What to Do After Being Accused of Credit Card Fraud in Georgia
Credit card fraud is a serious crime that the State of Georgia takes very seriously. Credit card fraud can take many forms, and each case has its own set of circumstances. If you have been so charged, however, the most critical step you can take to protect your rights and pursue a favorable resolution is consulting with an experienced criminal defense attorney at Banks, Stubbs & McFarland early on.
Credit Card Fraud Charges in Cumming
Credit card fraud in Georgia involves the unauthorized use of a credit or debit card or related information with the intent to defraud the victim. Credit card fraud can take many different forms, including all the following:
- Using someone else’s card without their permission
- Selling a lost or stolen card
- Intentionally using a lost or stolen card
- Purchasing a card from any source other than a credit card issuer
Stealing a physical credit card is not required for the charge of credit card fraud to apply. Using methods such as hacking, scamming, or phishing to gain access to someone else’s credit or debit card information is also classified as credit card fraud.
Taking the Right Steps Forward
If you have been charged with credit card fraud, it’s time to act, and the first step in the process is consulting with a trusted criminal defense lawyer. Your seasoned legal counsel will ably handle each of the following on your behalf:
- Guiding you through the criminal defense process with your rights intact and helping you avoid the kinds of mistakes that can weaken your defense
- Carefully gathering and inspecting all the available evidence, which includes everything that the state and police have, some of which may speak to your innocence
- Determining if any of the evidence against you was gathered illegally and, if so, challenging its inclusion in your case
- Strategizing a well-considered defense that the prosecution will have a difficult time refuting
- Engaging in skilled negotiations with the prosecution when a plea deal is considered advantageous
- Being well prepared to skillfully defend yourself at trial when making a deal with the state is not the best approach
An important point is that even a favorable plea deal is still an admission of guilt, which can lead to a criminal record and serious social consequences. Your knowledgeable criminal defense attorney will help you make the right decisions in your case.
Turn to an Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyer for Help
The practiced Cumming criminal defense attorneys at Banks, Stubbs & McFarland have earned an impressive reputation for guiding challenging credit card fraud cases toward optimal outcomes. We welcome the opportunity to help you as well. For more information, contact us online or call 770-887-1209 today.