Baltimore Credit Card Theft Lawyer

If you are facing credit card theft charges in Baltimore, Maryland, this is undoubtedly a stressful and difficult time for you.  The crime of sealing a credit card may seem easy in the moment, but the lawmakers in Maryland have made certain to craft their stolen credit card laws in a way to impose harsh punishment on those that have taken, or used, a credit card without proper authorization.

An experienced Baltimore credit card theft lawyer knows the law and may be able to help mitigate the strict penalties that Maryland imposes for credit card theft. Call today to schedule a consultation with a theft lawyer in Baltimore to discuss your case.

What is a Credit Card Theft?

While the crime of credit card theft is closely related to the crime of credit card fraud, Maryland has made a distinction between the two offenses.  In Maryland, Section CR 8-204 outlines the five ways in which you may be found guilty of credit card theft:

• If you took a credit card from another person, or from another person’s control, without the cardholder’s consent
• If you received a credit card from another person, knowing that, that person did not have authorization to have possession of the credit card, and you used or transferred the card to a person other than the true cardholder
• If you received a credit card you knew to have been lost, or was given to you by mistake, and you retained or transferred the card to another person other than the true cardholder
• If you sold a credit card to an individual or bought a credit card from someone other than an authorized credit card issuer
• If you received a credit card that you knew was acquired in a fraudulent manner

This means that it is possible that you may be facing a credit card theft conviction even if you were not the person who initially took the credit card away from its true owner. In Maryland, what you do with a credit card that was improperly given to you is just as scrutinized as the act of taking a credit card from its true cardholder. Therefore if charged it is important you consult with a credit card theft attorney in Baltimore.

Credit Card Theft Penalties

If you have taken a credit card without the cardholder’s consent; received a credit card while knowing that, that person was not authorized to give you the credit card; sold a credit card; or bought a credit card from someone other than an authorized credit card issuer, you could be facing a penalty of up to 18 months in prison in addition to a possible fine that is as high as $500.

How a Credit Card Theft Lawyer Can Help

Being charged with a crime is intimidating.  There are what seem like endless steps in the litigation procedures and the process can seem overwhelming.  However, a knowledgeable Baltimore credit card theft attorney will listen to what you have to say while crafting a defense that suits your case.

There are many nuances associated with the laws regarding credit card theft and it is possible that an experienced lawyer may be able to find inaccuracies in the case being brought against you.

To consult with an experienced Baltimore credit card theft lawyer, please contact our firm.