St. Louis Credit Card Fraud Attorney

Both credit card fraud and stealing a credit card are considered serious offenses in the state of Missouri. The difference between these charges can dramatically impact the outcome of your case and how you are penalized.

To be convicted for stealing a credit card or debit card, the state must prove that you purposely appropriated the property from another person, with the intent to deprive him or her thereof. This is classified as a Class D Felony with a maximum penalty of 7 years imprisonment and a fine of up to $10,000.

Fraudulent use of a credit card may have involved stealing a card for criminal use, but this is not always the case. You can also be convicted on a fraudulent use charge if the state can prove that at the time you used the device (credit card or debit card), you knew that it was either:

• Stolen
• Fictitious
• Forged
• Revoked or Cancelled
• Unauthorized for any other reason

Unauthorized use of a debit or credit card typically occurs when the person is using someone else’s card (or card number) without the cardholder’s permission. Depending on the crime’s seriousness and the appropriated property’s value, credit card fraud can be classified as either a Class A Misdemeanor or Class E Felony.

PENALTIES FOR CREDIT CARD FRAUD IN ST. LOUIS

The penalties for credit card fraud can be quite severe, like many other criminal charges. Once these charges are on your record, they can create A LOT of conflict for your future. Even after serving jail time and paying off your fines – A conviction on your record can hold you back from job opportunities, seeing your family, and ultimately, the life that you want for yourself.

Credit card fraud cases become more serious when the value of services or property appropriated is valued at more than $750.

Fraudulent use of a credit or debit device

To convict you of this offense, the State must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant used a credit or debit device for the purpose of obtaining services or property and knew that:

• The device was stolen, fictitious, or forged, or
• The device had been canceled or revoked, or
• For any other reason, their use was unauthorized.

Credit card fraud or debit card fraud (without any special circumstances) is considered a Class A Misdemeanor. Punishable by up to (1) year in county jail, and fines of up to $2,000.

Fraudulent use of a credit or debit device (Over $750+)

To convict you of this offense, the State must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant used a credit or debit device for the purpose of obtaining services or property and knew that:

• The device was stolen, fictitious, or forged, or
• The device had been canceled or revoked, or
• For any other reason, their use was unauthorized.

AND

• The value of appropriated goods or services within a 30-day period exceeds $750.

Fraudulent use of a credit card valued at $750 or more is considered a Class E Felony. Punishable by up to (4) years in prison and fines of up to $10,000.

Keep in mind that the defendant does not have to actually use the card or even possess the card to be convicted of Fraudulent Use of a Credit or Debit Device. If the defendant used the account (the card number, expiration date, and security code) without the cardholder’s permission, that could be sufficient to be found guilty of Fraudulent Use of a Credit or Debit Device — even if the defendant never possessed the card itself.

CREDIT CARD FRAUD VS. IDENTITY THEFT

Credit card or debit card fraud is established on the use of the device. An individual can be charged on the basis that they knew the card was NOT authorized for their use and proceeded to use it for the appropriation of goods or services.

Identity theft focuses more on how the device was obtained. Those charged with identity theft have possibly used another’s identity to clone credit or debit cards, open a new line of credit, or get another form of a loan or false identification in the victim’s name. In Missouri, cases involving cloned credit or debit cards or fraudulent lines of credit are typically charged as Identity Theft, a Class C Felony, with a range of punishment of 3 to 10 years in the Missouri Department of Corrections and a fine of up to $10,000 for each count.

Although the penalties for identity theft charges are often more serious – Both credit card fraud and identity theft charges can result in expensive fines, jail time, and a mark on your criminal record.

What To Do If You’ve Been Caught Using a Fraudulent Credit Card

If you’ve been caught using a fraudulent credit card or debit card in St. Louis, you should start practicing your rights immediately. Always remember:

• You have the right to remain silent – Aside from providing necessary information like your name and date of birth to law enforcement, you can “plead the fifth” and remain silent to avoid potentially implicating yourself.
• You have the right to an attorney – As an American citizen, you have the right to legal counsel that can defend you in a court of law.

Once you can do so — Contact a knowledgeable St. Louis Credit Card Fraud Attorney. They will immediately get to work on building an effective representation for you while providing you with sound advice to help you move forward in the best way possible. Whether you decide to plead innocent or guilty, it’s crucial to find out ALL of your options… before your trial.

Find The Best St. Louis Credit Card Fraud Attorney For Your Case

Look for an attorney that takes your future as seriously as YOU DO. Experienced in a range of criminal defense cases, including stealing, property damage, and weapons charges — Rose Legal Services will work hard to get you the best possible results. Let’s start your case off with a free consultation, take the time to thoroughly review and inspect your case, and create a STRONG defense.

ST. LOUIS CREDIT CARD FRAUD ATTORNEY

If you’ve been wrongfully accused or made a mistake… Take legal action today. Rose Legal Services exclusively defends clients against criminal defense and credit card fraud charges in St. Louis County, St. Louis City, and surrounding areas. With nearly 20 years of experience, rest assured we will work tirelessly & aggressively to defend you in the court of law.

• Immediate & Effective Representation
• Flat Fee Criminal Law Firm
• Get The UNDIVIDED ATTENTION Your Case Needs
• Take Legal Action TODAY
• All Cases Begin With A FREE Consultation

You must retain a St. Louis credit card fraud attorney as soon as possible to help protect your freedom. Whether this is a first-time offense or you’ve been charged before, we can help you get the best possible results in your credit or debit card fraud case — Start building your defense today with a free consultation.