Credit card fraud how many years

You might be charged by a federal prosecutor if you have been accused of credit card fraud across state lines or fraud against the government.

In this case, the penalty can be as high as 20 years prison time. This covers everything from skimming credit cards to using your own expired credit card with the intent of never paying the balance. How these situations are prosecuted depends on the specifics of the case. All of the situations above are illegal in federal law Title 18 U. If you were charged with violating U. We need to first review all the details of the case to determine an appropriate plan.

Some common defenses include:. If you committed an unlawful act described under U. For instance, perhaps you were given stolen gift cards as a present, but unaware they were stolen. In order for the federal prosecutor to obtain a conviction, they must be able to prove you acted knowingly, willingly, and with an intent to defraud. In order to be convicted of federal credit card fraud, it must be connected to interstate or foreign commerce.

We might be able to make an argument that you had a reasonable belief that you had authorization to use the credit card. So, you used the credit card but failed to properly communicate with the cardholder who thought someone was fraudulently using their credit card and reported it. If you are under investigation or already inducted for U. Eisner Gorin LLP is a top-rated criminal defense law firm who represents clients nationwide against any type of federal crime.

Perhaps you obtained the card from what appeared to be a legitimate vendor, or maybe you scammed by a real credit card company. It might also be the case that you were given permission to use the card by the credit card holder. If you had permission, the crime of credit card fraud did not occur.

If you have been charged with credit card fraud, you are likely worried about the consequences that could follow a conviction. This type of accusation can devastate every aspect of your life.

From a ruined career to altered relationships, there is no area left unaffected. Sarasota fraud lawyer Erika Valcarcel understands these challenges and believes that the key to mounting a successful defense is listening to your side of the story. Credit Card Fraud Call Today - Defining Credit Card Fraud According to Florida law, credit card fraud is committed when forged or stolen cards are used, sold, or purchased. In order to reach a conviction, the prosecution must prove the following elements: The accused intentionally used the credit card in order to pay for certain items or to obtain funds; and The accused was aware that the card in question was stolen, forged, or unlawfully obtained, and posed as the card holder Consequences for Credit Card Fraud The Florida Credit Card Crime Act dictates the criminal penalties that are assigned for credit card fraud.