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Credit Card Fraud

Tampa Criminal Defense Attorneys

Credit Card Defense Attorney in Tampa, Hillsborough County, Florida

Credit card fraud is rampant in Florida and law enforcement is taking these cases very seriously. Those convicted of credit card fraud in Florida are often subjected to steep penalties, so understanding your legal options is crucial to your defense.

Under Florida Statute § 817.61, the crime of Fraudulent Use of Credit Cards is committed when a person:

Fraudulent Use of Credit Cards is a Third Degree Felony in Florida.

  • Uses a credit card with the intent to defraud a merchant;
  • And the credit card was:
    – Unlawfully obtained;
    – Known to be forged; or
    – Presented under the pretense the actual credit card holder authorized the use.
  • And obtains money, goods, services, or anything else of value from the merchant.

What Type of Crime is Credit Card Fraud Considered?

Credit card fraud is a crime that has affected consumers throughout the country and law enforcement has taken notice.

Credit card fraud is considered a white collar crime, and law enforcement takes these cases very seriously. Those convicted of credit card fraud in Florida are often subjected to steep penalties, so understanding your legal options is crucial to your defense.

If you are facing charges of credit or debit card fraud, contact experienced Tampa White Collar Crime Attorney that have more than 55 years of experience as a Tampa Criminal Defense Attorney. Tampa Lawyers Daniel Fernandez and Martin of Fernandez & have the experience required to defend white collar crimes and get the best possible outcome

Why work with us and why we are the best choice?

Award-Winning Firm

We are known to “go to the mats” for our clients. That carries extraordinary weight and respect with prosecutors and other lawyers.

Experience Counts

Daniel J. Fernandez has more than 500 trials.

5 Star Rating

We are consistently rated among the top criminal defense lawyers by our peers, major independent legal authorities, and others in the community.

Direct Attorney Access

We will provide you with a free consultation where you will speak directly with one of our attorneys. Call us at 813-229-5353.

We Fight for You

Our practice consists solely of trial attorneys and we dedicate ourselves to securing the best result for each and every client who enlists our services.

Aggregate Prosecution for Trafficking in Credit Cards

Fraudulent Use of Credit Cards is a unique crime because multiple, fraudulent uses of a credit card within a six-month period is treated as a single crime rather than multiple discrete crimes. Furthermore, you could also be charged with Trafficking in Counterfeit Credit Cards if you are caught with more than 5 counterfeit credit cards! If you are caught with more than 15 counterfeit credit cards, it is a second degree felony for trafficking in counterfeit credit cards. This means you are facing up to 15 years in prison. More than 50 fraudulent or counterfeit credit cards and you are facing up to 30 years in prison!

Read the law on ‘Traffic in or possess of counterfeit credit cards’ F.S. 817.611 here.

Credit Card Fraud Criminal Defense Tampa Florida

Penalties for Fraudulent Use of Credit Cards

The penalties for the crime of Fraudulent Use of Credit Cards are determined by either:

  1. The value of the goods obtained within a six-month span; or
  2. he number of times the credit card was used within a six-month span.

Misdemeanor Fraudulent use of a Credit Card

It is Misdemeanor Fraudulent use of a Credit Card if, in any 6-month period, a credit card is unlawfully used:

  1. Less than two times; and
  2. Items valued at less than $100 were obtained.

The crime of Misdemeanor Fraudulent use of a Credit Card is a First Degree Misdemeanor in Florida and punishable by up to one (1) year in jail, one (1) year of probation, and a $1,000 fine.

A judge may sentence a person convicted of Misdemeanor Fraudulent use of a Credit Card to probation, but may also impose a sentence up to the statutory maximum of one year in jail.

Felony Fraudulent use of a Credit Card

It is Felony Fraudulent use of a Credit Card if, in any 6-month period, a credit card is unlawfully used:

  1. More than two times; or
  2. Items valued at more than $100 was obtained.

The crime of Felony Fraudulent use of a Credit Card is a Third Degree Felony in Florida and is punishable by up to five (5) years in prison, five (5) years of probation, and a $5,000 fine.

Intent to Defraud

If you or someone you care about has been charged with manslaughter or murder, contact us immediately. The law firm of Fernandez & has the experience and skills necessary to assist you in your case.

Fraudulent Use of Credit Cards requires proof of intent to defraud a merchant at the time of a transaction. If a person accurately represents that they are not the cardholder and intends to pay the cardholder back, then they lack the intent necessary for conviction.

Who Should I Call?

Contact Tampa Criminal Defense Lawyer – Daniel Fernandez and Martin of Fernandez , LLC at 813-229-5353

If you have been arrested or charged with the crime of Fraudulent Use of Credit Cards or Trafficking in Counterfeit Credit Cards in Tampa or in Florida, call our experienced Criminal Defense Lawyers at 813-229-5353.

The initial consultation is free and we are always available and will advise you on what we believe would be the best course of action to take based on our years of experience as a lawyer.

The Fernandez & law office is designed to swiftly resolve any difficulties that you may face. Our attorneys continue to strive upon improving and bettering the situations of our clients. Contact partner Daniel J. Fernandez or Martin today so we can fight for you and protect your rights.Call (813) 229-5353.

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Address:
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Tampa Florida 33609

Business hours:
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Phone number:
(813) 229-5353

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