against charges;
- Common fraud charges in Rayville, MO;
- Your next steps after being accused of fraud;
- What sets Combs Waterkotte apart as leading fraud lawyers in Rayville, MO;
- Different fraud charge defense strategies that you should discuss with your lawyer; and
- How to talk to a fraud lawyer in Rayville, MO, today.
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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 …
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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 …
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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What Crimes Count as Fraud in Rayville, 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.
“Fraud” crimes have the following three things in common:
- A lie (by commission or omission) told on purpose
- The act benefits the alleged offender
- On the other end of the alleged fraud, someone is left with a loss
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.
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. 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.
What Your Rayville, MO, Fraud Lawyer Can Do to Protect You
Having a fraud lawyer to defend you is essential when navigating the Rayville, MO, court system. If you have any reason to suspect you’re being investigated for fraud, reach out to your attorney immediately.
When you work with a fraud lawyer, you’re getting the following:
- Breakdown of the Statutes – Some laws are easy to understand, but not all of them. A fraud lawyer in Rayville, MO, can help you understand the ins and outs of the case against you.
- Help During Interrogations – It’s possible that you’ll find yourself wanted for questioning because of an alleged violation. Your lawyer can help you navigate police tactics and preserve your freedom.
- 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.
- Negotiating Skills – Most criminal cases end in a plea bargain. Your attorney can help you negotiate a favorable one.
- Court Representation – Not every case reaches trial, but if yours does, your attorney will argue against the prosecution and for your innocence.
On your own, you’re in a tough spot against the Rayville, 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
Rayville, MO, credit card fraud cases typically fall into one of two categories, depending on the statute in question. § 570.130 RSMo is the Missouri state statute that mostly covers the illegal use of a credit card, depending on whether or not you had permission to use it. It specifically states that forged, stolen, revoked, and cancelled cards cannot be used. It also makes it a crime to use a credit card (regardless of its legitimacy) to pay property taxes then cancel it without a good reason. Any of these actions is typically a class A misdemeanor, but this can be increased to a class E felony if $750 or more was used in a 30-day period.
Credit card fraud cases in Rayville, 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.
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
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 often charged alongside other fraud crimes. 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.
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.
Tax Fraud
Sometimes, an honest mistake is enough to be accused of Tax fraud. Both the IRS and the Missouri Department of Revenue treat these charges harshly, and you could face years in prison and/or thousands of dollars in fines after a conviction.
Missouri has an expansive tax code, with different sections for different types of taxes. Both individuals and organizations can be charged with tax fraud, and it’s important to work with an attorney who understands your specific circumstances.
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.
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.
Additional Fraud Charges in Rayville, MO
Combs Waterkotte is Missouri’s leading fraud defense law firm, and is prepared to take your case in Rayville, MO. In addition to the above, we can help fight the following fraud charges:
- Welfare Fraud
- Medicare/Medicaid Fraud
- Mortgage Fraud
- Immigration 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
Fraud accusations are very serious, and if you’re facing any, you need to know your next steps. You’ll need to contact a fraud lawyer as soon as possible, but in the meantime, don’t forget the following:
- Stay Silent in Interviews – When you plead the fifth, be respectful but firm, then ask to see a lawyer.
- Get a Lawyer – The sooner you bring in your lawyer, the more time they’ll have to develop a strong legal defense.
- Request Release From Jail – You’ll likely be given an opportunity to post bail. This is almost always a good idea, as it secures your freedom while your case progresses.
- Look for Exculpatory Evidence – Avoiding a not guilty verdict in a fraud case can come down to who has the strongest evidence. Gather any records you have, and avoid taking any actions that could look like tampering.
- Tell Your Attorney Your Side of the Story – It’s your lawyer’s job to present the best defense possible for your case, and build a strategy based on your story.
Going to trial is always a risk. 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.
Set Your Case Up for a Positive Outcome: Contact Combs Waterkotte
We’ve helped clients avoid over 1 million days in jail, negotiated countless favorable plea deals, and successfully fought for “not guilty” verdicts at trial. We want to bring that tradition of success to your case.
Here are more reasons to choose us for your fraud lawyer:
- We have a stellar reputation with former clients.
- We treat you like a person, not a case number.
- We won’t make false promises: We’ll take a realistic approach to your case.
- We make it easy to get a hold of us if you have a question or need an update on your case.
We help good people in bad situations – contact us now to connect with an attorney.
5 Defenses We May Use in Your Fraud Case
We take the time to listen to your story, investigate and learn about your case, and then craft a defense based on what will work best for you. There are many overarching strategies to draw from, and a fraud lawyer in Rayville, MO, will take the time to pick the right one for you.
Here are some examples that your lawyer might recommend:
- Lack of Knowledge – In some cases, we can argue that you made a faulty claim unintentionally, and thus had no intent to commit fraud.
- 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 – In some cases, a false statement does not reach the level of fraud, notably when the alleged victim wasn’t influenced by it. If your statement did not impact their choices, you did not defraud them.
- 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 – Somtimes, larger fraud conspiracies can appear to involve people who aren’t participating in the scheme. If you were swept up unintentionally, we can use this to build a defensive narrative.
Need a Fraud Lawyer in Rayville, MO? Call Combs Waterkotte Today
Combs Waterkotte is determined to deliver a positive outcome for clients, no matter what their situation is. We will look at your case, evaluate its unique circumstances, and give you honest advice on what is achievable for your defense.
Get in touch with a fraud lawyer in Rayville, MO, available 24/7 at (314) 900-HELP or connect with us online to set up a private conversation with an attorney.
