Credit Card Fraud-Worthless Checks-Theft by Swindle
Fraud involving Theft by Swindle, credit cards and bad checks is the act of using these items in order to illegally obtain goods, services, or money. The penalties for these offenses can be severe and often can involve felony charges.
Credit Card fraud in Minnesota
Minnesota credit card fraud is a felony regardless of the amount charged. Usually it occurs when a person uses another person’s credit card without permission or authority to do so.
Worthless Checks in Minnesota
Uttering or issuing a worthless check occurs when the maker, the defendant, knowing full well that there are not funds sufficient to make the check good, issues the check in order to obtain goods, services or something of value.
Theft by Swindle
Theft by Swindle can take may forms. Typically, theft by swindle occurs when a defendant presents a forged document, usually a check, to obtain money, credit or property. The amount of the swindle determines the level of offense and the punishment.
The Penalties
The penalties for these offenses can be severe and the consequence can ruin your life. Having a permanent criminal record for these offenses can prevent you from obtaining meaningful of employment, obtaining a professional license or keeping a professional license. Prison or jail time depend on the severity of the crime. Here is an idea of what can be expected in the case of credit card fraud and worthless checks in Minnesota:
- If the amount is more than $500, $10,000 in fines and up to 5 years in prison is the penalty.
- For less than $500, but more than $250, the penalty is $3,000 in fines and up to one year in jail.
- For amounts less than $250, the penalty is $1,000 in fines and up to 90 days in jail.
Minnesota criminal defense lawyers & attorneys
If you have been charged with Theft by Swindle offense you need an aggressive, trusted, honest, knowledgeable attorney; Martin S. Azarian Criminal Defense, P.A. The Law Firm of Martin S. Azarian Criminal Defense, P.A. brings 22 years of experience to your case, seventeen years in Minnesota. Call the Minnesota defense attorney who cares about your case at 952-451-4987 for your free initial telephone consultation.
What is Credit Card Fraud?
You can be accused of credit card fraud for any of the following offenses.
- If you have used fraudulent means to obtain or use another person’s credit card information. This is considered credit card theft.
- If you have used another person’s credit card information to purchase something.
- If you use another person’s information to open a credit card account. This can be considered identity theft.
- If you sign for a credit card that is not yours. This can be considered forgery.
- If you use your own credit card to purchase an item with the knowledge that the credit card is invalid, expired or linked to a closed or inactive account, or an account with insufficient funds.
- If you sell goods or services to someone with the knowledge that the person using the credit card is not the real owner of the card. Although it may seem like you have done nothing wrong, keeping quiet and allowing the theft to take place is a crime in itself.
Contact MN Credit Card Theft Attorney Martin S. Azarian Today
When charged with theft related crime such as credit card fraud, worthless checks or theft by swindle you will need an experienced criminal defense attorney. Call Martin S. Azarian. He has over 22 years experience defending persons charged with credit card, worthless checks and theft by swindle, seventeen in Minnesota. The overwhelming majority of his clients who have been charged with theft related offenses do not end with a permanent criminal record, have the charges dismissed or reduced and never go to jail or prison. Call Martin S. Azarian, P.A. for a free telephone consultation. Call at 952-975-0663.