Fraud Lawyer in Waverly, 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 need to call an adept Waverly, MO, criminal defense lawyer to get help.
Combs Waterkotte takes our clients’ freedom seriously and will fight to protect you against fraud accusations in Waverly, 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.
While you’re waiting, the the state is working on their case. Get protection from legal professionals.
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Today, we will go over:
- What makes a crime a ‘fraud crime;’
- The difference that a fraud lawyer can make while going through the justice system;
- Example offenses that are often labelled as ‘fraud’ in Waverly, MO;
- 5 steps you need to take if you’re charged with a fraud crime;
- How Combs Waterkotte sets itself apart in fraud cases;
- Different fraud charge defense strategies that you should discuss with your lawyer; and
- Where to get started with your Waverly, MO, fraud defense today.
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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 …
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What Crimes Count as Fraud in Waverly, MO?
Fraud crimes are white-collar crime cases where someone is accused of cheating another person by lying to them. It often consists of a person misrepresenting themselves in order to gain something, often for a financial benefit.
The three main elements that make a crime “fraud” are:
- The act of lying committed with intention
- In some way, the supposed offender gains an advantage from the deception
- The gain comes at the expense of someone else
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.
It is not fraud if you were mistaken about something and unintentionally deceived someone as a result. 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 Waverly, MO, Fraud Lawyer Can Do to Protect You
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. Don’t wait until charges are filed; while you wait, the prosecution is building the case against you.
You can expect this from your criminal defense attorney:
- Explanations of Statutes – Some laws are easy to understand, but not all of them. A fraud lawyer in Waverly, MO, can help you understand the ins and outs of the case against 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 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 – 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.
- 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.
- Court Representation – If your case reaches trial, your lawyer will present your case before a jury to show reasonable doubt. And if it comes to sentencing, they will advocate for leniency.
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 Waverly, 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
Waverly, 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.
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.
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 another alleged crime that can be charged on its own, but is frequently done alongside another alleged violation. For instance, writing a check for another person’s bank account, forging their signature, and using their ID in the process could result in charges of bank fraud, forgery, and identity theft.
The key identity theft statute in Waverly, 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.
Insurance Fraud
Insurance fraud can vary widely depending on the type of insurance and the alleged action. In some cases, it can be a doctor billing insurance for procedures that were never performed. In others, it could mean setting up a car crash to look like an accident, and receive a payout.
Missouri’s state statute § 375.991 RSMo is a comprehensive law on insurance fraud, naming several deceptive practices that are outlawed. In addition to prison sentences of up to seven years, the court is required to sentence someone to make restitution payments if they are convicted of breaking this law.
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.
Some wire fraud schemes are vast and complex, but others are relatively straightforward. An alleged advance-fee scam is technically wire fraud and can result in harsh penalties.
False Impersonation
False impersonation is technically different from fraud offenses, but people accused of fraud offenses are often also accused of false impersonation.
As described 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 Waverly, MO
There’s no fraud charge too big for the Waverly, MO, criminal defense lawyers at Combs Waterkotte. For example, we can help you fight any of the following:
- Welfare Fraud
- Medicare/Medicaid Fraud
- Mortgage Fraud
- Immigration Fraud
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5 Steps to Take After Being Accused of Fraud in Waverly, 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:
- 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 a Lawyer – A professional lawyer can help you understand the situation and the best paths forward. Call fast, before the situation gets worse.
- 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.
- Review Any Relevant Evidence – Evidence, such as documents, texts, photos, and data, can be crucial in building a strong defense.
- Plan a Trial-Ready Defense – No two cases are the same, and your lawyer should listen to you and create a defense that’s tailored to your situation.
There are no guaranteed outcomes in criminal court. But if you follow these steps and work with a reputable law firm like Combs Waterkotte, you’ll maximize your chances of a positive outcome.
What Sets Combs Waterkotte’s Fraud Defense Team Apart?
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 every client with individualized care.
- We won’t make false promises: We’ll take a realistic approach to your case.
- We’re available 24/7 if you need anything related to your case.
We’re prepared to take on everyone from the local prosecutor to the United States government – reach out today to connect with an attorney.
Fraud Defenses Your Lawyer Should Consider
Fraud accusations can be stressful, especially if you don’t have experience with the Waverly, MO, legal system. Your fraud lawyer can help you identify the best defense for your case.
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 – An immaterial false statement is generally not enough for a fraud conviction. If you lied about something inconsequential, it may not be enough to count as fraud.
- Victim Didn’t Rely on Your Statements – Fraud convictions require the alleged victim to have been significantly influenced by your statements. If your statement did not impact their choices, 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.
- 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 Waverly, 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.
Speak with a fraud lawyer in Waverly, MO, right away at (314) 900-HELP or send us a message online to set up a private conversation with an attorney.
