Fraud Lawyer in Riverside, 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, you need to call an expert Riverside, MO, criminal defense lawyer to get help.
Combs Waterkotte takes our clients’ freedom seriously and will fight to protect you against fraud accusations in Riverside, 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.
Cases Handled
Over 10,000
Jail Days Saved
Over 1 Million
Google Reviews
500+ Perfect
Legal Experience
100+ Years
On This Page
Here, you can read about:
- What makes a crime a ‘fraud crime;’
- The role a fraud lawyer plays in defending you against charges;
- Common fraud charges in Riverside, MO;
- Steps to take if you’re facing fraud accusations;
- Why your Riverside, MO, fraud lawyer should be someone from Combs Waterkotte;
- Defenses our attorneys use against fraud charges; and
- How to talk to a fraud lawyer in Riverside, MO, 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 Sets Fraud Charges Apart From Other Accusations in Riverside, MO?
Fraud cases are a subset of white-collar crimes where a person allegedly uses deception to relieve another person of their valuables. This doesn’t have to be money, though, or even a physical object; in some cases, you can be accused of fraud for allegedly tricking someone out of services.
“Fraud” crimes have the following three things in common:
- An intentional act of deception
- The act is done in order to gain something
- The alleged victim experiences some sort of 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.
Intention plays a key role in fraud allegations. Without intent to defraud someone, an action is generally 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.
How a Fraud Lawyer Defends You Against Criminal Charges
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 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:
- Breakdown of the Case – Fraud cases in Riverside, MO, tend to be complicated. They often involve multiple alleged statute violations. Your lawyer can help you understand the strengths and weaknesses 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 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.
- Connections Within the State – Many cases’ success depends on relationships with local prosecutors. This can help secure favorable plea deals that protect your life.
- Court Representation – 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 Riverside, 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.
In Riverside, MO, you can also face credit card fraud allegations under § 570.135 RSMo. This has less to do with how a credit card is used, and more with how it was obtained in the first place. Lying to get a fraudulent card (or possessing one that you know was obtained fraudulently) is illegal under this statute, and is made 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 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.
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
Tax fraud charges always need to be taken seriously in Riverside, MO. 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 may sound like a complicated crime, but it isn’t always. The federal government defines wire fraud as the use of wire (including the internet), radio, or television to send false messages, intending to take someone’s money.
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 covered under its own statute, but people accused of fraud offenses are often also accused of false impersonation.
As outlined in § 575.120 RSMo, false impersonation is one of three things: 1. Pretending to be a government official, 2. Pretending to be a licensed professional (like a doctor), or 3. Misrepresenting who you are to a police officer, after being placed 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.
Additional Fraud Charges in Riverside, MO
There’s no fraud charge too big for the Riverside, 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
Free book
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
As soon as you’re accused of fraud, it’s important to take proper steps to protect yourself. We recommend the following:
- Stay Silent in Interviews – You have the right to remain silent, and should use it during any police interviews.
- 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.
- Post Bail – Posting bail and securing pre-trial release gives you the flexibility to help build 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.
- Plan a Trial-Ready Defense – You’re not alone; an attorney can help you find the best outcome possible for your unique circumstances.
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.
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 Riverside, MO, court system.
When you work with us, you can look forward to the following:
- We have over 500 five-star reviews.
- We are focused on you as a person, not just your case.
- We are always honest when evaluating your case.
- We have representatives ready for your call during evenings and weekends, because arrests can happen outside of regular business hours.
We’re prepared to take on everyone from the local prosecutor to the United States government – contact us now to have a lawyer work on your case.
Fraud Defenses to Discuss With Your Lawyer
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 Riverside, MO, will take the time to pick the right one for you.
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.
- 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 – To be fraud, your statement must have impacted the alleged victim’s decision. If they made their decision for entirely other reasons, your statements did not reach the level of fraud.
- Entraptment – if an undercover officer went too far in encouraging you to commit fraud, we can claim entrapment and build a defense around it.
- Non-Participant – 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.
Start Protecting Your Rights With Combs Waterkotte Right Away
This isn’t a time to settle for “good enough.” WIth your future and freedom on the line, you need an expert Riverside, MO, fraud defense attorney. You need someone who will listen to you. You need Combs Waterkotte.
Get in touch with a fraud lawyer in Riverside, MO, available 24/7 at (314) 900-HELP or tell us about your case online to set up a free, confidential consultation.
