Gloucester NJ Credit Card Fraud Lawyer
Theft and Fraud Defense Attorney in Camden County, New Jersey
New Jersey enacted its Credit Card Fraud Act to address criminal offenses related to the fraudulent use of credit cards, as well as other credit card-related offenses such as credit card theft. When charged with a violation of New Jersey’s Credit Card Fraud Act, contained in section N.J.S.A. 2C:21-6 of the New Jersey Criminal Code, you may be accused of making false statements to obtain a credit card; using a credit card knowing it was forged, revoked, or expired; representing yourself as a cardholder without authority; or allowing the improper use of cards to pay for goods or services. The circumstances of credit card fraud cases are highly variable; however, all of these charges are extremely serious and punishable by a term of imprisonment. When you are charged with credit card fraud in New Jersey, it is essential to have an experienced criminal defense lawyer defending your case.
William Fay is a highly skilled criminal defense attorney with years of experience defending clients charged with criminal and DWI offenses in South Jersey. Mr. Fay’s passion for criminal defense and unwavering dedication to his clients has allowed him to deliver thousands of superior results in courts. With his experience investigating and prosecuting cases as a Deputy Attorney General for the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office, Mr. Fay will exhaustively investigate your case and construct the best defense strategy. To discuss your current situation with Mr. Fay today, contact his offices at 609-832-3202 for a cost-free consultation.
Credit Card Fraud Lawyer in Pennsauken NJ
As mentioned above, N.J.S.A. 2C:21-6 addresses an array of offenses subsumed under the category of “Credit Card Fraud.” The following is an outline of these specific crimes and the penalties associated with each.
False Statement Made in Obtaining a Credit Card
If a person makes a false statement to obtain a credit card in New Jersey (N.J.S.A. 2C:21-6(b)), he or she can be charged with fourth degree credit card fraud. This offense is punishable by a fine of up to $10,000, as well as a sentence to serve up to 18 months in New Jersey State Prison.
Fraudulent Use of Credit Cards
According to N.J.S.A. 2C:21-6(d), if a person knowingly uses a counterfeit, fictitious, altered, forged, lost, stolen or fraudulently obtained credit card to obtain money, goods or services, or anything else of value, he or she can be charged with a violation of this section. This is considered a third degree crime in New Jersey, which entails a maximum fine of $15,000 and an NJ State Prison sentence ranging from 3 to 5 years. On the other hand, if the defendant has possession of a lost, misplaced, or mistakenly delivered credit card with the intent to use it, this is a fourth degree crime which may result in up to 18 months in prison and a $10,000 fine upon conviction.
Representing Cardholder Without Authority
If a person represents him or herself as a cardholder, or as someone who has authority to use a credit card, when he or she does not, to obtain goods or services or something else of value, this is considered a third degree crime in New Jersey, which is punishable by a maximum fine of $15,000 and 3 to 5 years in NJ State Prison.
Fraud Committed by the Provider of Money Goods or Services
Under N.J.S.A. 2C:21-6(e), business owners and operators can also be charged with credit card fraud. Essentially, if a store owner or another provider of goods or services knowingly allows a stolen, fraudulent, expired, or revoked card, or a card by an unauthorized cardholder, to be used in return for goods or services, he or she can be charged with a third degree crime and exposed to a maximum 5-year prison sentence and a fine of up to $15,000. In addition, if a seller of goods or services represents that such goods or services were provided when they, in fact, were not, this is a fourth degree crime, which may result in an 18-month term of incarceration and a $10,000 fine.
Contact Camden NJ Credit Card Fraud Lawyer Today
Clearly, the consequences of being convicted of credit card fraud are harsh and life-altering. If you or someone you love is facing these charges, or others for a theft or fraud offense in Camden County or elsewhere in South Jersey, you need an experienced and strategic defense attorney on your side. Contact our firm at 609-832-3202 for additional information and a cost-free consultation.
