FREE CONSULTATIONS (614) 444-1900
Credit Card Fraud

We have a proven track record of success in handling over 15,000 criminal cases and are consistently awarded as one of Ohio’s top criminal defense firms. We are highly experienced credit card fraud lawyers in Columbus, OH and all of central Ohio. Experience matters when dealing with these cases, which prosecutors and judges handle differently on a case-by-case basis. We know what to expect and what to do to get the best result possible.

Begin Your Defense Today: (614) 444-1900 Begin Your Defense Today:
(614) 444-1900

Ohio Credit Card Fraud Defense Lawyers

In Ohio, the criminal offense commonly known as “credit card fraud” is referred to as misuse of credit cards. This crime prohibits anybody from deceiving others for the purpose of seeking a credit card if the credit card is issued in reliance upon deceptive or false information. It also prohibits knowingly buying or selling a credit card from anyone other than the official issuer. Public servants are also prohibited from knowingly misusing credit cards held by subdivisions of the state government, local governments, or any other political subdivision.

If an individual is trying to commit fraud, they can be convicted of this crime if they obtain control over a credit card to use as security for a debt or possess a credit card with intent to commit fraud. They may be additionally convicted of this crime if they engage in any of the following circumstances, which are subject to special sentencing measures:

  • Use a credit card to obtain property or services if they know or should reasonably know that the card has expired, been revoked, or is otherwise being utilized in violation of the law.
  • Furnish services or property after being presented with a credit card as payment, if they know that the card is being used unlawfully.
  • Make knowingly false representations to the issuer of a credit card about property or services that have been furnished.

Ohio Credit Card Fraud Lawyer

If you have been arrested for credit card fraud, you’ll want to get in contact with an experienced criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. Brian Joslyn  at Joslyn Law Firm is skilled in handling white collar crimes in the State of Ohio. He can provide a unique perspective and close, personal attention to your case.

To schedule your first consultation, call (614) 444-1900 today. If you live in Pickaway County, Madison County, Delaware County, Licking County and Fairfield County, Mr. Joslyn will make every effort to fight the allegations against you and have your charges reduced or even dismissed.


Back to top

Information Center


Back to top

Penalties for Credit Card Fraud

With a few notable exceptions, the crime of misuse of credit cards is graded as a misdemeanor of the first degree. This offense is punishable in Ohio by a jail sentence of no more than 180 days and a fine of no more than $1,000.

However, misuse of credit cards is graded as a felony in the fifth degree, fourth degree, or third-degree if the offenses outlined in the bullet points noted above occur and the following criteria are met:

  • The violation involves one or more credit cards within a period of 90 consecutive days and a total retail value of goods and services of a minimum of $1000 but is less than $7500 – the offense is graded as a felony of the fifth degree.
  • The violation involves one or more credit cards within a period of 90 consecutive days and a total retail value of goods and services of a minimum of $7500 but is less than $150,000 – the offense is graded as a felony of the fourth degree.
  • The violation involves one or more credit cards within a period of 90 consecutive days and a total retail value of goods and services of $150,000 or more– the offense is graded as a felony of the third degree.

Additionally, the offense of misuse of credit cards is graded as a felony if the victim of the fraud is either an older adult, an adult with a disability, and certain other criteria are met. In such cases, not only will the felony penalties apply, the offender will be required to pay the victim full restitution and will be required to pay the state a fine of up to $50,000. The fine paid to the state will be used to fund reporting and investigation efforts concerning the abuse, neglect, and exploitation of older Ohioans.


Back to top

Statute Of Limitations

The statute of limitations for a misuse of credit card offense is two years. If prosecutors attempt to file new charges against an alleged offender more than two years from the date upon which the alleged infraction (or last in a series of infractions) occurred, their charges will be dismissed as a result of this statute of limitations violation.


Back to top

Defenses for Credit Card Fraud

Common defenses to misuse of credit card charges commonly involve a lack of knowledge that what was occurring was illegal. For example, someone’s significant other could be under a reasonable impression that the owner of a credit card had given them permission to use the credit card only to be wrongfully accused of fraud after a bad breakup. Other common defenses pose that an individual had to misuse credit cards to serve some greater purpose, such as saving loved ones from the threat of violence.

Additionally, defenses that can prove that the individual who was charged with the offense was not the individual who actually committed the fraud can be compelling. Many individuals who misuse credit cards are skilled in hiding their identities and may be skilled in transferring the blame from themselves to an innocent person.


Back to top

Additional Resources

CFPB Fraud and Scams Guide – When someone’s identity is stolen, and they are pegged as having committed fraud that was actually committed by another, this case of mistaken identity/identity theft can get complicated and consequential. This guide is a good resource to have under such circumstances.

Reporting fraud to the United States Department of Justice – Use this resource to report instances of mistaken identity/identity theft to the U.S. Department of Justice, which can then lead to charges of misuse of credit cards.


Back to top

Ohio Credit Card Fraud Attorney | Joslyn Law Firm

If you have been accused of credit card fraud in Ohio, you need a serious fraud defense attorney by your side to help you fight the charges against you. Our defense team at Joslyn Law Firm is strong and experienced. We understand how credit card fraud cases are prosecuted and know what approach to take with your defense.

Contact us at (614) 444-1900 to secure a free consultation with Joslyn Law Firm and have one of our defense lawyers review your case. Joslyn Law Firm serves clients in Columbus, OH including nearby areas such as Pickaway County, Madison County, Delaware County, Licking County and Fairfield County in Ohio.


Back to top

 

  • Brian Joslyn was named Best Lawyer in 2019 by Birdeye.
  • Columbus CEO magazine has yearly selections for the best attorneys in Columbus Ohio. Brian Joslyn has been identified as one of the most highly skilled attorneys across central Ohio.
  • Brian Joslyn has earned recognition for community leadership by Lawyer LegionLawyer Legion
  • Preeminent Attorney Award. Peer rated for highest level of professional exellence.
  • The Better Business Bureau (BBB), founded in 1912, is a private, nonprofit organization whose self-described mission is to focus on advancing marketplace trust.

Schedule Your Free Consultation

Begin Your
Defense Today
Joslyn Law Firm Group Photo Joslyn Law Firm Group Photo

Use the form below to request your free and confidential consultation with one of our attorneys.