Credit Card Abuse Defense

If you’re accused of fraud, it means the State of Texas believes you acted to deceive another individual. The deception usually involves monetary gain. Fraud covers a wide spectrum of offenses and often involves the use of credit cards. Texas law enforcement considers it a grievous offense to use someone else’s credit for your own gain. Prosecutors will likely go after you with a vengeance if you’re suspected.

Have You Been Arrested for Credit Card Abuse in Bryan-College Station?

The crime of debit or credit card fraud involves the unauthorized taking of another individual’s account information with the intent of either charging unauthorized purchases to the account or removing funds. It’s often intertwined with the crime of identity theft, in which another person’s personal identifying information (such as Social Security number, birth date, or street address) is taken to fraudulently open an account or commit other types of fraud. In many cases, the perpetrator of credit card fraud may also be charged with identity theft. Types of credit card abuse offenses include:

  • Using a credit or debit card the suspect knows is not his own;
  • Using a card that has expired, been revoked, or cancelled;
  • Using a fictitious card, or the pretended number of a fictitious card;
  • Receiving any benefit the suspect knows has been obtained by violation of this law;
  • Stealing a credit or debit card with the intent to use it, sell it or transfer it to anyone but the cardholder;
  • Buying a credit or debit card from someone the suspect knows is not the issuer of the card;
  • Selling a credit or debit card;
  • Inducing the cardholder to use their card to obtain property for the suspect’s benefit when the cardholder is financially unable to pay for it;
  • Possessing a credit or debit card that is not the suspect’s own and having the intent to use it.

All offenses in this statute are charged as a state jail felony; but can be charged as a third degree felony if the offense was committed against an elderly person. The penalties include:

  • State Jail Felony: 6 months to 2 years in a state jail facility, fine of up to $10,000.
  • Third Degree Felony: 2 to 10 years in state prison, fine of up to $10,000.

You Need a Bryan-College Station Credit Card Abuse Attorney Now!

There may be extenuating circumstances and the situation really isn’t as it appears on the surface. What if your friend gave you carte blanche with their credit card, then you parted ways? They could claim the transactions you made were fraudulent. But you may have believed you had permission to use a credit card when you did not. Other defenses might include lack of knowledge, lack of intent to harm, mistake of fact, or even duress (you were forced to use the credit card). We know how easily these sorts of situations can get out of hand — and the legal repercussions can ruin your future. If we decide to accept representation in your case, rest assured you will have an experienced attorney on your side, fully prepared to go the distance to defend your legal rights. You don’t deserve to come out of this with a criminal record, fines, and potential imprisonment if there are extenuating circumstances.

 

Contact Us as soon as possible to sit down and discuss the situation you find yourself in. We are experienced credit card abuse defense attorneys.