Criminal Defense Lawyer in Houston

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Credit Card Abuse

Houston Credit Card Abuse Attorney

According to the Texas Penal Code, credit card fraud can consist of the following acts:

  • Theft of a credit card or debit card
  • Use of another person’s pin number
  • Use of a credit or debit card without the rightful card owner’s knowledge
  • Use of another person’s credit or debit card number without their authorization

What is Credit Card Abuse?

When someone is arrested for credit card abuse in the state of Texas, they will likely be charged with fraud or identity theft. Credit card abuse (also known as credit card fraud) has become rampant in the increasingly cashless economy. All a criminal needs today is someone else’s plastic to get a little extra cash or make a few purchases online. This thoroughly modern white-collar crime can lead to imprisonment and substantial financial penalties. Anyone charged with credit card fraud should hire a qualified white-collar crime lawyer to represent them in court.

The legal definitions that outlaw credit card fraud are regularly expanded and amended to keep pace with technology.

 

Among the penalties that could be imposed are the following:

  • State jail felony (Less than five items): Up to two years in state jail and a fine of no more than $10,000
  • Third-degree felony (Five to nine items): Two to 10 years in prison and a fine of no more than $10,000
  • Second-degree felony (Ten to 49 items): Two to 20 years in prison and a fine of no more than $10,000
  • First-degree felony (50 items or more): Five to 99 years in prison and a fine of no more than $10,000

Penalties for Credit Card Fraud

The prosecution of credit card crime is vigorous and comprehensive. It’s essential to select a credit card abuse attorney who has extensive experience handling white-collar criminal offenses in Texas. The penalties for being convicted of credit card fraud can be quite severe, including lengthy prison sentences and significant fines. The actual punishment will depend on the defendant’s previous criminal record and the number of instances involved.

Aside from the prison time and fines, the defendant in a credit card fraud case is usually ordered to make restitution for the losses suffered by all the victims. Conviction also creates or expands a defendant’s criminal record. The personal liberties and professional opportunities available to a convicted felon may be severely limited.

CONTACT A HOUSTON DEFENSE ATTORNEY

Rand Mintzer is an experienced white-collar crime attorney who serves the Greater Houston Area. When someone is accused of stealing a credit card or some other credit card crime, the facts of the case must be thoroughly investigated. Then the prosecution must be required to prove the fraud charge beyond any reasonable doubt in court. For an effective defense against white-collar crime charges, speak to attorney Rand Mintzer at 713-862-8880 to schedule a free case evaluation.

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