Fraud Lawyer in Trimble, 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, it’s critical to reach out to an accomplished Trimble, MO, criminal defense lawyer right away.
If you need help fighting these charges in Trimble, MO, you need Combs Waterkotte. Our firm is built on our pride in giving every client a high-quality defense, and we will not rest until you get the justice you deserve. Call us at (314) 900-HELP or sent us a note online today to get started.
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Trimble, MO, Fraud Lawyer: Page Summary
On this page, you will learn about:
- What sets fraud charges apart from other criminal accusations
- The role a fraud lawyer plays in defending you against charges;
- Example offenses that are often labelled as ‘fraud’ in Trimble, MO;
- 5 steps you need to take if you’re charged with a fraud crime;
- How Combs Waterkotte sets itself apart in fraud cases;
- 5 strong defenses that our lawyers use in fraud cases; and
- How to talk to a fraud lawyer in Trimble, 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 Are Fraud Crimes?
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.
A crime accusation is considered “fraud” if it fits the following criteria:
- The act of lying committed with intention
- The act benefits the alleged offender
- The alleged victim experiences some sort of loss
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.
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.
Professional Help That a Fraud Lawyer Can Provide in Trimble, MO
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 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 Case – There are many different fraud charges in Trimble, MO, and the law isn’t always clear on its definitions. Your lawyer can break it down for you.
- Guidance Through Interviews – 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 – There can be several collateral consequences of an accusation, even before a verdict. Your lawyer can help you manage them.
- Plea Bargaining Assistance – Most cases end in plea deals. If you get an offer, your lawyer can help you decide whether to take it or to push for something better.
- Defense Before a Jury – Not every case reaches trial, but if yours does, your attorney will argue against the prosecution and for your innocence.
Your lawyer should listen to your side of the story, and your defense should be tailored to you. Combs Waterkotte embodies this philosophy for all of our Trimble, MO, clients. We fight to find the best outcome in your case, and won’t stop until you get the justice you deserve.
Credit Card Fraud
There are two statutes that discuss credit card fraud in Missouri: The first, § 570.130 RSMo, sets restrictions on how a credit card can be used. For example, it outlaws the use of a credit card that does not belong to you without permission. The maximum penalty depends on the amount that the user allegedly spent with the card: Less than $750 (in a 30-day period) is a class A misdemeanor with up to a year in jail and $2,000 in fines. Any more than that is a class E felony, which can be punished by up to four years in prison and $10,000 in fines.
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 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 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 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.
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 a federal crime rather than a state crime. Federal charges are particularly challenging to fight because federal prosecutors have extensive resources, and government investigations often go on for months before charges are filed. It’s critical to work with an experienced criminal defense attorney to fight these charges.
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.
Securities Fraud
Securities fraud is split across a few different statutes in Missouri, most notably: § 575.120 RSMo, which defines it as lying to someone about an investment in order to take their money away, and § 409.5-508 RSMo which defines the penalties.
As with other criminal convictions, you can face prison time and fines, but with these charges, you can also face major career and financial penalties. If convicted, you could face up to ten years in prison and $1 million in fines, and be up against career-ending restrictions once you’re released.
Additional Fraud Charges in Trimble, MO
Your fraud lawyer from Combs Waterkotte will fight against the full range of fraud charges in Trimble, 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.
Facing Fraud Charges? Follow These Guidelines
You probably guessed that it’s important to contact an attorney if you’re accused of fraud, but that’s not the only thing you should do. Set yourself up for success by properly handling interviews and laying the groundwork for your defense strategy:
- Don’t Answer Police Questions – You are not required to answer any police questions without your lawyer present. Politely decline and request to speak with your attorney.
- Call Your Trimble, MO, Fraud Lawyer – A professional lawyer can help you understand the situation and the best paths forward. Call fast, before the situation gets worse.
- Ask for Conditional Release – 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.
- 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 – It’s your lawyer’s job to present the best defense possible for your case, and build a strategy based on your story.
It’s impossible to perfectly predict the outcome of a case. 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: Trimble, MO’s Leading Fraud Lawyers
You deserve a high-quality defense. Combs Waterkotte can give you that. Our team understands how the prosecution builds its case against you, and will look for weaknesses to exploit.
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 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 – send us a note now to have a lawyer work on your case.
Fraud Defenses Your Lawyer Should Consider
Fraud accusations can be stressful, especially if you don’t have experience with the Trimble, MO, legal system. Your fraud lawyer can help you identify the best defense for your case.
Below are five common strategies that are effective in fraud cases:
- No Intent to Defraud – Perhaps you made a false statement, but believed it to be true at the time.
- Statement Was Not Fraudulent – 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.
- Victim Didn’t Rely on Your Statements – 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, the law does not consider it to be 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.
- Mistaken Identity – It’s possible that the victim really did experience fraud, but it was at someone else’s hand.
You Need a Reputable Trimble, MO, Fraud Lawyer. Call Combs Waterkotte Today
Combs Waterkotte offers high-quality defenses for Trimble, MO, citizens facing criminal charges, from traffic tickets to felonies. When you call us, you’ll get direct attention from an experienced attorney.
Get in touch with a fraud lawyer in Trimble, MO, at any time at (314) 900-HELP or connect with us online to set up a free, confidential consultation.
