Maryland Federal Credit Card Fraud Lawyer
Federal credit card fraud is a federal offense that is readily recognized in the media and by the public and as such, facing charges of a federal credit card fraud can be overwhelming. The use of credit cards by the public is a common form of currency transaction and the public wants to see those that commit credit card fraud are properly punished. Thus, prosecution of federal credit card fraud can be aggressive. Having a seasoned Maryland federal credit card fraud lawyer can be indispensible to helping you prepare a strategy to combat your charges as well as negotiate potential plea bargains, and ensure that your case, if tried, is tried fairly without the prosecution attempting to make an example of your case to the general public at large.
Federal Credit Card Fraud
Federal credit card fraud is defined under 18 U.S. Code Section 1029. A person who commits federal credit card fraud must knowingly commit the offense with the intent to defraud, produce, use, or traffic with one or more counterfeit or unauthorized access devices. An access device is broadly defined. It includes any card such as credit cards, ATM cards, debit cards, and/or gift cards as well as any account number or other means of account access that can be used by another including a business or entity to acquire property, money or any other thing of value. An access device is considered counterfeit if it is a false, fictitious or forged device. In contrast an unauthorized access device often means one knowingly and with the intent to defraud offers or sells any access or device without authority. This includes any equipment or other device making tools designed to make credit cards.
Potential Penalties
A conviction of federal credit card fraud can vary depending on whether this is a first or subsequent conviction. The length of the sentence and/or fine or both also varies depending under which sub-section of 18 U.S. Code Section 1029 that you may be charged or convicted with. The maximum penalty for a conviction of federal credit card fraud is up to 20 years in prison and/or a fine or both. It should also be noted that the federal government will seek to forfeit any of your personal property which may include your house, vehicle, cell phone or any other property used or intended to be used to commit this offense.
Importance of Experienced Maryland Federal Credit Card Lawyer
If you have been charged with federal credit card fraud in Maryland, obtaining a Maryland federal credit card fraud lawyer with our firm will be beneficial to you by helping you evaluate your charges, provide you with comprehensive legal advice, and help you to prepare a solid defense. Our lawyers are not only knowledgeable of the federal criminal process, but also experienced with these types of charges. They can aid you in minimizing the risks and potential penalties you may encounter and reduce the potential public or media fallout. Do not wait and contact our staff of aggressive lawyers today.