Dallas Credit Card Fraud Lawyer with 50 Years Experience

Fighting to Protect & Defend Your Rights in North Texas
Top Attorneys Fighting Credit & Debit Card Theft Charges

Credit Card Fraud Charges

If you have been charged with credit card fraud in Dallas, Fort Worth, or anywhere else in North Texas, it is essential that you call a defense attorney with experience defending that specific type of federal charge.

Tim Clancy has 30 years of experience aggressively defending clients against credit card fraud charges, including criminal investigations involving credit card fraud, as well as other state or federal white collar criminal investigations throughout the DFW Metroplex and North Texas.

He relies on years of courtroom experience to fight for your rights and protect the freedom you are entitled to as under the US constitution. 

With 100s of fraud cases handled successfully, Tim Clancy is the best defense you can find in the Dallas county area. 

Texas Credit Card Fraud Fines, Punishments, & Sentences

If convicted of credit card fraud in Texas, prosecuted individuals can face between 180 days to 2 years in jail. If found guilty of a first degree felony credit card fraud charge, fines can be imposed up to $10,000. Credit card fraud is a felony charge in Texas, but fraudulent credit or debit card activities targeting and elderly person can escalate the charges to a third degree felony.

Credit Card Fraud Defined in Texas

According to Texas Penal Code Title 7 Subchapter C Section 32.31. a person commits credit card fraud if they knowingly present, sell, buy, or obtain financial credit or actual credit or debit cards for financial gain from an unauthorized monetary source. This can includes stealing credit cards, scraping credit or debit card information from card readers to make fake cards linking to unauthorized accounts. Other fraudulent credit and debt card offense are applying for or receiving financial credit under false pretenses; possession of credit cards for which you are not the official card holder name; and much more including:

• Using Someone else’s credit card or debit card
• Selling Fake Credit, Debit, & Cards of Monetary Value
• Printing or Making Cards Connected Someone Else’s Account
• Paying with a Credit Card that is Expired, Revoked, or Cancelled
• Buying a Fake or Stolen Credit Card from Someone
• Having a Credit Card in Your Possession that is not Yours with intent to use it.

If you have been charged with credit fraud, are being investigated for, or have been arrested with a fake credit card machine or card maker, credit or debt card fraud, a financial forgery infraction, including possession of a third party’s bank card, it is important to GET HELP immediately.

When you choose Tim Clancy, he will swiftly begin the discovery phase of your defense in order to obtain all evidence and any information or witnesses statements before prosectors have time to persuade or cover anything up.

Felony versus Misdemeanor Credit Card Fraud Charges

In Texas a Credit Card or Debit Card Abuse charge will usually be classified as a state jail felony. Unlike most theft charges, the monetary amount is not used to classify the charge as a felony or misdemeanor. There are many scenarios where Texas judges will order probation versus jail time, but it is not guaranteed. If you are a repeat offender, or have committed this crime against specific groups (children/elderly), you will likely face enhanced penalties. 

Penalties For Credit Card Fraud and Abuse in Texas

Misdemeanor Penalties

• Class C Misdemeanor – Fine only offense
  • Fine up to $500
  • No jail time
• Class B Misdemeanor
  • Up to 180 days in county jail
  •  Fine up to $2,000
• Class A Misdemeanor
  • Up to 1 year in county jail
  • Fine up to $4,000

Felony Penalties

• State Jail Felony – Most credit or debit card abuse cases
  • 180 days to 2 years in a state jail facility
  • Fine up to $10,000
• Third-Degree Felony – When committed against a person 65 or older:
  •  2 to 10 years in prison
  • Fine up to $10,000
• Second-Degree Felony
  •  2 to 20 years in prison
  •  Fine up to $10,000
• First-Degree Felony
  •  5 to 99 years or life in prison
  •  Fine up to $10,000
• Capital Felony
  • Life imprisonment without parole or a death penalty (in capital murder cases)

Federal Cases 

• Federal Charges – For multi-state or high-dollar schemes:
  – Up to 10 to 20 years in federal prison
  – Usually involves federal investigations (FBI, Secret Service)

Examples Of How We Can Defend Against Credit Card Fraud Accusations

There are several defenses that we have used in the past when defending clients accused of this crime. Keep in mind, every case is different, and only an attorney can help you understand if this type of defense will work on your behalf.

• Lack of Intent: You did not have an intention to defraud or deceive.
• Consent: The credit card owner gave you permission to use the card.
• Mistaken Identity: You did not commit the offense, and your identity is mistaken.
• Insufficient Evidence: The prosecution does not have enough evidence to prove you committed this crime.

Tim Clancy is a skilled attorney who has defended 100s of clients in these types of cases, Call to schedule a free consultation today. He will review your case, the evidence and explain your options.

Statute of Limitations

In Texas  the statute of limitations for credit card or debit card abuse is 7 years. This means prosecutors have up to 7 years from the date of the credit card fraud to charge you with this crime.

Contact Us Today for a Free Consultation

Tim Clancy is a passionate, strategic defense attorney who knows how to fight government prosecutors. If you are facing fraud or other white collar crime charges, or if you are under investigation for fraud, or other federal or white collar crime, you need an experienced Texas trial lawyer; we can help.

For additional information about state or federal fraud and white collar crime, or to discuss your matter in confidence with an experienced white collar crime attorney, schedule a confidential consultation by calling us at (214) 550-5771. If you prefer, fill out the contact form in the left margin and we will contact you.

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