Los Angeles Counterfeiting Credit Card Lawyer
Have you been charged with a crime involving credit card fraud in Los Angeles, California? Law enforcement is cracking down on credit card fraud. You need to act quickly to protect your rights and freedom. Our Los Angeles counterfeiting credit card lawyer can help you avoid the state’s crosshairs.
The Rodriguez Law Group Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorneys has decades of experience defending Los Angeles residents against criminal charges. We will do everything we can to dispute the state’s charges against you.
Contact us today for a free case evaluation with a Los Angeles credit card fraud lawyer at (213) 995-6767.
How Can The Rodriguez Law Group Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorneys Help After I’m Charged with Credit Card Fraud in Los Angeles?
Credit card fraud is not a harmless crime, at least not in the eyes of law enforcement. If you were charged with counterfeiting a credit card, you should expect prosecutors to treat you harshly. They may even try to make an example of you through severe criminal penalties. Our Los Angeles criminal defense lawyers can even the playing field to ensure the state plays fair.
The Rodriguez Law Group Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorneys has decades of experience defending clients against identity theft and fraud charges. However, we have experience on the other side, too. Our founding attorney, Ambrosio Rodriguez, spent 13 years as a Senior Deputy District Attorney.
When you hire The Rodriguez Law Group Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorneys, you can rest assured that our team will get busy building a comprehensive defense in your counterfeit credit card case.
Our team will work on things like:
- Dispatching our own investigators
- Analyzing all evidence against you
- Asserting your Constitutional rights
- Filing motions to suppress evidence
- Negotiating with prosecutors
- Taking the case to trial
When your freedom and future are on the line, you cannot risk going it alone. The Rodriguez Law Group Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorneys has a strong reputation for aggressive criminal defense, and we want to help you. Contact us today for a free consultation with a Los Angeles criminal defense attorney.
What is a Counterfeiting Credit Card Charge in LA?
The crime of counterfeiting credit cards is very similar to identity theft and other theft crimes. However, California has separate statutes specifically targeting credit card and debit card fraud.
Some of the criminal statutes prohibiting credit card and debit card counterfeiting and fraud include:
- 484e PC prohibits stealing credit cards and information
- 484f PC prohibits falsifying credit card information
- 484g PC prohibits using a forged or stolen credit card
- 484h PC prohibits retailers from knowingly accepting stolen or counterfeit credit cards
- 484i PC prohibits making or possessing counterfeit credit cards, or the equipment to counterfeit credit cards
- 484j PC prohibits sending credit card information to commit fraud
The most relevant Los Angeles counterfeiting credit card charge is 484i PC. This statute specifically prohibits making counterfeit credit cards and debit cards or having the equipment to do so. It also makes it unlawful to possess counterfeit credit or debit cards.
You are innocent until proven guilty. The state has the burden to show your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt to a jury. Sadly, our lawyers know that the system doesn’t treat you this way. This is why we are prepared to go to bat for you. We will stand up for your dignity and fight to prove your innocence.
What Penalties Can I Face for Counterfeiting a Credit Card in California?
Being charged with a crime is a terrifying and often traumatic experience. Criminal convictions that lead to jail time often cause people to lose their jobs and their homes. Felony convictions carry a slew of additional consequences that can impact your life.
The list of credit card counterfeiting and fraud statutes is long. Each statute contains its own possible sentences and penalties. California’s 484i PC is what most people think of for “counterfeiting credit cards.” This crime can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony — it is a “wobbler.”
A felony conviction under 484i PC carries a maximum penalty of up to three years in jail and a $10,000 fine.
A misdemeanor conviction of 484i PC carries a maximum penalty of up to six months or a year in jail and a $1,000 fine.
These penalties can vary depending on exactly how you were charged. A Los Angeles counterfeiting credit card lawyer should examine your case and advise you of the penalties you are facing.
Sometimes our clients may be eligible for probation. Our team of attorneys knows how to present a convincing argument to the prosecutor and judge for a probationary sentence. We will make the strongest argument possible based on factors like your criminal record and the negative impacts of serving a jail sentence.
You cannot risk your future by waiting another minute to hire a well-qualified criminal defense attorney. Contact our law firm to get started today.
What Defenses Are Available to a Counterfeiting Credit Card Charge?
Each case is unique. Defenses that might apply in one case might be irrelevant in another. Our attorneys will evaluate your case to determine the best defenses to your charges.
The following defenses might apply:
- Lack of knowledge
- Lack of intent to defraud
- The Police violated your Constitutional rights
- State’s inability to meet its burden of proof on each element of the crime
- They arrested and charged the wrong person
There may be additional defenses available, depending on the unique facts and charges. Sometimes we can negotiate with the DA for an amendment to a lesser charge or a dismissal. However, we are fully prepared to take a case to trial to protect your rights.
Contact Our Los Angeles Theft Crimes Law Firm for a Free Consultation
Criminal charges threaten your life and freedom. You deserve to have a strong advocate fighting for your rights every step of the way. The Rodriguez Law Group Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorneys is prepared to help you through this difficult process.
Contact our Los Angeles counterfeiting credit card lawyer right away for your free and confidential case evaluation.