What Kind of Trouble Can I Expect With Credit Card Fraud Charges?

 Posted on October 24, 2023 in Criminal Law

Credit and debit cards are incredibly common in today’s society. The same can be said for fraudulent activities associated with these cards. The penalties that come with credit card fraud are entirely dependent on the crimes committed involving those cards. A skilled attorney with experience in credit card fraud defense cases could be your best option in fighting any charges you could be facing for credit card fraud.

What are the Specific Crimes Involved with Credit Card Fraud?

Illinois statute specifically prohibits and penalizes various crimes in credit card fraud cases. Those crimes include:

• Lying to acquire a credit card
• Knowingly having someone else’s credit card in your possession
• Possessing a missing or lost credit card that does not belong to you
• Selling or buying a credit card
• Using a credit card that is not yours to pay off a debt
• Using a fake, expired, or unissued credit card
• Using a credit card to engage in fraudulent activity

Both of the last two in the list are considered committed when used to defraud intentionally, regardless of whether any property or anything of value is obtained.

What Penalties Could I Be Looking at For Credit Card Fraud Charges?

The severity of charges is predicated on the value of all property obtained within a six-month period where the credit card was used in fraudulent activity. However, all listed crimes, except for the bottom two, are considered Class 4 felonies in Illinois.

The penalties for a Class 4 felony include:

• Imprisonment from one to three years
• Periodic imprisonment for up to 18 months, or
• 30 months of probation
• A fine of up to $25,000 for each offense committed, restitution, or both

Using an expired, forged, counterfeited, revoked, or unissued credit card where more than $300 worth of property was obtained within six months is a Class 3 felony. The penalties for a Class 3 felony include:

• Imprisonment from two to five years
• Periodic imprisonment for up to 18 months, or
• 30 months of probation
• A fine of up to $25,000 for each offense committed, restitution, or both

Using a credit card with fraudulent intentions and obtaining less than $150 in property value in six months is a Class A misdemeanor. Class A misdemeanor penalties include:

• Less than one year of jail time
• Up to two years of probation
• A fine of up to $2,500 for each committed offense, restitution, or both

Contact a DuPage County, IL Criminal Defense Attorney

Credit card fraud charges can be serious, and the penalties severe. The Davi Law Group, LLC will fight for you and build a defense to protect your future. Our skilled and experienced Naperville, IL credit card fraud lawyers are ready to provide reliable representation in a court of law. Contact our firm at 630-580-6373 to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case.