Stealing a credit card, using an invalid credit card, impersonating another person in attempts to defraud a credit card company, or otherwise fraudulently using, obtaining, or possessing a credit card can lead to financial penalties, jail time, and a criminal record. Southfield credit card fraud cases should always be taken seriously, no matter what the specific circumstances surrounding the offense may be, simply because the potential penalties are so severe. Never take a credit card fraud accusation lightly, even if you know you are innocent. Speak with a lawyer early on in your case and fight back against the serious potential effects that a misdemeanor or felony conviction could have on your future.
Grabel & Associates is a firm committed to doing whatever it takes to protect those wrongly accused of credit card fraud in Southfield and other criminal offenses. Our statewide attorneys provide aggressive and effective defense to clients facing first time allegations, repeat offender accusations, as well as juveniles facing credit card fraud or other fraud related charges. If you or anyone you care about is facing an investigation or arrest, it is crucial to have an attorney on your side. Contact the Southfield fraud defense lawyers at Grabel & Associates right now and begin fighting back against police, prosecutors, and administrative agents who will be trying to build a convincing case against you.
Trial attorney Scott Grabel founded our firm over a decade ago after watching countless cases come through the Michigan Court of Appeals. Since then, he has become recognized as one of the best trial lawyers in the state, and has consistently been rated among the top attorneys for criminal defense in Southfield and statewide. Along with the rest of our highly-rated and well-reviewed team, Scott Grabel will work with you to develop a case approach based on protecting your best interests, whatever that may mean in your individual case. Contact our 24/7 hotline now for a free initial case consultation, and learn more about defending against fraud conviction.
There are a number of charges related to credit card fraud that a person can face. One of the more common is covered under Section 750.157n, which deals with stealing, taking, or removing a financial transaction device, or possessing a fraudulent or altered financial transaction device. Any person who steals, knowingly takes, or knowingly removes a financial transaction device (such as a credit or debit card) from the lawful device holder, or who knowingly possesses or uses a financial transaction device without consent from the owner, is guilty of a felony. Any person who knowingly possesses a fraudulent or altered financial transaction device (such as a credit card with a different name superimposed onto it) it also guilty of a felony.
A person can also be charged with a felony for possessing or controlling another person’s financial transaction device with intent to use, deliver, circulate, or sell. This can apply in cases involving credit or debit card info stolen online. Delivery, sale, and circulation of a financial transaction device known to be stolen, fabricated, or altered can likewise lead to a felony charge. Forgery, alteration, simulation, or counterfeiting a financial transaction device is another offense covered in the Penal Code. Simply causing a device holder to be overcharged can lead to felony conviction.
The penalties for many credit card offenses depend entirely on the specifics of the offense, and will be largely dependent on the amount of money or goods stolen through the use of the financial transaction device.
Any person who uses a revoked or cancelled credit or debit card with intent to defraud can face serious criminal penalties. For offenses involving a value less than $100, up to 93 days behind bars and a $500 fine will be on the line. For offenses involving between $100 and $500, up to 1 year behind bars and a fine of $1,000 or 3 times the amount of the total value involved in the case can result. Any offense involving more than $500 of fraud can lead to up to 2 years behind bars and a fine of $2,000 or 3 times the value involved in the case. Additional penalties can apply for repeat offenders.
Our firm is ready to defend you no matter what specific charges you are facing. In addition to credit card theft and fraud, we know how to handle cases involving false statement of identity for purposes of procuring a credit card, fraudulent use of a financial transaction device to withdraw or transfer funds, and more. Contact our team now and let us aggressively fight for your rights and defend your freedom. We are always ready to work with clients in felony fraud cases, and look forward to helping you clear your name.
If you have been accused of a credit card fraud offense of any kind, contact the Southfield theft defense team at Grabel & Associates now. You can reach us 24/7 at 1-800-342-7896, and can also get in touch with our team online using the form on this website. Don’t wait to begin working with a lawyer, our team can protect your freedom and future, and help you guard against jail time, significant fines, and a permanent record.