Summerville Credit Card Fraud Lawyer

Credit card fraud is one of many types of financial transaction crimes that can occur under state law. It occurs when a financial transaction card, such as a credit card or debit card, is used with intent to defraud the issuer. If you face these charges, you are looking at the possibility of years in prison, depending on the circumstances. These crimes are often overcharged. A valid defense may make all the difference in protecting you from criminal sanctions. If you are charged with credit card fraud, a Summerville credit card fraud lawyer could help defend your case.

What is Credit Card Fraud?

In order for a state prosecutor to prove a case of credit card fraud, they must prove all of the elements beyond a reasonable doubt. If a defendant uses a credit card to defraud the issuer, or the company that issued the credit card, the person could face criminal penalties. A person commits this offense if they commit any of the following:

• Use an altered, forged, expired, or revoked credit card
• File a fraudulent application for a credit card and uses the card
• Obtains money, goods or services with fraudulent card
• Using another’s card without permission
• Purposefully exceeding the limits or balance of a credit card

Depending on the circumstances, other types of activity may be considered a violation of the credit card fraud law as well. Understanding this complex law can be very difficult without the assistance of a qualified criminal defense attorney.

Penalties for Credit Card Fraud

The penalties for credit card fraud vary greatly depending on a number of factors. Penalties can vary depending on the amount of money at issue in the case, or the method by which the credit card fraud was allegedly carried out. Penalties for this crime vary depending on which specific statute a defendant is charged under. Some are misdemeanors with a risk of fines and lesser jail sentences, while others are felonies that carry the risk of long prison sentences, high fines, and the loss of certain constitutional rights.

To understand the potential penalties they face, a defendant should contact a credit card defense attorney to better understand their case and how to defend it.

Presenting a Defense to Credit Card Fraud Charges

Fighting back is a crucial part of protecting a defendant’s constitutional rights. A proper defense can make all the difference under the right circumstances. Every case is unique and should have its own uniquely tailored defense. Possible defenses to credit card fraud charges include, but are not limited to:

• Presenting reasonable doubt to the jury at trial
• Demonstrating the credit card was obtained through correct information
• Disputing the information contained in the indictment
• Filing a suppression motion to suppress evidence
• Show that there was never intent to defraud the issuer

Many more possible defenses exist and not all of them can be listed here. Instead, a defendant should utilize the knowledge of a credit card fraud defense lawyer to build a defense unique to their case.

Schedule a Consultation With a Credit Card Fraud Attorney in Summerville

Credit card fraud charges are serious. Every case deserves to have its own unique defense presented. Prosecutors may try to convince you there is no point in fighting, but that is never the case.

A Summerville credit card fraud lawyer has the experience necessary to defend your case. Contact us today.