Mississippi Criminal and Family Law BlogCredit card fraud is a serious offense in the state of Mississippi, and you may face serious consequences if you are found guilty. There are several laws that govern credit card fraud in the Magnolia State; in certain circumstances, you may even face felony charges. There are many crimes that fall under the general category of credit card fraud, and you may have committed one of these crimes without even being aware of it.
If you have been charged with credit card fraud in Mississippi, it is always a good idea to seek legal assistance as soon as possible. Ideally, you should enlist the help of a criminal defense attorney who has considerable experience with these matters. With the right lawyer by your side, you can mitigate any consequences and face fewer penalties for your alleged crimes.
What Constitutes Credit Card Fraud?
It is important to understand what is considered credit card fraud under Mississippi law. As previously mentioned, there are many crimes that fall under this general category:
-
Lying When Applying for a Credit Card: It is illegal to lie when you apply for a credit card. This includes pretending to be someone else or making false statements that would allow you to receive a credit card.
-
Credit Card Theft: This relatively straightforward crime involves stealing someone else’s credit card or receiving a stolen credit card from someone else.
-
Controlling Someone Else’s Credit Card: It is illegal to “take control” of someone’s credit card as security for a debt or to otherwise defraud them.
-
Credit Card Forgery: Creating a fake credit card is also illegal.
-
Fraudulently Signing a Credit Card: It is illegal to sign a cardholder’s credit card without their consent.
-
Fraudulently Using a Credit Card: Using a credit card that is stolen, forged, or fraudulently obtained in any way is illegal. This includes buying things or using the card to operate an ATM.
What are the Penalties for Credit Card Fraud?
Just like the crimes that fall under this category, the penalties for credit card fraud also vary. Generally speaking, the penalties become more severe depending on how much money the cardholder lost as a result of your fraudulent actions. If you used a stolen credit card to buy a meal at McDonald’s, you are probably not going to face serious consequences. Anything below $100 is a misdemeanor that carries a jail sentence of up to one year, a fine of $1,000, or both.
If you have defrauded someone for a dollar amount that is over $100, you face a felony charge, even if it is your first offense. This felony involves a prison sentence of up to three years. Unlike other economic crimes, credit card fraud quickly becomes a felony with a relatively minor “threshold” of $100.
Getting Legal Help
Because of the serious nature of this crime and the potential consequences you may face, it is essential that you enlist the help of a qualified attorney as soon as possible. Reach out to Vic Carmody Jr., P.A. today, and ensure your rights are being protected.