Credit Card Fraud and Related Offenses
When an individual is charged with credit card fraud in New Jersey, it can be a challenging reality to face. Being accused of one of these crimes can be daunting and complicated as you endure the legal system and try to protect your rights. At the Law Offices of Jill R. Cohen, we will assist you every step of the way to ensure that your rights are being fully protected if you have been charged or indicted with a crime. Learn more about credit card fraud and how a skilled defense attorney can help you below.
False Statement Made in Obtaining a Credit Card
Under N.J.S.A. 2C:21-6(b), an individual can be found guilty of lying or giving false information when they applied for a credit card and could receive penalties for these crimes. These laws apply to those who have knowingly written or verbally gave statements to a credit card company knowing that the information was false. This is a crime of the fourth degree.
If you have been found guilty of making false statements to obtain a credit card, you will need a criminal defense attorney on your side who is knowledgeable in these laws in New Jersey. To be successful, a prosecutor must be able to show that you actually made a false statement, that the false statement took place with respect to your identity, and that you knew the statement was false as you were applying for your credit card.
Credit Card Theft
There are many types of credit card theft that take place every year in New Jersey, including the following:
- Taking or Using a Credit Card Without Consent: To be found guilty of this offense, you must have taken or used a credit card belonging to another cardholder. Many of these cases take place through fraud, when somebody receives a credit card even though the cardholder has no knowledge of this.
- Receiving a Lost Credit or Mislaid Card: If a credit card was lost or mislaid, you are not permitted to use it as your own. If the prosecutor can prove that you knew that the card was lost and intended to use it, you could be charged with this crime.
- Selling or Buying Credit Cards: You could be found guilty of this crime if you knowingly bought or sold credit cards belonging to somebody else. These cards would have to be originally stolen from the cardholder.
- Falsely Counterfeiting or Altering a Credit Card: You are not permitted to counterfeit, alter, or otherwise tamper with credit cards as a way to defraud others.
Fraudulent Use of Credit Cards
You can also be charged with a credit card-related crime if you engage in the fraudulent use of credit cards, including:
- Using a credit card for services even though you know it was revoked or expired (N.J.S.A. 2C:21-6(d)
- Representing that you are a cardholder even though you do not have the authority to do so (N.J.S.A. 2C:21-6(d)
- Using an improper card for goods and services (N.J.S.A. 2C:21-6(e)
- Possession of plates to produce false credit cards
- Receiving anything of value by using credit card fraud (N.J.S.A. 2C:21-6(g)
If you have been charged with a credit card fraud, it is important that you immediately start working with an attorney to make sure that your rights are being fully protected. These charges can have a huge impact on your life and it is important to act as quickly as possible.
Contact An Experienced Westmont Criminal Defense Attorney About Your Criminal Charges In New Jersey
Have you been charged with a crime in New Jersey? A criminal conviction could leave you with a permanent record, and it could result in your driver’s license being suspended for a very long time. That is why it is imperative that you speak with a qualified criminal defense lawyer about your case. Criminal defense attorney, Jill R. Cohen represents clients charged with assault, drug crimes, theft and related offenses in Westmont, Camden, Cherry Hill, and throughout New Jersey. Call 856-754-5501 or fill out our confidential online form to schedule a consultation about your case. We have an office located at 210 Haddon Avenue Westmont, NJ 08108.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.
