Having a felony conviction on your record can make life difficult, even if it is a non-violent crime. Since it is still a felony, being convicted of credit card fraud can affect your ability to obtain employment, exercise your right to vote, and even rent an apartment. If you are arrested for credit or debit card abuse, you need to hire an experienced criminal lawyer to defend you.
What Is Credit Card Abuse?
By law, if you use someone else’s credit or debit card without his or her knowledge or use an expired or cancelled card to make purchases, you can be arrested for fraud. Even just having the intent to use a card you don’t own is considered credit card abuse. Fortunately, a criminal attorney in Beaumont, Texas can help defend you against those charges if you are arrested.
Defenses Against Fraud Charges
If you were in possession of someone else’s credit card and had no intention of using it or you mistakenly used a card that wasn’t your own, perhaps by mistyping the numbers while making an online purchase, then a criminal attorney may be able to get the charges against you dropped. Even if it was used, but the defendant is under the age of 18, the attorney may be able to get the charges reduced or dropped, depending on the circumstances.
Fraud Convictions
If you are convicted of credit card abuse, you can face 180 days to two years in a state prison and a fine of up to $10,000. If the owner of the card is elderly, then the prison term will be two to 10 years in prison. To avoid such harsh penalties, contact a criminal attorney to defend you against the charges, especially if you did not knowingly intend to commit fraud.
