Vero Beach Credit Card Fraud Attorneys
If you have been charged with credit card fraud in Vero Beach, the experienced criminal defense lawyers of The Law Offices of David Golden, P.A. should be the first call you make. Credit card fraud can be treated as a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the specifics of the case. Either way, the penalties may include hefty fines and incarceration, so it is critical to mount an aggressive defense right away.
To fight these charges and penalties, you’ll need a criminal attorney with the right experience, knowledge, and skills to help you counter the narrative the prosecutor wants to tell. When you work with our firm, you will have a legal team with more than two decades of experience defending individuals in Indian River County on your side. We will do everything in our power to minimize the impact that these charges can have on your life, and will work to get the charges dropped altogether if possible.
Let us get started on your defense today by calling us at 772-770-4101 or by reaching out online. We have successfully defended others who have been charged with credit card fraud, and are here to put our experience to work for you.
Why Choose The Law Offices of David Golden, P.A.?
For more than 20 years, The Law Offices of David Golden, P.A. has been representing clients from Vero Beach in cases just like yours. We pride ourselves in providing first-class representation for individuals charged with credit card fraud and any other financial crimes. We understand the impact these charges can have on your life, your livelihood, and your standing in the community, so it is our goal to help you fight back against them. Our commitment to our clients is evident in our long track record of success and our recognition from our previous clients and peers in the industry.
Credit Card Fraud – Misdemeanor and Felony Charges
Florida Statute 817.61 establishes that an individual may be charged with fraudulent use of credit cards if they:
- Intend to defraud a merchant with the use of a credit card and;
- If that credit card was unlawfully maintained, knowingly forged, or presented as if the official cardholder authorized its use and;
- The Accused obtains anything of value (money, goods, services, etc.) from the merchant
It is important to note that the repeated fraudulent use of a credit card within a six-month period is prosecuted as a single crime (in aggregation) rather than as separate crimes.
Penalties for Fraudulent Use of a Credit Card
The penalties you are facing will depend on how your charges are categorized. A credit card fraud charge can be either a misdemeanor or felony depending on the severity of the alleged crimes.
Credit card fraud is a first-degree misdemeanor when:
- The items obtained through the card total less than $100; or
- The card was used two or fewer times in the last six months.
Credit card fraud is a third-degree felony when:
- The items obtained total more than $100; or
- The card was used three or more times in the last six months.
A first-degree misdemeanor can result in up to one year in jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000. A third-degree felony charge can result in up to five years in prison and/or a fine of up to $5,000.
Contact Us
Credit card fraud charges can impact your life, your finances, and your freedom, but you can fight back with an experienced legal team on your side. If you or someone close to you was charged with fraudulent use of a credit card in Vero Beach, Gifford, Sebastian, Fellsmere, Oslo, Wabasso, or anywhere in Indian River County, let The Law Offices of David Golden, P.A. fight for you. To schedule a confidential case evaluation, contact us today at 772-770-4101.