Credit Card Fraud Lawyer in St. Petersburg

Florida law lists several types of credit card fraud in Fla. Stat. §§ 817.57 – 817.685 (known as the State Credit Card Crime Act) including fraudulent use of a credit card, stealing credit cards, using an expired credit card, and much more. And those alleged to have committed credit card crimes might face other charges outside of the Act. These can become very complex theft cases, which is why it is so important to secure representation from a St. Petersburg credit card fraud lawyer at Goldman Wetzel if you are facing charges. Our team of experienced fraud attorneys can help you get the best case result possible.

Types of Credit Card Fraud in Florida

The circumstances of the case will dictate the charges and penalties that the defendant faces. Those facing first-degree misdemeanor charges face up to a year in jail and up to $1,000 in fines. Those facing third-degree felony charges face up to five years in prison and up to $5,000 in fines.

Here are just a few examples of credit card crimes defendants might face in a St. Petersburg court:

Using an Expired or Revoked Credit Card

According to Florida Statute § 817.612, defendants who use a credit card they know to be expired or revoked face first-degree misdemeanor charges.

Credit Card Theft

Florida Statute § 817.60 provides that those accused of taking a credit card from another person, using a credit card delivered to them by mistake, or purchasing or selling a credit card belonging to another person can face first-degree misdemeanor charges.

Fraudulent Use of Credit Card

Defendants accused of using a credit card without the consent of the cardholder may face first-degree misdemeanor charges if they used the card fewer than two times or obtained goods valued less than $100 in a six-month period, according to Florida Statute § 817.61. If the value of goods was $100 or more or the defendant used the credit card more than twice in the six-month period, he faces third-degree felony charges.

Additionally, those facing credit card-related charges in Florida can face other charges too.

Theft
Forgery
Identity theft
Counterfeiting

Federal Charges for Credit Card Fraud

Some defendants may face federal charges for credit card crimes, the penalties for which are detailed in 18 U.S. Code § 1029. Below are some examples of penalties defendants might face.

Producing, using, or trafficking counterfeit credit card [18 U.S. Code § 1029(a)(1)]: Fine and up to 10 years in prison
Using or trafficking a stolen credit card to receive payment or things of value of at least $1,000 in one-year period [18 U.S. Code § 1029(a)(2)]: Fine and up to 10 years in prison

If the defendant was previously convicted of another offense under this section, he or she faces up to 20 years in prison. Further, defendants may face other charges in addition to those listed in 18 U.S. Code § 1029, such as for identity theft, mail fraud, computer fraud, Internet fraud, and more. A lawyer in St. Petersburg can help craft a defense to try to get charges and penalties mitigated, or even dropped.

Consult a St. Petersburg Attorney Today About Credit Card Fraud Charges