Fraud, in all its forms, can result in severe penalties for those who engage in it in New Jersey. One of the most common types of fraud is credit card fraud. If you have been charged with credit card fraud, it’s in your best interest to contact an experienced Bergen County Criminal Defense Attorney who can help defend your rights and interests. Please continue reading to learn the potential penalties for credit card fraud in New Jersey.
What is Credit Card Fraud?
In New Jersey, you could face charges for three types of credit card fraud. These are outlined below:
- Credit card application: Credit card approval is based on certain factors, including a person’s credit score and annual income. You can be charged with credit card application fraud if you apply for a credit card and make up information to yield better rates. This crime occurs when you lie about your identity to obtain a credit card.
- Credit card theft: While most assume that credit card theft involves physically removing a card from someone else’s possession, this is not always the case. You can face charges for credit card fraud if you receive a stolen credit card and either know about it, intend to use it, or transfer it to someone else. In addition, if you have more than two stolen credit cards in your possession, the law generally presumes you are guilty.
- Fraudulently making or using a credit card: If you use a credit card knowing that it was forged, expired, or revoked, you could face criminal penalties for credit card fraud. It’s also illegal to pretend to be the cardholder intending to defraud the owner.
What Are the Potential Penalties?
The penalties for credit card fraud in New Jersey depend on the degree of the charges. It’s possible to face fourth–, third–, or second-degree charges if you are arrested for credit card fraud. The severity of the penalties you will be subjected to upon conviction will depend on the unique circumstances of your case. The court will evaluate the type of fraud you committed, how much monetary loss the victims of your crime suffered, your criminal history, and more. The penalties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Fourth-degree crime: Punishable by up to 18 months of jail time and fines of up to $10,000
- Third-degree crime: Punishable by 3 to 5 years of imprisonment and fines of up to $15,000
- Second-degree crime: Punishable 5 to 10 years of imprisonment
If you are facing criminal charges for credit card fraud in New Jersey, please don’t hesitate to contact a Bergen County criminal defense attorney who can help build a robust defense strategy. Contact The Law Office of Carl Spector to schedule a consultation to discuss your case with a dedicated attorney.
