Fairfax County & Northern Virginia Credit Card Crimes Criminal Defense Attorneys & Lawyers
Criminal offenses involving credit card theft, fraud, and forgery are serious felony criminal offenses in Fairfax County and Northern Virginia. The level of punishment varies by crime, but conduct which constitutes credit card theft, fraud, and forgery also often amounts to other felony crimes as well. Accordingly, even if the police do not charge these other felony offenses, the prosecutor has the right to indict these other offenses once the case proceeds in court. Accordingly, it is critical that anyone charged with credit card theft, fraud, or forgery speak with an experienced criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible.
There are a number of criminal offenses covering fraudulent credit card conduct in Virginia, including:
• §18.2-192 - Credit card theft
• §18.2-193 - Credit card forgery
• §18.2-194 - Unauthorized possession of two or more signed credit cards or credit card numbers
• §18.2-195 - Credit card fraud; conspiracy
• §18.2-195.1 - Credit card factoring
• §18.2-195.2 - Fraudulent application for credit card
• §18.2-196 - Criminal possession of credit card forgery devices
Given the seriousness of these crimes, anyone charged with such an offense in Fairfax County or Northern Virginia needs a lawyer that has not only previously handled such cases, but that has the judgment, skill, and reputation to obtain the best possible resolution of the matter.
Manikas Law LLC will ensure that the charges against you are fully investigated, all evidence is obtained, and all witnesses are interviewed. In these cases, witness testimony and documentary evidence are crucial. Our firm performs sound analysis of all evidence and possesses essential trial strategies to provide you with the best possible defense.
To discuss your case with Kyle G. Manikas, a former prosecutor and Fairfax and Northern Virginia credit card crimes criminal defense attorney that has substantial experience in handling credit card theft, forgery, and fraud cases, or to schedule a free consultation, contact our law office at 703-873-7473 or 888-503-8075, or contact us by e-mail.
Credit Card Theft (18.2-192)
A person commits credit card theft or credit card number theft when the person:
• (i) takes, obtains, or withholds a credit card or credit card number from another person, (ii) without the cardholder's consent; or
• (i) receives a credit card or credit card number of another, (ii) with intent to use it or sell it, or to transfer it to a third person
Credit card theft can also occur when a person: (i) receives a credit card or credit card number that he knows to have been lost, mislaid, or delivered to the wrong address, and (ii) retains possession with intent to use, to sell or to transfer the credit card or credit card number to a third person.
Va. Code §18.2-194 provides that when a person, other than the cardholder, possesses two or more credit cards which are signed or two or more credit card numbers, such possession shall be prima facie evidence that said cards or credit card numbers were obtained in violation of § 18.2-192 (credit card theft).
Credit card theft or credit card number theft is punishable as grand larceny. Therefore, the maximum jail sentence is 20 years in prison with the possibility of a fine of up to $2,500.
Credit Card Forgery (18.2-193)
A person commits credit card forgery when he or she falsely makes or signs a credit card or uses such a credit card. Credit card forgery also occurs when a person forges a sales draft or cash advance/withdrawal draft. Of course, the person must know what he is doing and have fraudulent intent. A person cannot commit credit card forgery by accident - it must be intentional to be a crime. A conviction for credit card forgery is punishable as a Class 5 felony, which has a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $2,500 fine.
Credit Card Fraud (18.2-195)
A person commits credit card fraud when, with intent to defraud any person, he:
• uses a credit card or credit card number illegally obtained, or a credit card or credit card number which he knows is expired or revoked, for the purpose of obtaining money, goods, services or anything else of value; or
• obtains money, goods, services, or anything else of value by representing (i) that he is the holder of the stolen card or credit card number or (ii) that he is the holder of a card or credit card number and such card or credit card number has not in fact been issued;
Credit card fraud can also be committed by employees that (a) sell goods or services to another upon presentation of a credit card or credit card number which he or she knows is expired or revoked, (b) fails to provide the goods or services he represented we provided as the basis for the transaction, or (c) remits a transaction which is in excess of the monetary amount authorized by the cardholder.
Conviction of credit card fraud is punishable as a Class 1 misdemeanor if the value of all money, goods, services and other things of value do not exceed $200 in any six-month period. A class 1 misdemeanor is punishable by up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. A conviction for credit card fraud is punishable as a Class 6 felony if such value exceeds $200 in any six-month period. A Class 6 felony is punishable by up to 5 years in prison and a fine of up to a $2,500 fine.
Other Credit Card Crimes
• Credit card factoring (§18.2-195.1)
• Fraudulent application for credit card (§18.2-195.2)
• Criminal possession of credit card forgery devices (§18.2-196)
Contact a Fairfax and Northern Virginia Attorney Experienced in Handling Credit Card Theft, Fraud, and Forgery Cases
If you have been arrested for any form of credit card theft, fraud, or forgery in Fairfax or Northern Virginia, contact a former prosecutor and experienced Fairfax and Northern Virginia criminal defense lawyer at Manikas Law LLC. Kyle G. Manikas has substantial experience in handing credit card cases.
To schedule a free consultation or to discuss your case by phone, contact our law office at 703-873-7473 or 888-503-8075, or contact us by e-mail.
For more general information about fraud offenses, review our Fraud and White Collar Crime page for additional information.
