Credit card fraud is a serious crime that could leave you with a criminal record. It involves theft or dishonesty related to the possession and use of credit or debit cards. If you have been arrested and are being charged with credit card fraud you should take it very seriously. It is recommended that you acquire the skills and knowledge of an experienced attorney. Having a criminal record can be detrimental to your daily life, limiting your ability to obtain employment, rent a house, and more. Work with a lawyer to formulate an effective defense that may help reduce your charges or sentencing. Reach out to a Hartford County criminal defense attorney to discuss your case.
What Types of Credit Card Fraud Exist?
Connecticut state law recognizes various crimes that fall under the umbrella of credit card fraud. Below is a list of the types of credit card fraud, their definitions, and their grading under state law.
Credit card theft (Class A Misdemeanor):
- Taking or receiving a credit card without the owner’s permission with the intent to use it or sell it to someone else.
- Receiving a credit card that has been lost or does not belong to you and keeping it with the intent to use it or sell it to someone else.
Illegally selling or buying a credit card (Class A Misdemeanor):
- Unlawfully selling a credit card to someone or buying a credit card from someone who is not the issuer of the card.
Making false statements to obtain a credit card (Class A Misdemeanor):
- Knowingly and purposefully giving false information to an issuer of a credit card to obtain the card.
Credit card forgery (Class D Felony):
- Falsifying, counterfeiting, or altering a credit card intending to defraud the issuer of the card, a provider of goods or services, or anyone else.
Using a credit card for debt (Class A Misdemeanor):
- Using a credit card as security for debt intending to defraud the issuer of the card, a provider of goods or services, or anyone else.
Signing a credit card that does not belong to you (Class A Misdemeanor):
- Signing a credit card when you are not the cardholder or a person authorized by the cardholder, intending to defraud the issuer of the card, a provider of goods or services, or anyone else.
What Are the Penalties for Credit Card Fraud in Connecticut?
The penalties for credit card fraud in Connecticut vary depending on the degree of your crime. Typically the following are standard consequences for the associated charges.
Class A misdemeanor:
- Fines of up to $2,000
- Up to 1 year in jail
Class D felony:
- Fines of up to $5,000
- 1 to 5 years in jail
The penalties that you are given will depend on the specific details of your circumstances. Depending on the value of the items fraudulently bought, how many credit cards were involved, and if you have a past criminal record your sentence could be more or less severe.
