Credit Card Fraud Defense Attorney in St. Louis
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Fighting Against Credit Card Fraud Charges in St. Louis County
Credit card fraud is considered a serious criminal offense that can result in serious legal consequences. These charges can lead to steep fines, prison sentences, and a permanent criminal record, affecting your reputation, employment, and future opportunities. If you or a loved one has been accused of credit card fraud, it is critical to take immediate action to protect your rights and secure the best possible outcome. Our St. Louis credit card fraud attorney understands the complexities of these cases and can build a strong defense to help reduce or dismiss the charges.
Call JMH Law Firm, LLC today at (314) 827-6222 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with our credit card fraud defense attorney in St. Louis.
What is Credit Card Fraud?
Credit card fraud is committed by using another person's credit or debit card in order to access their financial resources for personal gain or to attain services that they are not authorized to obtain. Credit card fraud is a crime that has been rapidly occurring throughout the country and the government is now severely cracking down on offenders. This form of fraud is considered to be a felony offense, which is found in the US Code under Title 18, Section 1029. Each state, however, may have its own laws regarding the sentencing of this crime. In the state of Missouri, if you are buying goods or trying to get a service by using a card that you know to be stolen, expired, or canceled, then you can be charged with a Class A misdemeanor.
What are the Penalties for Credit Card Fraud in Missouri?
The penalty for credit card fraud will depend on how much money was stolen and whether or not there were additional felony crimes involved. Credit card fraud can be considered grand theft if the purchased goods and services amount to more than $5,000. If the fraud is in the area of $60,000, then you could be facing up to 2 years of incarceration. If you have any previous offenses on your criminal record, then you may be facing harsher penalties when you face the prosecution. Many people commit credit card fraud as part of a grander scheme which entails identity theft. In this case, you can be charged for larceny for stealing the credit/debit card as well as forgery for signing with another person's name.
Defenses Against Credit Card Fraud Charges
Common defenses against credit card fraud charges include:
- Lack of Intent: Intent is a critical component in any fraud charge. If it can be demonstrated that you did not intend to commit credit card fraud or were unaware that the card was stolen or unauthorized, it may serve as a strong defense. Proving a lack of intent can help reduce or eliminate the charges.
- Mistaken Identity: In some instances, individuals may be wrongly accused of credit card fraud because of mistaken identity. This can happen when your personal information has been stolen or when someone else uses your credit card without your knowledge. We can help gather evidence to prove that you did not commit the fraudulent activity.
- False Accusations: It is not uncommon for credit card fraud charges to stem from false accusations, whether intentional or unintentional. Disputes with business partners, friends, or family members can sometimes escalate to legal accusations, even if no fraud occurred. A thorough investigation can help uncover the truth and protect you from unwarranted charges.
- Lack of Evidence: Prosecutors must supply sufficient evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you committed credit card fraud. We can challenge the admissibility of the evidence if it is weak, incomplete, or improperly obtained. This could lead to the dismissal or reduction of the charges against you.
- Consent: If you were given permission to use the credit card in question, this can be a valid defense against fraud charges. For example, if a friend or family member allowed you to use their card and later accused you of fraud, demonstrating that you had consent can weaken the prosecution's case.
- Coercion or Duress: In some instances, individuals could be forced to commit credit card fraud under threats or pressure from another person. If you were coerced into participating in fraudulent activity against your will, this defense could be used to mitigate the charges or reduce the penalties you face.
- Entrapment: If law enforcement officials pressured or induced you into committing credit card fraud, it could be a case of entrapment. This defense applies when a person is convinced or manipulated into breaking the law by police or other government agents. Proving entrapment can result in a dismissal of the charges.
Contact Our Credit Card Fraud Attorney in St. Louis Today
If you have been arrested for fraud, our experienced trial lawyers will sit down and listen to your story so we can get to know you and your case. We know that you must be feeling scared and vulnerable and we want to help you take back control of your life. Do not make the mistake of believing that your fate is sealed - you are still innocent until proven guilty. Our legal team has extensive experience in federal court and we will fight vigorously for a reduction or complete dismissal of your charges.
We know what it takes to build a solid winning defense and we will do everything in our power to attain a favorable outcome in your case. A good defense begins now, not in the courtroom.
If you are facing charges of credit card fraud, contact JMH Law Firm, LLC without delay. Call now for a free case evaluation with our St. Louis credit card fraud lawyer.
