Federal Credit Card Fraud

Stockton, California Attorney Allen Sawyer

Federal credit card fraud is a serious offense whose defense can be handled by The Law Offices of Allen Sawyer in Stockton, Sacramento, and Northern California. Federal criminal defense attorney Allen Sawyer has successfully defended numerous criminal cases at both the state and federal levels.

Skilled Federal Crimes Lawyer

California attorney allen sawyer federal credit card fraud crimes defense

Credit Card Fraud Is a Federal Crime.

Credit card fraud essentially involves the unauthorized use of a credit card. Often including a host of related criminal charges, credit card fraud can result in grave penalties if convicted. Beyond the threat of high fines and extensive jail time, being charged with criminal activities related to credit card fraud can have a serious impact on your business, your career, and your life. Anyone who is charged with or is aware of being investigated for credit card fraud should immediately seek out an experienced criminal defense attorney with a history of related case wins. Federal criminal lawyer Allen Sawyer possesses the knowledge and experience to quickly tailor an effective defense to suit the nuances of your specific case.

Federal Credit Card Fraud

The advent of modern technology and the ability to access private credit card information has boosted the facility and prevalence of credit card fraud.

Sample Federal Credit Card Fraud Scenarios:

  • Using a lost, stolen, or fake credit card
  • Providing false information on credit card applications
  • Attempting to collect cardholder information through “phishing” emails or false websites
  • Obtaining card information by placing skimmers on gas pumps/ATMs, by hacking store devices or websites, or by stealing mail

As indicated by the above list, credit card fraud comes in many types. Typically cases are charged under state laws, but when it meets the criteria, it can be charged as a federal crime. California criminal defense attorney Allen Sawyer is well-versed in both statewide and U.S. laws related to credit card fraud and has extensive experience providing effective criminal defense at the federal level.

Successfully Fighting Federal Crimes

California Criminal Defense Attorney Allen Sawyer

California Criminal Defense Attorney Allen Sawyer

When credit card fraud is connected to interstate or foreign commerce, it is considered a federal crime. Statutes such as 18 U.S.C. § 1029 exist for prosecuting violators of federal laws. Used for what is broadly known as “device fraud,” 18 U.S.C. § 1029 makes it a felony to make, use, or traffic in unauthorized or fake credit cards, debit cards, or gift cards (a.k.a., “access devices”) knowingly and with an intent to defraud. Beyond 18 U.S.C. § 1029, other federal laws exist for prosecuting federal offenses related to credit card fraud, such as identity theft, burglary, mail or email fraud, wire or bank fraud, money laundering, unauthorized computer access, and more.

If convicted of credit card fraud, you can receive a sentence of up to 15 years in federal prison and can expect to pay fines ranging up to $250,000 as well as possible restitution. Being convicted of fraud can have a lasting negative impact on a person’s life going forward.

Credit card fraud cases can be exceedingly complex. As your federal criminal defense attorney, Allen Sawyer will assess the details of your specific case and develop a strong plan for defense, taking into consideration that federal prosecutors must prove that a person charged with fraud acted knowingly, willingly, and with the intent to defraud in order to convict.

Contact an Attorney Now

If you’ve been charged with a federal crime, it is essential that you secure representation by a California criminal defense attorney who does not shy away from the challenges of criminal defense at a federal level. California federal defense attorney Allen Sawyer knows how tough federal prosecutors can be. Having spent a portion of his career as a prosecutor uniquely equips him to anticipate and defend against the most skilled of federal prosecutors. If you’ve been charged with a federal crime, time is of the essence. Don’t wait: Contact The Law Offices of Allen Sawyer today.