Credit card fraud charges can arise from a wide variety of situations and carry serious criminal penalties under both California and federal law. Whether you are accused of using someone else’s card without authorization, manufacturing counterfeit cards, or participating in a larger fraud scheme, the consequences of a conviction can be life-altering. Attorney David A. Stein and his criminal defense team have the experience and dedication to fight credit card fraud charges aggressively on your behalf.
What Is Credit Card Fraud?
Credit card fraud encompasses a broad range of conduct under California Penal Code Section 484e through 484j, including:
- Using another person’s credit or debit card without their consent
- Acquiring, selling, or transferring credit card information without authorization
- Counterfeiting or forging credit cards
- Using a stolen or forged card to obtain goods, services, or cash
- Possessing or using a card reader or skimming device to steal card information
- Participating in an organized scheme to defraud multiple victims
These charges can be brought at the state level, the federal level, or both, depending on the alleged scope of the conduct. Federal credit card fraud charges under 18 U.S.C. Section 1029 carry particularly severe penalties.
Penalties for Credit Card Fraud in California
Credit card fraud offenses can be charged as misdemeanors or felonies, and the severity depends on the value of the alleged fraud and the circumstances involved:
- Misdemeanor charges may apply to lower-value cases and carry up to one year in county jail
- Felony charges can result in two, three, or four years in state prison
- Federal charges can result in up to ten or more years in federal prison, plus substantial fines and restitution
Additionally, a fraud conviction carries significant collateral consequences, including damage to your professional reputation, loss of professional licenses, immigration consequences for non-citizens, and a permanent criminal record.
Defenses Against Credit Card Fraud Charges
Attorney David A. Stein will conduct a thorough review of all evidence, financial records, and the circumstances surrounding your arrest to build the strongest possible defense. Common defenses in credit card fraud cases include:
- Lack of intent to defraud – you believed you were authorized to use the card
- Mistaken identity – you were not the person who committed the alleged fraud
- Insufficient evidence linking you to the fraudulent transactions
- Constitutional violations in how evidence was gathered or how the investigation was conducted
Call (949) 528-8057 today to speak with an experienced fraud defense attorney.