What Are the Consequences of Credit Card Fraud in Illinois?

 Posted on July 07, 2020 in White Collar Crime

Over the last two decades, credit and debit cards have moved from being the exception to the norm. For that reason, credit card fraud laws carry stringent punishments. As an Illinois resident, it is important to understand the consequences of credit card fraud to avoid complex legal disputes. However, if you ever face charges for credit card fraud or other white-collar crimes, you must assemble a solid defense with an accomplished white-collar crime lawyer to defend these criminal charges and your rights in court. 

Illinois Credit Card Fraud Laws

Illinois has laws that punish the wrongful possession, sale, or use of a credit card. This law does not only pertain to stolen credit cards. You cannot use a false statement to apply for new credit or debit cards, use a credit card as security for a debt, use counterfeit or expired credit cards, or use credit cards with a willful intent to defraud. In all of these cases, the severity of the punishment is based on the cash value of whatever property was gained, even if there was only an attempt. 

All credit card fraud crimes that are not the use of a counterfeit card or using a credit card with the intent to defraud are classified as Class 4 felonies, the lowest level of felonies. A Class 4 felony can result in one to three years in prison, periodic imprisonment up to 18 months long, or probation for up to 30 months. The last option will only be exercised if the court hearing the fraud case believes that imprisonment is not necessary to protect the public. Class 4 felonies also can carry fines of up to $25,000, restitution, or both. 

Counterfeit credit card use or willful defrauding are Class A misdemeanors, which carry lighter consequences. If you are charged with a Class A misdemeanor, you could face normal or periodic imprisonment for up to one year, probation for up to two years, and fines with a maximum of $2,500 for each offense.

Contact a Plainfield, IL Criminal Defense Attorney

Class A misdemeanors and Class 4 felonies both deserve the robust defense that a skilled Will County credit card fraud lawyer can help you develop. Although you should avoid using misplaced credit or debit cards and should always obey Illinois fraud laws, it is important to speak to the Law Offices of Tedone & Morton, P.C. if you are facing such charges. If you have any questions on how to move forward with your case and how our white-collar crime attorneys can look after your rights and best interests, call our office today at 815-666-1285 to schedule a free consultation.

Source:

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs4.asp?ActID=1876&ChapterID=53&SeqStart=56800000&SeqEnd=58900000