Bank Fraud Lawyer in St. Louis, MO
Bank fraud is a serious white-collar offense that can carry steep penalties—including lengthy prison time. At Combs Waterkotte, we’ve defended hundreds of individuals facing fraud allegations and understand how to build strong defenses that protect your future, your reputation, and your rights. Whether you’re accused of check fraud, forgery, or loan application misrepresentation, either at the state or federal level, our experienced team is ready to help.
If you’ve been charged with bank fraud in St. Louis, call (314) 900-HELP or contact us online to schedule a free, confidential consultation.
Common Bank Fraud Crimes in Missouri
Bank fraud can involve a range of actions that exploit the financial system, including:
- Stealing: Defined by Missouri Revised Statute § 570.030. If you take money or property from a bank without permission using deceit, it’s considered stealing.
- Filing false documents: Submitting fraudulent documents, like contracts, affidavits, deeds, or loan applications with false information to obtain money or services can result in criminal charges.
- Forgery: Creating or altering checks, financial records, or applications to misrepresent authenticity constitutes forgery.
- Passing bad checks: Knowingly writing checks with insufficient funds, with an intent to defraud, is criminal under RSMo § 570.120.
- Credit or debit card fraud: Using cards that are stolen, fictitious, canceled, or unauthorized to obtain goods or services.
- Fraudulent procurement: Acquiring a valid credit card using false information about another person’s identity or credit history is criminal under RSMo § 570.135.
- Check kiting: A complex fraud that exploits check processing times between accounts to create artificial balances.
Possible Defenses Against Bank Fraud Charges in St. Louis, MO
Our experienced criminal defense attorneys in St. Louis may use the following legal defenses, depending on the specifics of your case:
- Lack of Intent: Fraud charges require intent. If your actions were an honest mistake, such as submitting an outdated financial statement, you may avoid criminal liability.
- Consent: If another person gave you permission to use their financial information, card, or sign documents, you may not be guilty of fraud.
- No Deceit: If your statements were opinions, projections, or immaterial to the bank’s decision-making, they may not qualify as fraud.
Penalties for Bank Fraud in St. Louis
Bank fraud offenses in Missouri carry severe penalties, depending on the financial amount and nature of the offense:
| Offense | Classification | Penalty |
|---|---|---|
| Stealing $25,000+; filing false documents (second offense) | Class C Felony | 3–10 years in prison |
| Stealing $750–$24,999; first false document offense; forgery | Class D Felony | Up to 7 years in prison |
| Multiple prior convictions or kiting/fraud of $750+ | Class E Felony | Up to 4 years in prison |
| Bad checks, card fraud under $750 | Class A Misdemeanor | Up to 1 year in jail |
| First-time theft under $150 | Class D Misdemeanor | Up to $500 fine |
