Chicago Credit Card Fraud Lawyer

Cook County Federal Criminal Defense Attorney for Charges of Credit Card or Debit Card Fraud

Crimes of a financial nature, which are referred to as white collar crimes, often involve credit cards, debit cards, and financial accounts. Accusations that a person has illegally accessed someone else's account or made purchases or charges without their permission can lead to charges of credit card fraud. At the state level, these offenses may be charged as felonies, but if a person faces federal charges, they may be subject to even more serious penalties.

If you have been accused of committing credit card fraud, you will need a skilled attorney on your side to help you defend against these charges. Attorney Hal Garfinkel has over 20 years of experience representing clients in state and federal courts, and he can provide you with dedicated legal help and representation throughout your case. He will advise you on how to respond to federal investigations, advocate on your behalf during criminal proceedings, and fight to protect your rights and help you avoid serious criminal consequences.

Activities That Can Lead to Credit Card Fraud Charges

There are many different reasons that a person may be charged with credit card or debit card fraud. Illegal activities that could lead to criminal charges include:

• Possessing someone else's credit or debit card without their permission. This may include situations in which a card was stolen or when a person keeps someone else's card that was lost or mislaid.
• Selling or transferring a person's credit or debit card to a third party without the permission of the account holder.
• Using a person's credit or debit card to make purchases without their permission.
• Using false statements or information to obtain a credit or debit card. This may include providing false information on a credit card application or accessing a person's account by falsely claiming to be the account owner.
• Using a counterfeit, expired, or revoked credit or debit card, signing someone else's card, or altering a card with the intent of defrauding the card's issuer, the account holder, or a seller of products or services.
• Using another person's information to open a credit card or other account in their name. These offenses may occur in conjunction with identity theft.
• Making prohibited deposits into a debit card account or paying off credit card balances using checks, money orders, or other documents that are forged or counterfeit.
• Making charges to a credit card or accepting payment using a debit card without providing a person with the goods or services that were purchased.

Most of the time, debit card or credit card fraud that is charged at the state level in Illinois is a Class 4 felony, which can result in a prison sentence of one to three years. In cases involving three or more cards issued to different cardholders, a credit or debit card fraud charge may be elevated to a Class 3 felony, which can result in a prison sentence of two to five years. If a person is accused of fraudulent activity that affects people in multiple states or involves interstate or international commerce, they may face federal credit card fraud charges. A conviction in federal courts can result in a prison sentence of up to 10 years and a maximum fine of $10,000.

Contact Our Chicago Debit Card Fraud Attorney

Accusations of white collar crimes may involve multiple different offenses, including credit card fraud, wire fraud, or identity theft. Due to the combination of multiple charges, a person may face the possibility of years in prison and massive fines if they are convicted. To avoid these consequences, it is crucial for defendants to work with a skilled criminal defense lawyer. Attorney Hal M. Garfinkel has extensive experience defending clients against fraud charges and other offenses in state and federal courts, and he can help you build a winning defense strategy. Contact us at 312-629-0669 to arrange a free consultation today. Call us anytime, 24 hours a day, to get the legal help you need. Mr. Garfinkel is available on evenings and weekends to meet with you at our law office or other locations.