Have you been accused of stealing or using someone else’s credit card information? If your answer is yes, you could be facing serious penalties, such as a hefty fine and incarceration for at least six months. So, you don’t want to ignore these accusations!
There are a number of credit and debit card offenses categorized as “credit or debit card abuse” under Section 32.31 of the Texas Penal Code – too many to list here but we will give you a basic understanding of the crime.
Credit card abuse can refer to using someone else’s card without their consent (even a friend or family member), using a stolen card, using a stolen credit or debit card number, or it can even refer to abusing one’s own credit card; the card doesn’t necessarily have to belong to someone else.
Here is a sampling of the offenses criminalized under Sec. 32.31:
- Using someone else’s card without their consent,
- Uses a card (even one’s own card), knowing that it’s cancelled or revoked,
- Using a “fake” or fictitious credit or debit card to receive or obtain benefits,
- Purchasing a credit or debit card from someone who the person knows did not issue the card,
- Not being the card issuer, selling a credit or debit card, and
- Possessing someone else’s card without their consent and intending to use it.
This is just some of the ways that a credit or debit card can be abused; there are other offenses that are covered under Sec. 32.31 of the Texas Penal Code in relation to credit card abuse.
Credit card/debit card abuse is a state jail felony under Sec. 32.31, punishable by imprisonment in a state jail for 180 days (six months) to two years, and by a maximum fine of $10,000 under Sec. 12.35 of the Texas Penal Code.
Accused of credit or debit card abuse?
If you are being accused of credit or debit card abuse, you are facing serious, life-altering consequences if you are found guilty. You NEED an aggressive defense lawyer, fighting your charges.
To get the help you need, contact The Zendeh Del Law Firm, PLLC to meet with one of our Plano criminal defense attorneys!