What are the Penalties for Credit Card Fraud? (PC 484)
Under California Penal Code Section 484, it is illegal to engage in fraudulent activity involving credit or debit cards and/or the information contained within a credit or debit card account. “Fraudulent activity” is considered any activity that deceives another person so that person suffers a loss while you obtain some kind of gain.
There are many ways you could be accused of credit card fraud, including:
- Using another person’s credit card information to make a purchase or receive money without the rightful owner’s consent
- Using a stolen credit card to make purchases or receive money
- Using a skimmer to steal information from the magnetic strip of another person’s credit card
- Applying for a credit card with someone else’s information, and
- Knowingly using your own credit card when it has expired, been revoked or has an available credit line or balance less than the purchase price
Credit card fraud is a serious crime in California. If you are charged with credit card fraud under PC 484, you face severe consequences. You should seek the help of our experienced credit card fraud defense lawyers at Wallin & Klarich. Our skilled and knowledgeable criminal defense attorneys can help you obtain the best possible outcome in your case.
Penalties for Credit Card Fraud (PC 484)
The fraudulent possession of a credit or debit card is a wobbler offense in California, meaning it can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony depending on your prior criminal history and the specific facts of your case.
Misdemeanor credit card fraud is punishable by up to 364 days in county jail and a maximum $1,000 fine. Felony credit card fraud carries up to three years in jail and up to $10,000 in fines.
Do not face these harsh penalties alone. Contact our experienced credit card fraud defense lawyers at Wallin & Klarich today.
Contact the Credit Card Fraud Defense Attorneys at Wallin & Klarich Today
If you or a loved one has been accused of credit card fraud, it is important to speak with a skilled criminal defense attorney at Wallin & Klarich immediately. Our knowledgeable criminal defense lawyers have been successfully defending clients facing credit card fraud charges for more than 40 years. We’ve helped thousands of people in their time of legal need, and we can help you now.
Our skilled credit card fraud lawyers know the valid legal defenses to credit card fraud charges under PC 484. We may be able to argue that you did not knowingly commit credit card fraud or that you did not have the intent of committing the crime that is necessary to be convicted.
Contact our law firm today so we can begin to help you. We have offices located in Orange County, Riverside, San Bernardino, Victorville, West Covina, Torrance, Los Angeles and San Diego. No matter where you work or live, you can find an experienced Wallin & Klarich credit card fraud defense attorney available to help near you.
Call our law firm today at (877) 4-NO-JAIL or (877) 466-5245 for a free phone consultation regarding your case. We will be there when you call.
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