What Should I Do if I Am Charged with Credit Card Fraud?

 Posted on September 05, 2018 in White collar crime

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) defineswhite collar crime as crimes characterized by “deceit concealment, or violation of trust” that are also not “dependent on the application or threat of physical force or violence.” Usually, motivation behind a white collar crime is some type of financial gain. A common type of white collar crime is credit card fraud, and Illinois treats credit card fraud cases very seriously.

Credit Card Fraud in Illinois

There areseveralinstances in which a credit card fraud charge could be brought. Essentially, credit card fraud involves the improper use or possession of a credit card, whether it be your own credit card orsomeone else’s credit card. Examples of credit card fraud include:

• Using incorrect information or making a false statement in an attempt to receive a credit card;
• Using another credit card, without permission or consent;
• Transferring or selling another person’s credit card;
• Defrauding another individual with a credit card;
• The use of an expired, revoked, or counterfeit card;
• Possessing a credit card that you know is lost with the intention of using the card, transferring, or selling it; and
• Signing another person’s credit card with the intent to defraud.

Penalties

The type of charge associated with credit card fraud (misdemeanor or felony) depends on the amount of fraud at issue. A credit card fraud charge can be a Class 4 felony, Class 3 felony, or a Class A misdemeanor. The more amount of money at issue, the more serious the charge – a felony over a misdemeanor charge. The following are the penalties associated with each type of charge:

• Class A Misdemeanor results with property values less than $150. A sentence of up to one year, potential fines of $2,500 for each offense, or restitution can result.
• Class 4 Felony is appropriate when the value of property is between $150 to $300. There is the potential for one to three years in prison, periodic imprisonment, up to $25,000 in fines for each offense, or restitution.
• Class 3 Felony results when the value of property is over $300. There is a potential for two and a half to five years prison, supervision for one year following release, and potential fines up to $25,000.

Contact Us Today for Help

If you have been charged with credit card fraud, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney. Skilled Rolling Meadows white collar crime attorney Christopher M. Cosley is here to help you. Attorney Cosley combines a passion for aggressively defending someone with the skills, knowledge, and resources needed to provide the best defense possible. Contact us today to get your defense started.

Sources:

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs4.asp?ActID=1876&ChapterID=53&SeqStart=56800000&SeqEnd=58900000

https://www.fbi.gov/investigate/white-collar-crime