Chester County Credit Card Theft Attorney

Chester County Credit Card related Charges

As the internet and online transactions become more frequent, so does credit card fraud. In Pennsylvania, credit card fraud is also called access device fraud. The state law makes it a crime to commit any sort of fraudulent activity with the use of a credit card or its numbers.

Credit card fraud is a white collar crime that can carry serious penalties. A conviction for the offense could lead to jail or prison time, steep fines or both. Additionally, there could be other penalties imposed, depending on the circumstances of the alleged crime. A criminal defense attorney can help you combat the charges.

Are you facing criminal charges or arrest for credit card theft or credit card fraud or access device fraud in or around Chester County PA? Then speak to an experienced lawyer to defend your charges or arrest for credit card fraud in Chester County.

Credit Card Fraud or Access Device Fraud is when a person uses a credit card or debit card to obtain property or services knowing that 1) the card is a counterfeit or has been altered; 2) the card has been issued to another person who has not authorized its use; 3) the card has been revoke or cancelled; 4) for any other reason that the use of the card has been unauthorized by the issuer or actual card holder.

West Chester Credit Card Fraud Attorney

White collar crimes can carry serious consequences. If you are facing fraud charges, contact a credit card fraud defense lawyer at Ciccarelli Law Offices. Our legal team can help you build a strong defense in your case and work one-on-one with you to ensure your rights are represented.

Ciccarelli Law Offices represents clients throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania, including Willow Street, Coatesville, Downingtown, Norristown, Exton, Newton Square and other surrounding areas. Call Ciccarelli Law Offices today at (610) 692-8700 to schedule a free consultation. We can help you prepare a solid defense strategy.

If the value of the property obtained with the card is $500.00 or greater, the card is graded as a Felony 3. If the value is between $50.00 and $500.00 the crime is graded as a misdemeanor 1. If the value is less than $50.00, the offense is graded as a misdemeanor 2.

Credit Card Fraud Information

What is Considered Credit Card Fraud?

Credit card fraud, or access device fraud, occurs when a person uses an access device to obtain or in an attempt to obtain property or services with knowledge that:

The access device is counterfeit, altered or incomplete
The access device was issued to another person who has not authorized its use
The access device has been revoked or canceled
For any reason the use of the card has been unauthorized by the issuer or actual cardholder

A person is presumed to know a card is counterfeit if prosecutors can prove he or she possessed two or more counterfeit cards. According to state law, a person is presumed to know a card has been canceled if prosecutors can prove he or she attempted to use it seven days after receiving notice of the cancellation.

Additionally, a person could be charged with credit card fraud if he or she publishes, makes, sells, gives or otherwise transfers to another, or offers or advertises, or aids and abets any other person to use an access device knowing it is counterfeit, belongs to another or has been revoked.

An access device can be considered any sort of credit card or debit card and the correlating numbers, personal identification numbers or any other means of access that can be used to obtain money, services or goods.

Penalties for Credit Card Fraud Offenses

The penalties for credit card fraud are largely determined by the amount of money or the value of goods or services involved in the alleged offense, according to Pa. Cons. Stat. §4106.

If the value involved was less than $50, the offense would be considered a misdemeanor of the second degree, which is punishable by up to two years imprisonment, a fine of between $500 and $5,000 or both.

If the value of the money and goods involved was $50 or more but less than $500, the offense constitutes a misdemeanor of the first degree, which is punishable by up to five years in prison, a fine of between $1,500 and $10,000 or both.

If the value involved was $500 or more, the offense constitutes a felony of the third degree. This is punishable by up to seven years in prison, a fine of between $2,500 and $15,000 or both.

Finding the Best Credit Card Fraud Defense Lawyer in Chester County

Being charged with credit card fraud does not have to mean a conviction. Contact a credit card fraud attorney at Ciccarelli Law Offices. Our legal team has the experience and the knowledge to help you fight white collar crime charges, no matter the situation. Call (610) 692-8700 for a free consultation.

Committed to Helping You Avoid the Worst Possible Scenario

While there are no guarantees in Pennsylvania Criminal law, understanding your rights and the legal options available to you can improve your chances when defending yourself from charges of credit card fraud, credit card theft or access device fraud in Chester County Pennsylvania. As Pennsylvania Criminal lawyers serving Chester County with years of experience in our criminal justice system, we understand how to negotiate with the court, how to identify questionable police conduct and suspicious testimony, and prevent clients from making certain kinds of mistakes.

When evidence and guilt is not in question, extenuating circumstances may convince the court to either reduce the charges against you or the sentence you face. As your criminal defense lawyers, we work with prosecutors in exploring alternative sentencing options when a plea of “guilty” may be in your best interest. In certain cases where provocation, a medical condition, or alcohol is involved, it may be possible to avoid jail or a heavy fine in exchange for a promise to get counseling, provide community service, and agree to probation.

You also need Chester County criminal lawyers both passionate in what they do and compassionate in their treatment of their clients. You deserve a Pennsylvania criminal defense lawyer that is available when you need him, treats you with respect, and protects your rights vigorously. We make your choice all the clearer fighting for clients through Chester County. For more information or to schedule an appointment with an experienced Pennsylvania criminal defense lawyer, contact us at (610) 692-8700.