Credit Card Fraud

If you’re ever charged with a crime, you must avail yourself of the expertise of a credit card fraud attorney in Los Angeles.

Credit card fraud is an umbrella term for a number of related crimes that can be considered grand or petty theft. It entails using a credit card to fraudulently access money or obtain other financial benefits or goods. 

Specifically, credit card fraud is the intentional use of counterfeit, stolen, or lost cards—as well as unauthorized access to bank or other accounts—using account or PIN numbers. It also includes equipment or technology to obtain financial gain at another person’s cost.

Full details of credit card fraud are described under California Penal Code 484G. Your credit card fraud lawyer in California will explain the nuances of the type of fraud appropriate to your situation.

California Penal Code 484G

The 484G statute covers everything from stolen, fake, and forged cards to altered, revoked, and expired cards. You must have purposely used the card with full knowledge that it was invalid. 

The code divides credit card fraud into two categories.

  1. Grand theft if the fraudulently obtained benefits exceed $950.
  2. Petty theft if the fraudulently obtained benefits are less than $950.

The two key factors that the prosecution has to prove are that you acted with an intent to defraud, regardless of success, and without consent. The burden of evidence lies on the prosecution’s shoulders. 

All your credit card fraud defense attorney in Los Angeles has to do is create reasonable doubt. LibertyBell Law Group’s attorneys are highly experienced at putting together fraud defense cases that raise sufficient doubt to have the charges reduced or dismissed altogether—ensuring rights protection.

Examples of Credit Card Fraud

There are many types of credit card fraud. The most common of these include the following:

Card-Not-Present

Card-not-present (CNP) occurs when scammers use credit cards and the personal information they need for online payment transactions. This type of scam includes a stolen identity, which will be added to the charge.

Application Fraud

This type of fraud also includes identity theft, as fraudsters steal someone’s personal information, including address and social security number, to apply for credit and store cards.

Account Takeover

Scammers use personal information to contact banks and financial services providers to change account passwords, usernames, and PIN numbers. 

Credit Card Skimming

Skimming is one of the oldest credit card fraud methods. It’s still popular because it works so well. Skimmers attach credit card readers in ATMs and other businesses, including retailers.

The reader steals the card’s information contained in the magnetic strip at the back of the card. They sell your information to other fraudsters or use it personally.

Take Advantage of Opportunities

There are instances when people seem to invite credit card fraudsters to get their cards. For example, people in restaurants who are distracted by conversation and food may leave their wallets or purses in open handbags or jacket pockets. They’re being stolen by a scammer with a keen eye.

If you’re stuck in a jam and need a credit card fraud lawyer in San Diego, LibertyBell Law Group is on hand to provide valuable assistance.

Penalties for Credit Card Fraud in California

Credit card fraud that is less than $950 is petty, theft, and is considered a misdemeanor. The maximum penalties are:

  • Up to six months in county jail.
  • A fine of up to $1000.
  • Six months in county jail and a $1000 fine.

Credit card fraud that is more than $950 is grand theft and can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony crime.

Grand theft credit card fraud is a wobbler offense, which means the prosecution can charge scammers with a misdemeanor or felony crime. The decision takes into account additional charges that occurred during the commission of the crime, any past criminal history, and more.

Misdemeanor

  • Up to one year in county jail
  • A fine of up to $1000.
  • One year in jail and a $1000 fine.

Felony

  • Up to three years in county jail.
  • A fine of up to $10,000.
  • Three years in jail and a $10,000 fine.

LibertyBell Law Group provides you with an experienced credit card fraud lawyer in Los Angeles who knows precisely how to pull the prosecutor’s arguments apart. Our lawyers know how to work a courtroom so that those in the room move over to your side. 

If necessary, your white-collar defense attorney can argue such a strong case that they create opportunities for favorable conviction negotiations. You really need one of our defense teams working for you.

Related Offenses for Penal Code 484G in California

Few people are charged with credit card fraud only. There are several additional offenses in California that you have almost certainly committed, either intentionally or not.

8 Related Offenses Include the Following:

  1. Petty theft
  2. Grand theft
  3. Forgery
  4. Identity theft
  5. Unauthorized computer access
  6. Conspiracy
  7. Elder abuse
  8. Burglary

Fight for Your Rights With Our Credit Card Fraud Attorney in Los Angeles

If you’re charged with a felony offense, your trial will take place in federal court, which is entirely different from defense cases in state courts. You want an attorney who specializes in federal credit card fraud cases in Orange County, CA.

The latest trend is for prosecutors to ask for the harshest penalties, which means lengthy prison sentences. LibertyBell Law Group’s skilled criminal attorneys have an astounding ability to reduce penalties and obtain favorable restitution penalties while we fulfill our obligation to our clients, and that is to keep them out of federal prison.

To get top legal services and advice from the best criminal defense team in California, contact us at 855 520 0338 at LibertyBell Law Group today!

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Gina Tennen

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Executive Managing Attorney Gina Tennen is a renowned leading advocate of personal liberties. Her meticulous trial preparation and exceptional ability to pursue every possible defense has earned her the admiration of clients and respect from prosecutors, judges, and other criminal attorneys all over the nation.

Lawyer Tennen began her career as a Senior Law Clerk for one of the toughest District Attorney’s offices in the country where she gained remarkable experience in juvenile crimes, elder abuse, parole hearings, child abuse, sex and other serious crimes. Her experience at the District Attorney’s Office armed her knowledge and case strategy in exploiting the other side’s weaknesses for the client’s advantage and building a rock solid defense. Criminal attorney Tennen’s experience on both sides and brilliant maneuvering throughout is evidenced in her winning track record. In fact, even before earning her law degree, she was instrumental in getting excellent results on several criminal cases outshining her peers.

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