Author:
Kimberly J. Benjamin, Founder & Managing Attorney
June 13. 2023.
Kansas City Fraud Crimes Attorney
Fraud crimes are committed through the use of deception for personal gain. These white-collar crimes are done with the intent of causing damage to others.
Anyone can commit criminal fraud under different circumstances, including:
- Misrepresentation of earnings to reduce tax payments
- Exaggeration of property damage to get a more extensive settlement
- A false workers’ compensation claim
- Using a fake injury to obtain an insurance settlement
- Engaging in mail scams to fraudulently take people’s money
An experienced attorney can help you avoid conviction by investigating the claims made against you.
At the Missouri DWI Criminal Law Center, our lawyers are highly skilled in fraud defense. We have an in-depth understanding of fraud laws, rules of evidence, and court procedures. Further, we have expertise in defending fraud cases in state and federal courts.
An individual who commits a fraud crime may violate both state and federal law. Fraud charges under federal law have many consequences, and hiring a federal criminal lawyer is essential.
What Are the Types of Fraud?
Fraud crimes usually fall under the following categories:
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Automobile insurance fraud
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Credit card fraud
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Forgery
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Identity theft
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Mail fraud
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Tax fraud
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Telemarketing fraud
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Securities fraud
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Health insurance fraud
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Mortgage fraud
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Insurance fraud
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Welfare fraud
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Workers’ compensation fraud
Establishing Criminal Liability in a Fraud Case?
In establishing the accused’s liability, the prosecution has to prove fraud beyond a reasonable doubt. They must prove that:
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The deception was done intentionally (e.g.the accused misrepresented a critical fact)
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The accused had the intention to deprive the victim of a benefit
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The victim suffered actual loss because of the fraudulent activity
The prosecution will attempt to prove intent by presenting enough evidence to the court. This may include witnesses’ statements and records of statements made by you.
For some fraud crimes, the prosecution will need to prove that the victim relied on the accused misrepresentations.
What Are the Penalties for Fraud Crimes in Missouri?
The penalties for fraud crimes depend on the type of fraud committed and the value of the property stolen.
For instance, credit card fraud is a Class A misdemeanor with a punishment of one year of jail time. If the individual used the card in excess of $500, it is a Class D felony punishable by four years in jail.
Individuals who commit tax fraud may face imprisonment of one year and up to $10,000 in fines. Most individuals who commit a white-collar crime are tried in federal courts. In federal courts, prosecutors seek to punish offenders with the harshest sentences.
Sentences often include forfeiture of property and restitution to the victim. This may create heavy financial burdens for the accused.
Further, fraud crimes may affect your criminal record, reputation, and employment. As a result, most organizations will refuse to work with an individual convicted of fraud.
Hiring a skilled defense attorney can help minimize your charges.
How Can a Fraud Crimes Lawyer Help Your Case?
A fraud crimes lawyer can help your fraud case in the following ways:
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Thoroughly investigating and analyzing the case for evidence
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Providing you with professional legal representation in court
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Securing witnesses who know about the crime to speak on your behalf
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Developing effective defense strategies to dismiss or reduce your charges
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Offering advice on how best to proceed after considering all evidence
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Negotiating a lower sentence with the prosecution
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Guiding you through the entire court process
When to Hire a Fraud Crimes Lawyer in Missouri
After you are charged with a fraud crime, you will be arrested and sent to a police station. At the police station, your information is entered into the system through a process known as booking. Your photographs and fingerprints are also taken for record purposes.
You may be granted bail depending on your offense. However, you may be kept in custody until the finalization of your case.
Fraud crimes are serious offenses that require the guidance of an attorney. Making the wrong statements at the police station during questioning can impact your case. A fraud crimes attorney will assist you from the point of your arrest up to trial.
We will also guide you on what to say during police questioning and can represent you during your bail hearing.
What to Consider When Hiring a Fraud Crimes Attorney
Finding an experienced lawyer who can easily navigate through your fraud case is necessary. However, it is sometimes difficult to know what to look for.
Some of the things to look out for when hiring an attorney include:
- Experience: Our attorneys at the Missouri DWI & Criminal Law Center have handled several fraud cases in Missouri. We have a deep understanding of fraud laws and how to fight against fraud charges.
- Qualifications: Our lawyers are trained at the Gerry Spence Trial Lawyers College. We are also members of the Missouri Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. We are licensed to practice in various counties in Missouri.
- Reputable law firm: Our law firm comprises qualified attorneys interested in providing excellent services. So our clients can relax knowing their fraud charges attorney is ready for anything.
- Commitment to clients: Our law office is determined to provide high-quality legal representation. We are dedicated to fighting for our client’s rights.
- Professionalism: Professionalism is a core value of our law firm, and we strive to maintain good working relationships with our
Contacting a Fraud Crimes Attorney
If you have been accused of fraud crimes, you must act quickly. A fraud conviction could threaten your future with hefty fines and mandatory jail time.
At Missouri DWI & Criminal Law Center, we know the strategies used by the prosecution. Our defense attorneys will employ viable strategies that can help secure a favorable outcome.
Having experience litigating several criminal cases in state and federal courts, our attorneys are familiar with Missouri law and federal fraud statutes. We can provide you with professional legal representation at your trial.
In addition to criminal defense, we also assist clients in learning about their rights, such as medical marijuana and gun rights. Book an appointment with one of our attorneys at our Kansas City office today.
