Credit card fraud is a serious offense that could result in jail time and high fines. A conviction can result in a permanent record that could be accessed by potential employers, potentially barring someone from finding work.
If you or a loved one has been accused of using another person’s credit card, speak with a Fairfax credit card fraud lawyer. A skilled criminal attorney knowledgeable about the laws regarding fraud could help you build a strong defense to protect your future.
There are multiple forms of credit card fraud. Common examples include using somebody’s identity to obtain a credit card or using a credit card that belongs to someone else to make purchases without the authorization of that person and with the intent to defraud the credit card company.
Credit card fraud cases are typically easy to prove. An individual must have someone else’s credit card and not receive permission to use the card. To be charged, there will often be a picture or a video of them making a purchase with the card or the card is found on their person.
When somebody is charged with credit card fraud, they should contact a Fairfax attorney immediately. Depending on the amount they are charged with taking or attempting to take, they could face significant jail time.
A credit card fraud charge in Fairfax is a state charge. For a credit card fraud conviction, an individual would be sentenced in the same way as anyone convicted of the same offense throughout Virginia. A Fairfax attorney with experience handling credit card fraud cases could be a vital asset in defending against the serious legal penalties.
Credit card fraud may be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the amount of money and the number of counts. When the value of money that was fraudulently obtained is less than $500 in six months, the credit card fraud is a misdemeanor with penalties of up to 12 months in jail and a fine up to $2,500. If the amount of money is more than $500 in six months, the penalties are up to five years in prison and a fine up to $2,500.
Scheming is a colloquial term that defense attorneys, prosecutors, and police use to describe a specific type of credit card theft where someone takes a small amount of money every month over a long period that goes unnoticed by the person who owns the account. Usually, a scheme involves multiple accounts and takes place over several months or years. The amount of funds obtained illegally adds up to hundreds or thousands of dollars over time. There are multiple victims and many months in which the person illegally obtains funds through this type of credit card theft that adds up over time.
This type of fraud can result in serious penalties. A credit card fraud lawyer in Fairfax could help defend against claims of scheming.
A Fairfax credit card fraud lawyer could investigate your case, file for discovery, talk to the prosecutor, speak with police officers, and interview the individuals or businesses claiming to be victims of credit card fraud. A lawyer could look for holes in the prosecutor’s evidence, problems with the chain of custody, and the number of witnesses that should be called. If you or a loved one is facing credit card fraud charges, schedule a consultation today.