Facing a Fraud Charge in Fort Worth, TX / Tarrant County?
Are you or someone you know facing a fraud crime in Fort Worth, Arlington or a surrounding city? If so, you need an experienced Fort Worth Criminal Lawyer to fight on your behalf. The most common types of fraud crimes are: Forgery, Credit Card Abuse, and Fraudulent Use or Possession of Identifying information. Have you been charged with any of these crimes in Fort Worth, Arlington or surrounding cities?
Texas Penal Code §32.21 states that a person commits the offense of Forgery if he forges a writing with intent to defraud or harm another. Typically, an offense under this section is a state jail felony and punishable by up to 180 days in a state jail facility and up to a $10,000 fine.
Credit Card Fraud Attorney
Texas Penal Code §32.31 states that a person commits the offense of Credit or Debit Card Abuse if A person commits an offense with intent to obtain a benefit fraudulently, he presents or uses a credit card or debit card with knowledge that:
- the card, whether or not expired, has not been issued to him and is not used with the effective consent of the cardholder; or
- the card has expired or has been revoked or cancelled.
There are other ways one can commit the offense of credit card abuse, but the two ways listed above are the most common. Basically, it is possible you could be facing a Credit Card Abuse charge if there is any improper use with the intent to defraud another. An offense under this section is a state jail felony unless it has been determined the offense was committed against an elderly individual.
Fraudulent Use or Possession of Identifying information
Texas Penal Code §32.51 states that a person commits the offense of Fraudulent Use or Possession of Identifying information if with the intent to harm or defraud another, obtains, possesses, transfers, or uses an item of:
- identifying information of another person without the other person’s consent;
- information concerning a deceased natural person, including a stillborn infant or fetus, that would be identifying information of that person were that person alive, if the item of information is obtained, possessed, transferred, or used without legal authorization; or
- identifying information of a child younger than 18 years of age.
The punishment range for this offense depends on the amount of items charged and can range from 180 days in jail up to life in prison. Fraud crimes are categorized as deceptive crimes that many times carry with them devastating consequences. If you are convicted of a fraud charge, it will likely be hard to find a job due to the morality implications. Employers look closely at criminal offenses involving dishonesty.
If you have been arrested and charged with a fraud crime in Fort Worth, Arlington or surrounding cities, you need an aggressive and knowledgeable Fort Worth criminal lawyer on your side. Whether you have been charged with forgery, credit card abuse, or fraudulent use a conviction could carry with it the prospect of jail time. At Fulgham Law Firm P.C. our goal is to prevent jail time and to achieve a result that helps you clear your record.
At Fulgham Law Firm P.C., you will find a Fort Worth criminal law practice focused on passionately defending the accused. Contact our Fort Worth office now at 817-877-3030 for a free and confidential consultation with an experienced Fort Worth criminal attorney.
