Texas Credit Card Fraud Laws
Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors | Last reviewed March 29, 2018
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The crime of debit or credit card fraud involves the unauthorized taking of another individual's account information with the intent of either charging unauthorized purchases to the account or removing funds. It is often intertwined with the crime of identity theft, in which another person's personal identifying information (such as Social Security Number, birth date, and street address) in order to fraudulently open an account or commit other types of fraud. In many cases, the perpetrator of credit card fraud may also be charged with identity theft.
This article focuses on Texas credit card fraud, charged as a felony in the Lone Star State.
Texas Credit Card Fraud Laws at a Glance
Statute | Texas Penal Code § 32.31 |
Credit Card or Debit Card Abuse: Offenses |
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Classification of the Crime | All offenses in this statute are charged as a state jail felony; but charged as a third degree felony if the offense was committed against an elderly person. |
Sentences and Penalties |
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Defenses |
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Note: State laws are constantly changing -- please contact a Texas criminal defense attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
Related Resources
- Credit Cards (Consumer Protection Center)
- Texas Identity Theft Laws
- Texas Criminal Statute of Limitations
- Fraud and Financial Crimes
- Credit Cards (Office of the Texas Attorney General)
- Frauds and Scams (Office of the Texas Attorney General)
Get Legal Help with Your Credit Card Fraud Case in Texas
If you're convicted of credit or debit card fraud in Texas, you'll most likely serve time in prison -- as much as 10 years, depending on the severity of the charges. Anytime you're facing the possibility of prison time, it's in your best interest to consult with a skilled criminal defense attorney in Texas who can assess your options and put up a strategically sound defense on your behalf.
Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?
- Complex criminal defense situations usually require a lawyer
- Defense attorneys can help protect your rights
- A lawyer can seek to reduce or eliminate criminal penalties
Get tailored advice and ask your legal questions. Many Texas attorneys offer free consultations.
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