Illinois Credit Card Fraud Charges

 Posted on April 17, 2014 in Criminal Law

Credit and debit card fraud schemes are a hot topic in the news lately with breaches at major department stores. Illinois officials are on the alert for fraudulent activity as well after two Bolingbrook men were recently arrested for credit card fraud involving spoofed computer addresses and purchased of electronics. Being accused of credit card fraud in Illinois is a serious matter requiring input from an Illinois criminal defense attorney. If you have been charged with fraud, your first step should be to contact a lawyer.

Criminal offenses regarding credit card and debit card fraud in Illinois include false statements to obtain a card, possession of another person's debit or credit card, possessing another individual's lost card, sale of another person's debit or credit card, using counterfeited cards, usage of an altered card, or any behavior involving account numbers or cards with the intent to defraud.

White collar crimes in general often have in-depth investigations on behalf of the authorities. With an increasing focus on identity theft and credit card fraud, more man hours and training time is spent on handling these cases, giving the authorities an upper hand. You need someone to represent your interests in court, too.

Your defense to credit card fraud charges might include the following:

• insanity;
• compulsion;
• abandonment of criminal purpose;
• entrapment; or
• lack of knowledge.

Depending on what was obtained with unauthorized credit card information, you could be charged with a misdemeanor, a Class 3 felony, or a Class 4 felony.

• If less than $150 in property was obtained during a six month period, the charge will be a misdemeanor;
• If more than $300 in property was obtained, you can be charged with a Class 3 felony.
• All other offenses fall under the category of a Class 4 felony, which is punishable by time in prison and fines.

Do not let a credit card fraud charge ruin your future- contact a Joliet criminal defense attorney today.