Introduction
In Arizona, credit card theft is not taken lightly. Credit card theft is the crime of taking or possessing someone else’s credit card without consent.
Those holding onto someone else’s credit card as a security for debt or those who sell a credit card with the intent to defraud can also be convicted of this crime. Defendants can even be convicted of this offense without ever personally using the stolen credit card.
For instance, someone who accepts a gift purchased with a credit card he knows to be stolen can be convicted of this crime. Because credit card fraud can include different things, it’s a common offense, but requires an expert defense in order to make the most of your time in court.
What is Credit Card Fraud in Arizona?
Theft charges usually vary depending on the value of the item stolen. When it comes to credit card theft, the penalty is unwavering. A person commits credit card theft by:
- Controlling a credit card without the cardholder’s permission.
- Selling, transferring, or conveying a credit card with the intent to defraud.
- Possessing, caring, or controlling a credit card as security for debt with the intent to defraud.
What are the Penalties for Credit Card Fraud?
In Arizona, credit card fraud is a class 5 felony, and it can carry severe penalties. Even a first-time offender can face jail time or prison time if convicted of credit card fraud theft.
Credit card theft is punishable by a minimum jail sentence of 1/2 year and maximum of 2.5 years in prison, while the presumptive sentence is 1.5 years.
In addition to stealing a credit card, a person can face criminal charges if they receive anything purchased with the stolen credit card. If the value of the item purchased is less than $250, it’s a class 1 misdemeanor. If the item’s value is between $250 and $1,000, it’s a class 6 felony. Lastly, if the item is valued at over $1,000, it’s a class 5 felony.
If a person is convicted of receiving items purchased from a stolen credit card, he or she could face anywhere from 6 months to 2 years in prison.
As you can see, the penalties for credit card fraud are wide ranging, and ultimately, the sentence you may receive for credit card fraud depends heavily on the circumstances of your case.
With the help of the right credit card fraud attorney, however, you may have the opportunity to have your penalties lessened.
At JacksonWhite, we strive to provide our clients with the most satisfactory experience possible, so we explore your credit card fraud case from every angle and do our best to employ a strategy that minimizes the impact your criminal case has on the rest of your life. Our high success rates are a testimony to how well we reach our goals for many of our clients.
Call (480) 467-4370 for your free and confidential credit card fraud case review.
It’s Possible to Have Your Credit Card Fraud Penalties Reduced
Although the penalties for a credit card fraud conviction are severe, it’s possible to have your penalties reduced under the right circumstances.
In previous credit card fraud cases, our attorneys have had consistent success in reducing the impact of our client’s cases.
Credit Card Fraud Case Result Example
We’ve helped clients in Phoenix and Mesa, Arizona facing all types of fraud charges. Here’s an example of a recent credit card fraud case that had a positive outcome:
- Court: Maricopa Superior Court
- Charges: one count fraudulent use of a credit card, one count theft of a credit card, three counts of forgery
- Typical Sentence: 2+ years in jail or prison, significant fines
- Our Result: prosecution suspended, three years of unsupervised probation
To see how we’ve helped clients facing other charges, check out our recent case results.
Get Help with a Credit Card Fraud Charge in Arizona
If you’re facing credit card fraud or related fraud charges in Arizona, your future depends on the outcome of your criminal case. And the outcome depends on the resources and expertise you have in your corner.
With a public defender or sub-par attorney, you risk incurring penalties that can significantly and negatively impact your life. With the help of an experienced and dedicated attorney, however, you have the opportunity to lessen your penalties and the impact your case has on your future.
At JacksonWhite, we offer that dedication and expertise. Our Mesa criminal lawyers have helped thousands of clients in the Phoenix metro area, and we can help you next.
Call the JacksonWhite Criminal Law team at (480) 467-4370 to discuss your case today.