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Is Credit Card Fraud a Felony?
There are several forms of credit card fraud. Thieves may open up new cards in the victim’s name, or steal their credit card numbers, take the actual card or commit fraud in some other way. Because credit card fraud can be so complex, you may need a Chicago criminal defense attorney from Chicago Trusted Attorneys™ on your side to overcome the charges.
Types of Credit Card Fraud
Some common types of credit card frauds today include:
- Opening new accounts with stolen identification
- Taking over an existing account
- Making purchases without the card being present
- Using a counterfeit card
- Using a fake card
- Using a lost or stolen card
If you’ve been accused of any of these crimes, don’t hesitate to seek out a criminal defense lawyer. They can provide the support and experience you need during this difficult time.
Determining Whether Credit Card Fraud is a Felony
Credit card fraud charges can vary depending on the details of the fraud you allegedly committed. Illinois law determines the severity of the charges based on the value of funds taken and the type of fraud committed. If the amount goes above what is normally seen as a misdemeanor, then the fraud turns into a felony.
For example, deceptive practices are often misdemeanors. But repeat offenders or those charged with taking larger amounts of money may face harsher penalties, including facing felony charges.
In some cases, the thieves face charges of multiple crimes, both felonies as well as misdemeanors such as felony for possessing stolen property and a misdemeanor for stealing. It all comes down to the laws regarding credit card fraud in your state. Our firm’s lawyers are experienced and will guide you based on your situation and state.
Penalties for Credit Card Fraud
The penalty depends on the laws in the state the fraud took place in and the severity of the theft, the greater the theft, the more severe the verdict. For a misdemeanor, the thief may be charged with only having to pay back the amount stolen, or may even have to go to county jail for a year.
For more serious cases, you may face penalties that include thousands of dollars in fines and years in prison. You may also face adjacent penalties because of your criminal record if you don’t defend your case. That can make it difficult or impossible to avoid future penalties and get your life back on track.
Concerned about these penalties? Talk to your credit card fraud lawyer. They can determine your next steps to get your charges dismissed and clear your record.
Get Help Defending Yourself from Fraud Charges
The best course of action for a credit card fraud case is to seek aid from a lawyer who is well versed in such matters. They can offer you the guidance you need during this difficult time.
When you’re accused of a crime and you need to know whether you’re facing a felony, the lawyers at Chicago Trusted Attorneys™ are here to help. Start with a consultation, where we’ll discuss your case and your next steps. Call us at 312-519-3171 or fill out the following online contact form.