Fraud Lawyer in Windsor, MO. Fraud isn’t a single criminal charge. It’s a category of alleged offenses that vary in scope, but are always complex. You can’t take these charges lightly, and to defend against them, it’s critical to reach out to an expert Windsor, MO, criminal defense lawyer to get help.
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.
Without help, many people accused of fraud feel lost. With a seasoned attorney in your corner, you get the help you deserve. Our team is ready for your call 24/7.
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On This Page
Below, we will go over:
- What types of crime accusations count as fraud
- The difference that a fraud lawyer can make while going through the justice system;
- The types of charges that fall under the ‘fraud’ category in Windsor, MO;
- What to do if someone accuses you of fraud;
- 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 Windsor, MO, today.
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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 Windsor, 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.
A crime accusation is considered “fraud” if it fits the following criteria:
- An action taken to deceive another person
- The act is done in order to gain something
- 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.
Intention plays a key role in fraud allegations. Without intent to defraud someone, an action is generally not considered fraud. As an example, if you sold your house and did not tell the buyer about a leak in the roof, but you weren’t aware of it yourself, you would not be guilty of fraud.
The Role of a Fraud Lawyer in Windsor, MO
Your fraud lawyer will be by your side from the first phone call, defending your rights and fighting for your freedom. 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 Statutes – Some laws are easy to understand, but not all of them. A fraud lawyer in Windsor, MO, can help you understand the ins and outs of the case against you.
- Assistance During Police Interactions – If the police invite you in for questioning, your lawyer can advise you on how to respond.
- Investigative Expertise – A reputable law firm will work with an experienced investigator to find evidence that will support your case.
- Advice on Managing Collateral Consequences – Unfortunately, cases don’t always end in the courtroom. Your attorney can give you guidance on how to handle interactions with the public.
- 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.
- Trial-Ready Defense – 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 Windsor, 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
Windsor, 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.
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..
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.
§ 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. For example, using another person’s information to apply for a credit card would count as both credit card fraud and identity theft.
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
Never take Tax fraud charges lightly. 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.
Defenses to tax fraud often center around intent (e.g., a person accidentally underreported their income), but a skilled defense attorney will look for other tactics as well. Some others include good-faith compliance efforts or identifying mistakes on the part of the tax authorities.
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.
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. State convictions can result in up to ten years behind bars and $1 million in fines, in addition to major restitution penalties for the alleged victims.
More Common Fraud Charges in Windsor, MO, That We Can Help Fight
Combs Waterkotte is Missouri’s leading fraud defense law firm, and is prepared to take your case in Windsor, MO. Here are some more common charges we can help you with:
- Welfare Fraud
- Medicare/Medicaid Fraud
- Mortgage Fraud
- Immigration Fraud
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How to Handle Fraud Accusations in Windsor, MO
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:
- Stay Silent in Interviews – When you plead the fifth, be respectful but firm, then ask to see a lawyer.
- Contact Your Windsor, MO, Attorney – The sooner you bring in your lawyer, the more time they’ll have to develop a strong legal defense.
- Ask for Conditional Release – 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.
- Collect Evidence for Your Defense – 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 – You’re not alone; an attorney can help you find the best outcome possible for your unique circumstances.
It’s impossible to perfectly predict the outcome of a case. But taking some practical steps sets your case up for the right law firm to guide you the rest of the way.
Combs Waterkotte: Expert Fraud Defense in Windsor, MO
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.
Don’t settle for second best. Here’s more of what sets us apart:
- We are well regarded by former clients.
- We take the time to listen to you.
- We won’t make false promises: We’ll take a realistic approach to your case.
- We have representatives ready for your call during evenings and weekends, because arrests can happen outside of regular business hours.
We help good people in bad situations – contact us now to get the legal help you need.
Fraud Defenses to Discuss With Your Lawyer
Fraud accusations can be stressful, especially if you don’t have experience with the Windsor, 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 Intent/Good Faith – 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 – 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.
- 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, the law does not consider it to be fraud.
- Lack of Evidence It’s on the prosecution to prove the case against you. If they don’t have strong enough evidence, we will argue that they failed to provide proof beyond a reasonable doubt.
- Wrong Person Accused – It’s possible that the victim really did experience fraud, but it was at someone else’s hand.
Don’t Wait. Get Help From an Expert Fraud Lawyer in Windsor, MO Today
Combs Waterkotte offers high-quality defenses for Windsor, MO, citizens facing criminal charges, from traffic tickets to felonies. When you call us, you’ll get direct attention from an experienced attorney.
Get help from a fraud lawyer in Windsor, MO, now at (314) 900-HELP or tell us what you need online to set up a private conversation with an attorney.
