Credit Card Fraud Charges in Florida
The Orlando Criminal Defense Lawyers at the Rivas Law Firm have successfully defended many cases of credit card fraud, theft, and counterfeiting in Florida. In some cases, we are able to get credit card fraud charges dismissed. Call 407-644-2466 to speak with a skilled and aggressive Orlando Credit Card Fraud Defense Attorney at the Rivas Law Firm.
Counterfeit Credit Cards
Selling or using counterfeit credit cards may get you more than you bargained for in the form of a long stretch in state prison. Under Florida Statute 817.611, trafficking in or possessing counterfeit credit cards is either a first or second-degree felony depending on the number of credit cards involved. If your case involves fewer than 50 counterfeit credit cards, you’ll be charged with a second-degree felony with a possible 15-year prison sentence. Fifty cards or more could cost you 30 years in prison.
Credit Card Theft
There are serious criminal penalties for stealing a credit card in order to sell it or to go on a shopping spree. According to Florida Statute 817.60, you’re guilty of Credit Card Theft and could spend a year in jail, get probation and a $1,000 fine.
Fraudulent Use of Credit Cards
If you pay for something with a forged credit card, or pretend that it’s your name on a stolen credit card, you can get a $1,000 fine and spend a year in jail. Under Fraudulent Use of Credit Cards Florida Statute 817.6, it’s a first-degree misdemeanor. If you get caught doing it more than a few times, or there is a lot of money involved, the penalty is much tougher; a third-degree felony punishable by up to five years in prison, five years of probation, and a $5,000 fine.
Credit Card Skimmer
You could call it swiping money; credit card skimming is one of the Fraudulent Practices covered under Florida Statute Section 817.625(1)(e). Installing one of those little electronic readers on an ATM or a gas pump to steal credit card numbers is a third-degree felony that can land you in prison for up to five years.
Credit Card Fraud Charges Defense
As with any case, a criminal defense attorney can make pretrial motions to have certain evidence suppressed (if the police violated procedure) and make motions to dismiss the case altogether if the prosecution has a weak case. If the case goes to court, your lawyer may present mitigating evidence, argue that your act was not intentional, or use other appropriate measures or tactics in your defense. It’s best to talk to an experienced and aggressive criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. Call 407-644-2466 for a free consultation with an Orlando Credit Card Fraud attorney at the Rivas Law Firm.