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 $75,000: Class A felony
- More than $25,000: Class B felony
- More than $5,000: Class C felony
- More than $750: Class D felony
- More than $50: Class E 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.
