Fraud (in all its forms) can come with severe penalties for those who engage in it. One of the most common types of fraud is credit or debit card fraud. This act involves illegally using someone else’s credit or debit card information to purchase goods. What many people are surprised to learn is that you can get in trouble for credit card fraud even if you haven’t used it to fraudulently obtain goods or services. The bottom line is that anyone who has been charged with credit or debit card fraud can benefit from the skill and experience of a seasoned criminal defense attorney. Learn why below.
Are There Different Types of Credit Card Fraud?
N.J.S. 2C:21-6 outlines the different types of credit and debit card fraud you could face charges for. These are outlined below.
Credit Card Application Fraud
Credit card approval is based on certain factors such as your credit score and annual income. The higher your income and credit score compounded with not having as many outstanding debts often yields positive results whenever someone applies for a credit card. Doctoring your credit card application to manipulate the outcome of your approval can result in steep penalties including fines and even jail time.
Credit Card Theft
While people commonly think of credit card theft as physically removing the card from someone else’s possession, this is not always the case. You can be found guilty of credit or debit card fraud if you are in receipt of a stolen credit card and either knew about it, intended to use it or transfer it to someone else.
What Are the Penalties Associated with Credit Card Fraud?
Most commonly, credit and debit card fraud are considered crimes of the third and fourth degree.
If you were charged with a third-degree crime, you will possibly be facing:
- A monetary fine of up to $15,000
- Up to 5 years in jail
If you were charged with a fourth-degree crime, you will possibly be facing:
- A monetary fine of up to $10,000
- Up to 18 months in jail
A criminal conviction can severely damage your life and reputation, making it difficult to obtain employment, secure housing and financial loans in the future. When so much of your freedom is at stake, it’s important to consult with an experienced attorney who can help you.
What Are the Common Defenses to Credit Card Fraud I Could Use?
Your attorney will work with you to develop a strong defense that is uniquely tailored to your specific circumstances. However, the most common defenses to credit and debit card fraud often include:
- Mistaken identity (you were not the person who committed the fraudulent act)
- You had permission to use someone’s credit or debit card information
- You did not intend to defraud anyone
As you can see, there are a lot of nuances involved in dealing with credit or debit card fraud. If you or someone you know was charged with this crime, criminal defense attorney Jill R. Cohen can help.
Contact An Experienced Westmont Criminal Defense Attorney About Your Credit Card Fraud Charges In New Jersey
Have you been charged with credit or debit card fraud in New Jersey? A theft conviction could leave you with a permanent record, and it could result in your driver’s license being suspended for a very long time. That is why it is imperative that you speak with a qualified criminal defense lawyer about your case. The lawyers at Jill R. Cohen represents clients charged with credit card fraud and related offenses in Westmont, Camden, Cherry Hill, and throughout New Jersey. Call 856-242-7177 or fill out our confidential online form to schedule a consultation about your case. We have an office located at 210 Haddon Avenue Westmont, NJ 08108.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.
