Credit Card Fraud

Credit card fraud is one of the most common white collar offenses that occurs every year to thousands of people. It can involve stealing another person’s credit card, using another person’s pin number with their credit card, using another person’ credit card without their knowledge, using the identification number of a person’s credit card without actually taking the card, or using another person’s credit card information that has been stored in a computer without their knowledge.

It is important to hire a criminal defense attorney who is experienced in Texas white collar offenses to represent your best interests for any credit card crime. A conviction for credit card fraud or theft can result in severe punishments and repercussions, including fines, jail or prison sentences and/or a criminal record.

Houston Credit Card Fraud Lawyer

Contact Matt Horak Attorney at Law today for a free consultation about your alleged credit card offense in Houston. Matt Horak is an experienced criminal defense attorney and will make every effort to help you find the best possible outcome for your particular situation. Contact the law office of Matt Horak at (713) 225-8000 for a consultation today if you have been charged with credit card fraud in Harris County and the surrounding counties in Texas.

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Texas Credit Card Fraud Laws

Under Tex. Penal Code Ann. § 32.31, Credit Card Fraud can occur in any of the following situations:

• When an individual presents a credit card or debit card with the intent to obtain some benefit knowing the card was not his and without the consent of the owner,
• When an individual presents a credit or debit card with the intent to obtain some benefit knowing the card was expired, revoked or cancelled,
• When an individual uses a fake credit or debit card or fake credit or debit card number with the intent to obtain a benefit,
• When an individual knowingly receives a benefit from credit card fraud,
• When an individual steal a credit or debit card,
• When an individual knowingly receives a stolen credit card with the intent to use it, sell it, or give it to another person who is not the rightful owner,
• When an individual buys a credit or debit card from a person he knows is not the issuer of the credit card,
• When an individual sells a credit or debit card and is not the issuer of the card,
• When an individual uses a credit or debit card for his own benefit the rightful cardholder is financially unable to pay,
• Possesses a credit or debit card with the intent to use it when he is not the rightful owner and does not have the rightful owner’s consent, and/or
• When an individual possesses two or more incomplete credit or debit cards that have not been issued to him with the intent to complete the cards without the owner’s consent.

A conviction for any of these offenses can result in a state jail felony or a felony of the third degree, depending on if the offense was committed against an elderly person.

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Penalties for Credit Card Fraud in Texas

The minimum statutory penalties, as defined in Chapter 12 of the Texas Penal Code, for credit card fraud are listed below. However, the punishments for a conviction vary, depending on whether the alleged offender already has a felony conviction, caused the death or serious bodily injury to another when they committed the offense, and/or they used a weapon during the commission of the offense.

A conviction for a state jail felony credit card fraud offense can lead to at least 180 days in a jail up to two years in jail and/or a fine not more than $10,000.

If the credit card fraud is committed against an elderly person, the alleged offender could receive a conviction for a felony of the third degree, which can result in a prison sentence ranging from two to ten years and/or fines up to $10,000.

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Matt Horak, Attorney at Law, PLLC | Houston Credit Card Fraud Attorney

Contact Matt Horak, Attorney at Law today for a consultation about your alleged credit card offense in Houston. Matt Horak is an experienced Houston white collar lawyer and will make every effort to fight the charges against you. Call the law office of Matt Horak at (713) 225-8000 for a free consultation about your white collar crime in Harris County and surrounding counties, including Montgomery County, Fort Bend County, Waller County, Galveston County, Liberty County and Brazoria County in Texas.