Utah Credit Card Fraud Attorney

In Utah, being charged with credit card fraud can mean paying heavy fines, possible jail time, and destruction of your record. Let Weber Law help you today!

WHAT IS CREDIT CARD FRAUD?

Credit card fraud can mean any person who knowingly uses a false, fictitious, altered, counterfeit, revoked, expired, stolen, or fraudulently obtained financial transaction card to obtain, or attempt to obtain credit, goods, property, or services. It can not only mean stealing someone else’s credit card to use unlawfully, but also using a card that you tampered with in order to make it work to obtain credit, goods, property, or services. It can even mean selling or transferring a credit card to a person with knowledge that the credit card is fraudulent.

WHAT IS THE PENALTY?

The penalties for credit card fraud can include not only jail time but a hefty fine. The penalties for credit card fraud depend on the value of the property, money, or things stolen and are outlined below:

• If the amount stolen or purchased fraudulently is less than $500 in value, it is classified as a class B misdemeanor.
• If the amount stolen or purchased fraudulently was between $500 and $1,500 in value, it is classified as a class A misdemeanor. 
• If the amount stolen or purchased fraudulently was between $1,500 and $5,000 in value, it is considered a third degree felony.
• If the amount stolen or purchased fraudulently was $5,000 or more, it is classified as a second degree felony.  

A third degree felony is punishable by up to five years imprisonment and a fine of up to $5,000.00. 

A second degree felony is punishable by one to fifteen years imprisonment, and up to a $10,000 fine.

A class A misdemeanor is punishable by up to one-year imprisonment and a fine of up to $1,000.00.

A class B misdemeanor is punishable by up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.00.

An additional penalty for credit card fraud might also mean paying restitution to the victim. If you do not have any money to pay restitution, the state of Utah could potentially seize your property or assets to pay that restitution. 

*It is important to note that multiple violations of credit card fraud can be combined into a single offense, which would likely make the value of the stolen property, money, or object increase. Increasing your likelihood of a felony charge and conviction. A felony charge can affect all aspects of your life.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I HAVE BEEN ACCUSED OF CREDIT CARD FRAUD?

If you have been accused of credit card fraud, whether a felony or misdemeanor, let Weber Law help you today. It can be a stressful situation to have criminal charges pending, and Weber Law will work for you. Let Weber Law work to have your citation dismissed or dropped to a lower offense. If that is not possible, we will negotiate the best deal for you, which could include a shorter jail time, no jail time, or a lesser fine. 

There are potential defenses against a charge of credit card fraud including, not knowing the card was fraudulent, not meaning to use that card, or having permission from the card holder to use the card. Weber Law will look at every aspect of your case, including surveillance footage, eye witness testimonies, and even your prior criminal record. Let Weber Law build the best defense for you! A charge of credit card fraud on your record could potentially hurt future job offers, especially in the banking industry, and will remain on your record for the rest of your life. Weber Law is experienced in defending these charges and getting you back to a life free of criminal charges. It is never a good idea to face these charges without an attorney, the court room can be intimidating, and you need someone with experience. Any blemish on your record can have detrimental effects on the rest of your life. Let Weber Law’s experienced attorneys fight for you in court. If you or someone you know has been accused of credit card fraud, contact Weber Law today for a consultation.

• Utah Code § 76-6-506.2, Financial transaction card offenses – unlawful use of card – false application for card
• Utah Code § 76-6-506.3, Financial transaction card offenses – unlawful acquisition, possession, or transfer of card
• Utah Code § 76-3-204, misdemeanor conviction – term of imprisonment
• Utah Code § 76-3-203, Felony conviction—indeterminate term of imprisonment
• Utah Code § 76-3-301, fines of individuals