Fraud Lawyer in Weatherby Lake, 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. You can’t take these charges lightly, and to maximize your chance of a positive outcome, you need to call an expert Weatherby Lake, MO, criminal defense lawyer.
When you’re in a bad situation, Combs Waterkotte is here to help you out of it. We are a dedicated law firm with over 100 years of combined legal experience, and we want to give you a high-quality, trial-ready legal defense. When you call us, you’ll get to talk with an attorney about your charges and the best way to handle them, no matter what they are and when you need help. Reach out now at (314) 900-HELP or tell us about your case online to get started.
Don’t wait until the prosecution has already built a case against you. Call now to protect your freedom.
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On This Page
Today, we will go over:
- What makes a crime a ‘fraud crime;’
- How a fraud lawyer can help when you’re accused;
- Common fraud charges in Weatherby Lake, MO;
- 5 steps you need to take if you’re charged with a fraud crime;
- Why Combs Waterkotte is Weatherby Lake, MO’s leading fraud defense law firm;
- Examples of fraud charge defense strategies; and
- How to contact our Weatherby Lake, MO, fraud attorneys today.
Legal Videos
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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 Makes a Crime ‘Fraud’ in Weatherby Lake, MO?
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.
When trying to determine if an alleged crime counts as “fraud,” look for the following:
- An action taken to deceive another person
- The act is done in order to gain something
- On the other end of the alleged fraud, someone is left with a loss
Online shopping scams are a frequent encounter in the internet age – in these, a website sells products or services that allegedly don’t fulfill their promises to customers, while still taking their money.
Intention plays a key role in fraud allegations. Without intent to defraud someone, an action is generally not considered fraud. A vacation fraud is an interesting example: A common example of this fraud would be a person booking a premium vacation package, but finding an inferior room once they arrive. If the proper accommodations were never there to begin with, that would be fraud. But if a plumbing problem damaged the original room and rendered it inoperable, that would not count as fraud.
How a Fraud Lawyer Defends You Against Criminal Charges
Having a fraud lawyer to defend you is essential when navigating the Weatherby Lake, MO, court system. If you have any reason to suspect you’re being investigated for fraud, reach out to your attorney immediately.
An expert can help you with the below:
- Breakdown of the Case – Some laws are easy to understand, but not all of them. A fraud lawyer in Weatherby Lake, MO, can help you understand the ins and outs of the case against you.
- Guidance Through Interviews – On your own, a police interrogation can be intimidating. Working with a lawyer gives you professional protection.
- 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.
- Reputation Management – 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.
- Representation at Trial – 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.
On your own, you’re in a tough spot against the Weatherby Lake, 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
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.
In Weatherby Lake, 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, similar to credit card fraud, is defined by multiple statutes in Missouri, depending on the specific actions involved. However, in this case, there is one main statute that defines bank fraud.
The main bank fraud statute in Missouri is § 570.148 RSMo. This law makes it a crime to try to trick a bank into giving you money that you’re not supposed to. Depending on the amount and other circumstances, a conviction can be anything from a class B misdemeanor to a class B felony.
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 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.
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 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.
Securities Fraud
Securities fraud Missouri has multiple laws that govern securities fraud, but the most important to know about are § 575.120 RSMo, which gives a broad definition, and § 409.5-508 RSMo, which sets the state penalties. § 575.120 RSMo says that securities fraud is when a person manufactures a securities sale dishonestly in order to gain another person’s money. Other statutes set additional rules: For example, § 409.5-502 RSMo sets up additional rules specifically for financial advisors.
Breaking these laws can not only result in a prison sentence, but also in serious professional sanctions. A conviction could lead to a 10-year prison sentence, and when you get out, you might face career restrictions imposed by the SEC.
Other Fraud Charges Our Lawyers Defend in Weatherby Lake, MO
Combs Waterkotte is prepared to build your defense in Weatherby Lake, MO, whatever you’ve been accused of. In addition to the above, we can help fight the following fraud charges:
- Welfare Fraud
- Medicare/Medicaid Fraud
- Mortgage Fraud
- Immigration Fraud
- Mail Fraud
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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:
- Plead the Fifth – You have the right to remain silent, and should use it during any police interviews.
- Contact Your Weatherby Lake, MO, Attorney – 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 – Posting bail does more than give you a more comfortable place to wait for your trial: It lets you be an active participant in building your defense.
- 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 – No two cases are the same, and your lawyer should listen to you and create a defense that’s tailored to your situation.
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.
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.
We are dedicated to our clients, and take pride in offering comprehensive legal services to Weatherby Lake:
- We have a reputation for excellence.
- We are focused on you as a person, not just your case.
- We are always honest when evaluating your case.
- We’re available 24/7 if you need anything related to your case.
We help good people in bad situations – send us a note now to start your defense right away.
5 Defenses We May Use in Your Fraud Case
Picking a defense for your fraud case isn’t as simple as selecting an option from a list. Your Weatherby Lake, MO, fraud lawyer will take the time to listen to your story and develop a defense based around it.
Here are five possible strategies we may draw from:
- No Intent to Defraud – Fraud charges in Missouri normally require intent to be found guilty. If you had no ill intentions, we can use this as a defense.
- Immaterial (Non-Fraudulent) False Statement – 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 – 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.
- 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 – 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.
Don’t Wait. Get Help From an Expert Fraud Lawyer in Weatherby Lake, MO Today
Combs Waterkotte offers high-quality defenses for Weatherby Lake, 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 Weatherby Lake, MO, at any time at (314) 900-HELP or connect with us online to start building your defense.
