There are a number of credit card offenses in Virginia that are aggressively prosecuted. One serious crime that can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony is credit card fraud. If you are facing these charges, our experienced criminal defense attorneys can help you create a successful defense so that you reach the best possible outcome given your circumstances.
If you have been charged with credit card fraud, our firm is here to help.
Contact us at (703)352-0100 for a consultation.
Please note, we represent individuals facing charges—not victims.
Serving clients throughout Northern Virginia, Washington, D.C., and Maryland.
What Is Credit Card Fraud?
Virginia Code § 18.2-195 makes it a crime for a person to knowingly use a credit card to obtain something of value with the intent to defraud. There are many ways that a person can commit this crime. Some examples include:
- Knowingly using a stolen, lost, expired, or revoked credit card or credit card number
- Using another individual’s credit card without his permission
- Using an un-issued credit card to obtain something of value
- Obtaining money over the card’s credit limits with the intent to defraud
- Getting control of a credit card or credit card number as security for collateral for a debt
A person who is authorized to provide goods, services, or anything of value upon the presentation of a valid credit card can also commit credit card fraud if he does any of the following with the intent to deceive the card’s issuer:
- Gives another individual goods, services, or anything else of value when he knows that the credit card was stolen, expired, or revoked
- Tells the credit card issuer that goods, services, or other things of value were provided to the cardholder when they were not
- Charges a credit card with more than was authorized by the cardholder
Penalties You May Face If Convicted of Credit Card Fraud
Credit card fraud can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony depending on the value of the goods, services, or other things of value fraudulently obtained. A person may face these penalties:
- Class 1 misdemeanor. If an individual defrauds another of less than $500 within a six-month period, the offense is charged as a Class 1 misdemeanor. If convicted, the person may be sentenced to up to 12 months in jail and/or a fine of up to $2,500.
- Class 6 felony. If the value of the goods, or services is $500 or more within a six-month period, the credit card fraud would be charged as a Class 6 felony. The punishment may be a prison sentence of one to five years and a maximum fine of $2,500. However, the judge or jury deciding the case has the discretion to reduce the sentence to a jail of sentence of up to 12 months and/or a fine of up to $2,500.
Conspiracy to Commit Credit Card Fraud
It is also a crime to conspire with or help another person to commit credit card fraud under
Virginia Code § 18.2-195 whether the crime is committed in or outside of the Commonwealth of Virginia. This crime is a Class 6 felony, and the penalties are the same as for a felony credit card fraud offense.
Have you been charged with credit card fraud? Our experienced white collar crime attorneys understand the complexities of these cases and can help you mount a strong defense to the charges you face. To learn more, call our Fairfax office to schedule your free consultation today.
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