Cherokee County Credit Card Fraud Lawyer

We help people in their teens and twenties navigate financial transaction card fraud charges in the criminal justice system. If you or a loved one has been charged with credit card fraud in Cherokee County, GA, or any of the surrounding areas, contact our office immediately to get help.

Were You Charged with Financial Transaction Card Fraud in Cherokee County?

In Georgia, credit card fraud falls under “financial transaction card fraud” (OCGA § 16-9-33). This law covers various actions related to the fraudulent use of credit cards, debit cards, and other financial transaction cards.

You could be charged with financial transaction card fraud if you allegedly:

• Used a card that was obtained illegally or that you knew was forged, altered, expired, or revoked
• Used a card account number that you knew was not issued, was forged, altered, expired, or revoked
• Represented yourself as the cardholder without their consent
• Presented a card without proper authorization
• Gave someone a card number for billing without proper authorization
• Took control of a card as security for a debt
• Deposited false checks or documents through an ATM
• Made false statements on a credit card application

Young adults are particularly vulnerable to credit card fraud charges, often not fully understanding the serious legal consequences of sharing cards, using someone else’s card with informal permission, or making online purchases with a parent’s card information.

Consequences of Credit Card Fraud Charges in Georgia

The penalties for financial transaction card fraud in Georgia depend on the value involved:

• If the value is $100 or less in a six-month period, it’s punishable as a misdemeanor
• If the value exceeds $100 in a six-month period, it’s punishable as a felony

Felony convictions can result in:

• 1-3 years in prison
• Substantial fines
• Restitution to victims
• Probation
• A permanent felony record

Beyond the legal penalties, a credit card fraud conviction can have lasting consequences for your future, including:

• Difficulty finding employment in fields involving finance or handling money
• Challenges getting approved for student loans
• Problems renting apartments or housing
• Denial of professional licenses
• Impact on college applications and admissions

Facing credit card fraud charges in Cherokee County or one of the neighboring areas? Time is not on your side. It’s time to act now. Contact us today.

Common Scenarios Leading to Credit Card Fraud Charges

Young adults often face credit card fraud charges in situations like:

• Using a parent’s card without explicit permission – Even if you’ve been allowed to use it before, using without specific authorization can lead to charges if the cardholder reports it
• Sharing card information with friends – Allowing someone else to use your card information, even if it’s your card, can violate card agreements
• Adding charges beyond what was authorized – If someone allows you to use their card for a specific purpose, but you make additional purchases
• Online subscription mishaps – Setting up recurring payments using someone else’s card, even with initial permission
• Making false statements on applications – Exaggerating income or assets when applying for credit cards

Each of these situations carries different legal challenges, and our defense approach would be tailored to your specific circumstances.

Our Team’s Approach to Credit Card Fraud Defense

Our approach to defending your credit card fraud charges entirely depends on your goals.

While some law firms will tell you they have a particular way of handling every case, we won’t do that. The strategy that is developed for your case must be in alignment with your short-term and long-term goals. If we determine that it makes sense for you and our team to work together, then we will spend time getting to know and understand your goals.

When you work with our Cherokee County credit card fraud defense team, we start by learning:

• Where you are in life right now
• What your plans are for your future
• Your specific goals for this case
• How this situation could impact your life in both the short and long term

Many of our young adult clients facing credit card fraud charges made mistakes without fully understanding the legal consequences. Our focus is on developing solutions that protect your future rather than defining you by a single error in judgment.

Depending on your specific situation, we may explore defense strategies such as:

• Lack of fraudulent intent – Credit card fraud requires intent to defraud, and many cases involve misunderstandings rather than criminal intent
• Implied authorization – Evidence that you had reason to believe you were authorized to use the card
• Mistaken identity – Particularly in cases involving online transactions or data breaches
• Diversion programs – For first-time offenders, we may negotiate for programs that can lead to dismissed charges upon completion
• First offender status – To avoid a permanent conviction on your record

Each case is unique, and we’ll work with you to develop a personalized approach that aligns with your specific goals and circumstances.

Take the Next Step — Learn How We Can Help With Your Credit Card Fraud Case

If you or someone you care about is facing credit card fraud charges in Cherokee County, contact our legal team to see if we can help. Meet with a member of our team to learn what your best next steps are.

The prosecution is already building their case against you. Don’t wait to get help. Take the next step to protect your future. Call our office now to get started.