Credit Card Fraud Lawyer St. Louis, MO. Over the past few years, there has been a rash of incidents across Missouri where credit card information has been stolen at gas pumps and ATMs and then used to purchase all manner of goods without the holder’s authorization. Since this has affected growing numbers of Missouri residents, prosecutors across the state have clamped down on credit card-related crimes with stiffer penalties and more active enforcement.
If you or a family member is currently facing criminal charges related to credit card fraud in St. Louis, contact Combs Law Group to speak with a reputable St. Louis, MO criminal defense attorney. Our firm can help you limit the negative effects that credit card fraud charges can have on your life, career, and family. Call us today at (314) 900-HELP to speak with an attorney and schedule a free document review.
Credit Card Statutes in Missouri
Missouri’s laws regarding fraudulent use of a credit or debit card can be found here. It is important to note that Missouri separates credit card fraud cases into two categories, depending on the value of the items or services purchased with the fraudulent card. If the total value of the goods and services bought is less than $750, it is a Class A misdemeanor: otherwise, it is a Class E felony. Penalties for a Class A misdemeanor can be as much as one year in jail and $1,000 in fines. If your case is a Class E felony, you could be looking at anywhere from a year in county jail to four years in prison. In addition, if you are convicted of a felony you will lose the right to own a firearm, vote, or hold certain jobs.
Credit card fraud is also a federal crime, and it is not uncommon for prosecutors to seek these charges alongside Missouri state charges. The law governing credit card fraud is 18 United States Code ยง 1029, and it is both very broad and very strict. For a charge to be a Title 18 offense, it must:
- be proven that the accused was knowingly trying to defraud another person
- the value of the assets they obtained via fraud is more than $1,000
- have included an interstate transaction
Since many online transactions are considered “interstate”, these charges are commonly sought. Penalties for federal credit card fraud charges are much stricter than Missouri state-level charges. If convicted of a Title 18 violation, first-time offenders will face a minimum 10 years in federal prison, with repeat offenders looking at 20 years behind bars.
Contact An Experienced St. Louis, MO Credit Card Fraud Lawyer
Combs Law Group brings a high level of legal knowledge and experience to each and every one of their cases. Our firm is focused on results for our clients and will not stop until they are satisfied. When you choose Combs Law Group, you can be confident that you will be able to speak with the attorney on your case at any time, day or night. Contact us today to schedule a no-obligation case review and to see why Combs Law Group is the right choice for your credit card fraud case in Missouri.