If you have been accused of credit card fraud or identity theft in San Diego, you need an experienced criminal defense lawyer. Credit card fraud charges are extremely serious and can carry heavy fines and potential prison time, especially for large-scale fraud schemes.
Our San Diego credit card fraud attorneys have years of combined experience defending clients against a wide range of fraud allegations – from unauthorized use of a credit card to sophisticated counterfeit operations. We understand the state and federal laws surrounding financial crimes and will thoroughly investigate the charges to identify any weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. Our legal team will advocate for you and pursue all available defenses to protect your rights and future.
This offense happens when someone makes unauthorized and fraudulent credit card transactions or misuses another’s information.
Credit card fraud charges usually follow:
A credit card fraud conviction has severe consequences, ranging from criminal penalties such as misdemeanor or felony charges to substantial fines and restitution.
Moreover, the long-term ramifications of a credit card fraud conviction are far-reaching. It can negatively impact your financial stability, and future opportunities to secure loans, housing, and employment.
California credit card fraud carries significant legal consequences.
The specific charges and penalties you may face depend on the circumstances of your case and the following applicable California Penal Code sections.
This section covers stealing someone’s credit card or their account details.
Creating fake credit cards or altering existing ones. Forgery is a wobbler offense, meaning the courts can charge it as a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the circumstances and your criminal history.
Covers using someone else’s credit card without their permission or using a fake or stolen credit card. Fraudulent use is also a wobbler offense.
This statute applies to retailers who knowingly accept payment from a fraudulent credit card or access card. Prosecutors may try the retailer’s misconduct as a misdemeanor or felony.
Our credit card fraud lawyers help you understand which of the above charges apply in your case so you can develop a strong defense strategy early.
To obtain an optimal case outcome, credit card fraud charges in San Diego require a skilled and knowledgeable criminal defense attorney to craft a robust, tailored defense strategy around the circumstances of your arrest.
David P. Shapiro Criminal Defense Attorneys will explore several challenges to the charges against you, which may include:
Sometimes, the prosecution may negotiate with your San Diego credit card fraud lawyer to reduce the charges against you. Your legal defense counsel may also secure alternative sentencing options that minimize the impact on your life and future.
However, when a trial becomes necessary, your attorney will be well-prepared to present a compelling defense on your behalf, utilizing his or her extensive knowledge of the law and courtroom experience to advocate for your best interests.
Retaining a recognized San Diego credit card fraud attorney significantly influences your chances of reducing or dismissing charges or an acquittal in court.
Your lawyer will:
Restitution plays a significant role in resolving the case in some credit card fraud cases.
Restitution involves compensating the victims for their financial losses resulting from the alleged fraud.
In this situation, David P. Shapiro Criminal Defense Attorneys can:
You can sometimes mitigate the consequences of a credit card fraud conviction by demonstrating a willingness to make amends and compensate the victims.
Your attorney will work with you to explore a restitution option in your specific case and develop a strategy that prioritizes your interests while addressing the needs of the victims, all the while protecting your rights and interests
The criminal justice system waits for no one. So, time is of the essence when facing credit card fraud charges in San Diego.
You’ll have a better chance of achieving a favorable outcome when you involve a skilled criminal defense lawyer in your case, preferably when you suspect accusations might be made or soon after your arrest.
Early intervention allows your attorney to:
You can take proactive steps to safeguard your freedom and minimize the impact of credit card fraud allegations on your life when you know how the prosecution will proceed and the full extent of charges and penalties against you.
At David P. Shapiro Criminal Defense Attorneys, we understand the high stakes and what you’re going through right now.
Let us protect your future by:
You can take proactive steps to mitigate the long-term effects of credit card fraud charges and move forward with your life after working closely with our criminal defense team and following our advice.
Credit card fraud charges in San Diego can be an overwhelming and isolating experience. But remember that David P. Shapiro Criminal Defense Attorneys is here to help.
Contact our criminal defense law firm to obtain the support, guidance, and representation you need to begin building a strong defense against your allegations.
With the right legal team by your side, you can face this challenge confidently and get past this unfortunate event in your life.
If you or someone you love is facing criminal charges in California, swift action is imperative. The penalties can be life altering and long lasting. Give us a call today to set up a case evaluation with one of our attorneys and learn how to best protect your freedom and future. Too often, we see clients who “wait and see,” unsure of the legal landscape ahead, only for charges to escalate. They then find themselves backpedaling into a bad defense and an even worse lawyer. Don’t let that happen to you. Protect your freedom. Protect your future. Know your rights.
The contents of this article are meant for informational and marketing purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Viewing and/or use of the blog does not form an attorney-client relationship. No statements in this post are a guarantee, warranty, or prediction of a particular result in your case.
Here’s what you need to know to regain control of your future
“I came to David Shapiro to end my probation early and expunge my case. I had a very positive and very informative experience with him. David and his assistant Maria were excellent and always kept in the loop of what was going on.”
“Helping good people get their lives back is not just a catch phrase. They mean what they say and are serious about taking care of the client. Ally Keegan and the team at Law Office of David Shapiro are AMAZING! My charges for a 25 plus year old case were dismissed, it was not easy but I truly believe that if I had went with any other Law Firm that the outcome would have been very different. Thank you Ally for helping me get my life back!”
“I called many lawyers after I got my DUI. Stefano was the only lawyer who put my mind at ease and gave me a sense of relief. He constantly communicated with me about my case and laid out all my options. He was willing and able to do whatever he could to help me. He went above and beyond what was expected.”
“I have used David 2 times in the past and he has by far exceeded my expectations. He has great knowledge and knows the system. He is straight forward and honest and somebody you can trust without doubt. I would recommend him to friends, family, and anybody that needs help. Best attorney I’ve ever come across.”
“Stefano Molea was extremely professional and consistently timely with responses to my questions. Most of all, Stefano was reliable. Stefano was diligent with discovery and always prepared and tenacious when relevant to the situation. Stefano is an attorney that you can count on for the best outcome. Thank you Stefano for all you did in my case. You’re so awesome!!!!”
“Ally was an absolute pleasure to work with. Her calm and reassuring demeanor was matched with her excellent knowledge, dedication, thoroughness. We unfortunately found ourselves in need of a criminal lawyer and we can without a doubt say that having Ally and her firm represent us from the beginning was the best choice we could have made.”
