Gainesville Criminal Defense Attorney
Nowadays, credit and debit cards are many folks' preferred payment methods, as they offer a quick and convenient way for people to make purchases and access their bank accounts. However, as credit card usage continues to skyrocket, so too does credit card fraud. As the uptick in credit card fraud continues to grow, state and federal laws surrounding the issue include severe legal ramifications. Not to mention, beyond the legal penalties, being charged with fraud tends to carry devastating social, personal, and professional consequences.
If you've been accused of credit card fraud, you should consult an experienced criminal defense attorney. Contact our Gainesville law firm, Stout Defense, P.A., today to schedule a free consultation with our fraud defense attorney!
What Is Credit Card Fraud?
Essentially, credit card fraud is a kind of identity theft wherein an individual uses a credit or debit card to make purchases or withdraw funds without the intention of providing rightful payment. This offense is further outlined in Florida Statute § 817.61 as occurring when "A person who, with intent to defraud the issuer or a person or organization providing money, goods, services, or anything else of value or any other person, uses, for the purpose of obtaining money, goods, services, or anything else of value, a credit card obtained or retained in violation of this part or a credit card which he or she knows is forged, or who obtains money, goods, services, or anything else of value by representing, without the consent of the cardholder, that he or she is the holder of a specified card or by representing that he or she is the holder of a card and such card has not in fact been issued…"
Legal Consequences For Credit Card Fraud
Depending on how many offenses you commit within six months and the value of the charges, credit card fraud can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony. The specific legal penalties for each charge are as follows.
- First-degree misdemeanor. The fraudulent use of a credit or debit card two or fewer times in six months, below a value of $100, is punishable by up to one year in jail, a $1,000 fine, and one year of probation.
- Third-degree felony. The fraudulent use of a credit or debit card two or more times, or if the value obtained surpasses $100, is punishable by up to five years in prison, a $1,000 fine, and five years of probation.
How Our Defense Attorney Can Help
Whether you're facing credit card fraud charges at a state or federal level, don't hesitate to reach out to our Gainesville attorney, Adam Stout. Being accused of a theft crime in Florida is a serious matter, but our credit card fraud lawyer can help construct a compelling defense to have existing charges reduced or dropped. Contact Stout Defense, P.A., to schedule a free case consultation with our skilled credit card fraud attorney.