Baltimore, MD Credit Card Offenses Attorneys

Lawyers for Charges of Credit Card Fraud in Baltimore, Maryland

Credit cards are commonly used, and they are easily susceptible to theft, making credit card theft a major concern for the general public. Related crimes are aggressively prosecuted, and consumer concerns have led the legislature to create a statute that attempts to account for all possible ways a credit card can be misused.

This statute can be confusing, and it often overlaps with identity theft and general theft statutes, which may lead to multiple charges for a single allegation of theft. Investigations into credit card misuse also can be highly technical, and they may involve subpoenaing evidence such as records and surveillance videos.

The aggressive criminal defense attorneys at Silverman Thompson have extensive experience defending these types of cases. We can provide guidance on the best defense strategies to use when our clients are facing charges of white collar crimes. We work to help our clients avoid convictions and resolve these cases successfully.

Criminal Charges Related to Credit Cards

The most obvious credit card crime involves the physical taking of a credit card of another person without permission. To be charged with credit card theft, a person does not have to be the one who physically stole the card. They may be charged with a crime based on allegations that they had possession of a credit card and knowledge that the card was stolen, and they intend to either use it or sell it to someone else.

A person is not permitted to take possession of a credit card they know was lost or incorrectly delivered and either use it, sell it, or transfer it to someone who is not the owner. A person may also face credit card charges if they are accused of buying or selling a credit card that did not belong to them. If a person commits any of the above acts, they could be found guilty of a misdemeanor and face up to 18 months in jail.

Credit Card Counterfeiting

Additionally, the counterfeiting of credit cards is a growing problem and therefore has a harsher penalty. Charges in these cases may involve:

• Creating a fake credit card or altering an existing credit card with the intent to defraud the owner of the credit card.
• Signing another person's credit card with the intent to defraud the owner of the card.
• Being in possession of a device or instrument designed to reproduce a credit card.
• Giving items to someone using a known stolen or counterfeit credit card or receiving items by using one.

A person who creates or has the equipment to create a fake credit card could be found guilty of a felony, and they could face up to 15 years in jail.

What Are the Penalties for Credit Card Offenses?

The penalties for crimes involving credit cards are similar to those that would apply for theft offenses, and they will usually depend on the value of the goods or services received. If the value is under $100, the maximum penalty is up to 90 days in jail and a $500 fine. If the value is between $100 and $1,500, the maximum penalty is up to one year in jail and a $500 fine. If the value is between $1,500 and $25,000, the maximum penalty is up to five years and a $10,000 fine. If the value is between $25,000 and $100,000, the maximum penalty increases to 10 years and a $15,000 fine. Finally, if the value is over $100,000, the maximum penalty is up to 20 years in jail and a $25,000 fine.

Contact Our Baltimore Credit Card Crimes Lawyers

At Silverman Thompson, we can help clients address accusations of crimes involving credit cards. Whether an offense involves a credit card that was allegedly stolen, claims that a person counterfeited a credit card, or other forms of fraud, we will work closely with our client to defend against a conviction. To schedule a free consultation and get legal help with these issues, contact our Baltimore, MD credit card fraud attorneys at 410-385-2225.