St. Louis Fraud Defense Lawyer

If you or someone you care about has been charged with fraud in Missouri, turn to The Law Offices of Brian J. Cooke. Our dedicated St. Louis fraud defense attorneys will fight aggressively on your behalf.

St. Louis Fraud Defense Attorney

Facing a fraud charge in Missouri can put everything on the line—your freedom, finances, and most of all, your reputation. Fraud is a broad category that includes credit card fraud, securities fraud, healthcare fraud, identity theft, wire fraud, and more. No matter the charge, these cases are complex and prosecutors pursue them aggressively.

That’s why you need an experienced St. Louis fraud defense lawyer on your side. At The Law Offices of Brian J. Cooke, we understand how high the stakes are. Our team knows the intricacies of state and federal fraud laws and builds tailored defense strategies to protect your rights and minimize the consequences you face.

Don’t let an accusation define your future. Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation and put a proven advocate in your corner.

Understanding Fraud Charges

Fraud involves deceiving someone for financial or personal gain by using false information to obtain something of value. In the state, various offenses fall under the umbrella of fraud, encompassing acts of intentional deception committed for financial gain against individuals or entities.

Sometimes, crimes motivated by financial gain are also called white-collar crimes. These crimes often involve financial transactions, computer files, banking statements, and other financial documents.

White-collar crimes include bank fraud, credit card fraud, fraudulent checks, identity theft, Medicare and health care fraud, tax fraud, and more.

If a white-collar crime crosses a state line and involves many victims, it may be investigated and prosecuted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) or other federal government agencies.

Dealing with complicated fraud cases requires the help of an experienced fraud lawyer, especially when charges involve consumer fraud, business fraud, or even bank and wire fraud.

Common Types of Fraud Cases

Fraudulent Use of a Credit or Debit Device

This charge applies when someone knowingly uses a stolen, forged, fictitious, revoked, or unauthorized credit/debit card to obtain goods, services, or property. It also covers situations where a defendant pays property taxes with a card and then knowingly cancels the payment without cause. Depending on the value involved, this can be a Class A misdemeanor or a Class E felony if the total exceeds $750 within a 30-day period.

Forgery

Forgery occurs when a person alters or creates a document or writing to make it appear genuine when it is not. This includes making, completing, or authenticating a writing under false pretenses, altering existing documents, or presenting counterfeit writings as authentic. Forgery is charged as a Class D felony.

Counterfeiting

Counterfeiting involves manufacturing, selling, or possessing goods or services marked with a counterfeit trademark. Possessing more than 25 such items creates a presumption of intent to sell or distribute. Penalties range from a Class A misdemeanor to Class D felony, depending on the circumstances and prior record.

Fraudulently Stopping Payment on an Instrument

A person commits this offense if, with intent to defraud, they stop payment on a check or draft given for goods or services. This is generally a Class A misdemeanor but can rise to a Class E felony if the check amount exceeds $750, or if multiple checks totaling more than $750 are involved.

Identity Theft

Identity theft occurs when someone knowingly uses another person’s identifying information without authorization, with intent to deceive or defraud. Penalties vary widely depending on the nature and extent of the conduct, from a Class B misdemeanor up to a Class A felony.

Financial Exploitation of an Elderly or Disabled Person

This charge applies when someone intentionally deprives an elderly or disabled person of their property for personal gain. The severity of the charge depends on the value taken:

• More than $50 → Class E felony

• More than $750 → Class D felony

• More than $5,000 → Class C felony

• More than $25,000 → Class B felony

• More than $75,000 → Class A felony
  Amounts under $50 may be charged as a Class A misdemeanor.

Mail Fraud and Wire Fraud

Mail and wire fraud are federal offenses. Mail fraud involves using postal services to further a fraudulent scheme, while wire fraud involves electronic communications such as email, phone, or internet. Prosecutors must show intent to defraud and use of mail or electronic systems. Both offenses are often prosecuted alongside state fraud charges, which can make cases especially complex.

Penalties and Sentencing for Fraud Convictions

Fraud convictions in Missouri carry penalties based on the type and severity of the offense:

• Misdemeanors: Up to 1 year in county jail and fines up to $2,000

• Class E felony: Up to 4 years in prison

• Class D felony: Up to 7 years in prison

• Class C felony: Up to 10 years in prison

• Class B felony: Up to 15 years in prison

• Class A felony: 30 years to life in prison

Courts may also order restitution, suspend or revoke professional licenses, and impose long-lasting personal and financial consequences. Federal convictions typically carry harsher penalties. For example, wire fraud can mean up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine—or up to 30 years and $1 million when a financial institution is involved.

Fraud Cases We Handle at The Law Offices of Brian J. Cooke

We provide defense in a wide range of fraud cases, including:

• Financial Fraud – embezzlement, insider trading, securities fraud

• Healthcare Fraud – false billing, kickback schemes, unbundling

• Insurance Fraud – staged accidents, false claims, inflated losses

• Tax Fraud – underreporting income, false deductions, offshore accounts

• Identity Theft – using another’s identity for financial gain

If you are facing fraud charges, it is essential to consult an experienced St. Louis fraud lawyer. We can explain your options, develop a defense strategy, and work to protect your future. Contact The Law Offices of Brian J. Cooke today for a free and confidential consultation.

Why Do You Need a St. Louis Fraud Defense Attorney?

Fraud can have severe legal and financial consequences. If you’re facing fraud allegations or are a victim of fraud, hiring a St. Louis fraud lawyer is crucial. Here’s why:

• Experience and Knowledge: A skilled fraud lawyer will have experience dealing with a wide range of fraud cases and will be familiar with the legal process. They can provide you with valuable insights, advice, and strategies to effectively handle your case.
• Investigation and Evidence Gathering: Fraud cases require a thorough investigation of all evidence involved. A fraud lawyer has the skills and resources to gather evidence in your favor, potentially leading to reduced charges or dropped charges altogether.
• Negotiation Skills: In many cases, it may be possible to negotiate a plea bargain or reduced sentence for a fraud charge. An experienced fraud lawyer can use their negotiation skills to advocate on your behalf and achieve the best possible outcome for your case.
• Defend Your Rights: A fraud lawyer will protect your rights throughout the legal process, ensuring that you are treated fairly and that any evidence against you is obtained lawfully. They can also advise you on when to exercise your right to remain silent and when to speak up in court.
• Peace of Mind: Going through a fraud case can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. Hiring a fraud lawyer can give you peace of mind knowing that you have an experienced professional representing your best interests and fighting for justice.

If you’re facing fraud charges or believe you may be a victim of fraud, don’t hesitate to seek legal representation from a reputable St. Louis fraud lawyer. They can help you navigate the complexities of fraud law and guide you toward a favorable outcome for your case.

Contact The Law Offices of Brian J. Cooke Today

Facing a fraud charge in Missouri can be a challenging experience. You may feel like the world is against you with a possible conviction hanging over you, in addition to friends and family beginning to look at you differently. However, it is essential to remember that your situation is not hopeless. Reach out to The Law Offices of Brian J. Cooke to speak to a seasoned fraud defense attorney who will protect your best interests, defend your rights, and fight your case through the entire court.

We have several years of experience handling fraud cases in St. Louis. Our team is committed to providing high-quality legal representation. With extensive knowledge in criminal defense, we are well-equipped to address your needs.

Our approach to fraud defense entails the following:

• Initial Consultation and Case Assessment: We start with an initial consultation when a client comes to us. This helps us understand the details of the case. We gather evidence and identify key issues that need attention.
• Developing a Defense Strategy: We believe in tailoring our defense based on each case’s specifics. Common strategies include showing a lack of intent or mistaken identity. Our goal is to provide an adequate defense for fraud charges.
• Negotiation and Litigation: Negotiation is a crucial part of our approach. We work to reach a favorable agreement with the prosecutors. If a trial is necessary, we prepare meticulously. Our team has a record of successful case outcomes and satisfied clients.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help you with your case. Our legal team is dedicated to providing aggressive and effective legal representation for our clients. Trust us to fight for your rights and interests.