Since the days of Catch Me If You Can, fraud has become even more attainable with the use of credit cards. Credit card fraud is a form of identity theft. If a minor is convicted of credit card abuse, we may seek to expunge juvenile record Texas.
Types of Credit Card Fraud
In Texas, credit card abuse takes form in the following actions:
- obtaining and using another person’s credit or debit card information
- attempting to open an account with someone else’s personal information
- stealing a credit or debit card with the intent to use, sell, or transfer it to anyone but the cardholder
- possessing devices or computer equipment used to steal card information
- knowingly using a credit or debit card that is expired, revoked, or doesn’t have the funds to cover the transaction
- producing, using, or transferring counterfeit access devices such as card skimmers
- using a counterfeit credit or debit card
Most often, minors who are charged with credit card abuse involve the physical theft of the information contained on the card. However, it is also possible to steal other people’s credit card information from their place of employment, like retailers. Additionally, minors may use credit card information from trashed banks or credit card statements.
Texas Credit Card Abuse Statute of Limitations
If you committed credit card fraud, the State has seven years to press charges. Although in some circumstances, the statute of limitations may be suspended, including, if the accused:
- lives out of State
- is serving time in prison or jail
- cannot otherwise stand trial
Credit Card Abuse Investigation
Law enforcement continues to refine the procedures to detect credit card theft. The following are actions that trigger a credit card abuse investigation:
- the cardholder reports their card stolen to law enforcement
- a cashier or retailer reports suspicious activity
- the fraudulent credit card user is apprehended in a sting operation
- law enforcement or the card issuer trace the unauthorized purchases made online
Law enforcement agencies can trace credit card transactions made online using the IP address on the transaction. It is possible to identify the offender if the IP address used is fixed or was made using a public computer surveyed by security cameras.
Juvenile Credit Card Abuse Repercussions
Texas has harsh punishments for adults who commit any form of identity theft, including credit card abuse. These offenses are state felonies. However, the charge escalates to a third-degree felony in circumstances of credit card fraud committed against the elderly.
For minors, the Court will determine the appropriate action depending upon the unique circumstances. Including weighing the value of the fraudulent transactions and, its purpose. The Court may decide to lessen the offense from a felony to a misdemeanor or infraction. Generally, the Court will have minors complete community service &/or psychological counseling.
Additionally, if the credit card abuse results in a juvenile record, it is possible to expunge juvenile records Texas to afford your child a prosperous future. Nonetheless, it is important not to downplay the seriousness of the offense. Should the juvenile continue the behavior as an adult, the Court will not be as lenient.
Credit Card Abuse Representation
If you or your child has been accused of credit card abuse, our criminal lawyers are here to help. We will fight to have the charges dropped or reduced in addition to expunge juvenile records Texas. Contact us for a free consultation & we’ll begin strategizing your defense.
To find out how we can help you, contact our criminal defense attorneys at 512-400-7070 for expert credit card abuse defense and expunge juvenile record Texas. We will schedule an initial client consultation to review your case details and lay out a game plan for your juvenile credit card abuse case in Texas. AZ Law Firm will pursue the legal action necessary to secure the fairest possible outcome for you and your loved ones.
We understand times are tough and that there probably hasn’t been a tougher time in your life. Although we could get away with charging exuberant amounts, we prefer not to as we are a law firm by the people, for the people. We do not want you to worry about whether you can afford to hire an attorney to protect and defend your rights. Call us and be surprised at the quality you receive compared to what other law firms will quote you!
Accordingly, the attorneys at AZ Law Firm will always provide you with a free initial consultation. During this initial consultation, our criminal lawyers will evaluate your case, inform you of any legal options that may be available, and allow you to ask any questions that you may have. AZ Law Firm offers affordable rates for all our clients and will work with you on payment plans. Our firm accepts checks, debit cards, and most major credit cards to cover the costs of your legal representation.
