Credit Card Fraud Lawyers in Monmouth County, NJ
Credit Card Fraud Defense Attorneys Defending Clients in Freehold, Middletown, Howell, Holmdel, Neptune, and throughout Southern New Jersey
The New Jersey criminal justice system views fraud, or criminal deception for personal financial gain, as a serious offense. New Jersey law considers credit card fraud either a third degree or fourth degree felony offense, depending on the nature of the crime. Regardless of the level of the offense, there are steep penalties for those charged with credit card fraud, and as such, it is essential to seek the skilled support of a criminal defense lawyer if you are charged with credit card fraud. Read on to learn more about what New Jersey considers credit card fraud, as well as the penalties and legal support a New Jersey defense lawyer can offer.
New Jersey credit card law is intricate and specific. Our attorneys at Chamlin, Uliano, & Walsh have the knowledge of the law and the dedication to defend you if you are facing credit card fraud charges. We are able to handle your situation from the very beginning until a final resolution. Once we have gathered all the necessary evidence and know the specifics of your personal situation, we will start developing the best strategy to support your case. Our lawyers are well-equipped and proven defending clients in Rumson, Belmar, Red Bank, Colts Neck, Freehold, and other towns in and around Monmouth County, New Jersey. Contact our West Long Branch office at (732) 440-3950 for a complimentary case evaluation.
Credit Card Fraud in New Jersey
In New Jersey, credit card fraud is defined as a deceptive and fraudulent activity engaged with the intent of personal financial benefit. There are two categories of credit card fraud in New Jersey’s law statutes: one relates to illegalities in the way in which a credit card is obtained, and the second relates to illegalities in the way in which a credit card is used.
NJ Legislation About Credit Card Fraud
N.J.S.A. 2C:21-6 outlines criminal violations regarding credit card fraud.
Section Regarding Illegal Obtainment of Credit Cards
N.J.S.A. 2C:21-6 notes that it is illegal to falsify information on a credit card application in order to obtain a credit card; the law considers this a form of fraud. Additionally, it is obviously illegal to steal someone’s credit card or credit card information and use it for your own purposes. This theft includes taking someone else’s information without their permission or using a credit card you know to be stolen. Online theft or hacking of credit card information is included in this type of illegal fraud. Additionally, a practice known as ‘skimming,’ in which a specific type of electronic device is used to gather information from the card’s magnetic strip, is considered credit card fraud in New Jersey. Finally, there is also a steep penalty for the crime of fabricating a credit card to defraud the credit card issuer or business at which the card is used.
Section Regarding Illegal Use of Credit Cards
N.J.S.A. 2C:21-6 also speaks to the illegal use of credit cards. According to New Jersey law, it is illegal to use a stolen or falsified credit card. It is also illegal for a business to receive a credit card if the entity knows that the card is not legally issued; such an entity could receive steep penalties and even the loss of sales licenses if they are charged with this type of credit card fraud. These examples of credit card fraud all lead to felony criminal charges in New Jersey, differing in severity depending on the nature of the fraud. Read on to learn more about the penalties for these felony offenses.
Credit Card Fraud Penalties in New Jersey
Credit card fraud felony charges depend on the type and extent of illegal activity that has been engaged in. It can be charged as a fourth degree crime or a third degree crime, third being the more severe of the two offenses classifications. In some cases, it is charged as a federal crime as well. Regardless of the extent of the credit card fraud, the criminal penalties are steep and leave a mark on a criminal record that can affect one’s ability to obtain work for years to come.
A fourth degree felony charge for credit card fraud includes consequences of up to $10,000 in financial penalties and 18 months in prison (a year and a half). A third degree felony credit card fraud charge can result in 3 (three) to as many as 5 (five) years in prison and $15,000 in fines.
Contact West Long Branch NJ Credit Card Fraud Lawyers for a Defense Consultation
Given the severity of a credit card fraud charge, it is absolutely essential to have the skilled support of a criminal defense lawyer on your side. There is a presumption in a New Jersey criminal court that a first-time offender can avoid jail time for a fourth degree or third degree credit card fraud charge, that is, if their criminal defense lawyer is experienced and can assist with their enrollment in a program like Pre-Trial Intervention. Even if you have a criminal history, your attorney may be able to effectively argue the case to reduce the charge to the most minor penalty possible.
At Chamlin, Uliano, & Walsh, we understand the immensely negative consequences of a credit card fraud charge. With our decades of combined experience, we successfully represent defendants facing fraudulent charges involving credit cards and applications throughout Monmouth County, including in Wall, Little Silver, Asbury Park, Holmdel, Ocean Township, Eatontown, and Hazlet. If you are facing criminal charges in Monmouth, Ocean, or elsewhere in Southern New Jersey, our defense lawyers are committed to resolving your case in the best manner possible to get your life back to normalcy as soon as possible.
Contact us at (732) 440-3950 or fill out our online contact form for a confidential consultation to discuss your case today.