Have You Been Charged with Unauthorized Use of a Financial Transaction Card in Georgia?
Fraud crimes cover a wide area of crimes in Georgia. Many fraud crimes are treated as misdemeanors while others are characterized as felonies. Unauthorized use of a financial transaction card s considered a felony crime in Georgia and carries hefty consequences. Even though it may seem like a minor offense, it is still in your best interest to hire a criminal attorney in Georgia to help you achieve the best outcome in your case!
Unauthorized Use of a Financial Transaction Card in Georgia
There are two different situations in which a person can violate O.C.G.A. §16-9-37.
First, when a person has been issued or entrusted with a financial transaction card for specifically authorized purposes, provided such authorization is in writing stating a maximum amount charges that can be made with the financial transaction card, and they use the financial transaction card in a manner and for purposes not authorized in order to obtain or purchase money, goods, services. (a)
The second way is when a person who has been issued or entrusted with a financial transaction card by a government for specifically limited and specifically authorized purposes, provided such limitations and authorizations are in writing, and who uses the financial transaction card in a manner and for purposes not authorized. (b)
In both situations the key elements are that the accused is authorized to use a financial transaction card for a specific purpose but instead uses the card for unauthorized purposes.
The Penalty for Unauthorized Use of a Financial Transaction Card in Georgia
The penalty for violation O.C.G.A. §16-9-37(a) will be a fine up to $1,000 and a prison term between one and two years, or both.
However, the penalty increases if convicted of violating O.C.G.A. §16-9-37(b). The accused will be guilty of a felony punished by a fine up to $5,000, prison term between one and three years, or both.
Felony convictions extend beyond fines and prison. They go on your criminal history and can make it difficult to obtain housing, credit, or employment in the future. The stakes are high if charged with unauthorized use of a financial transaction card. Therefore, it is in your best interest to hire a Georgia Criminal Lawyer that has extensive experience with criminal law. Lawson and Berry has over 50 combined years of experience and are prepared to assist with your case today.
Georgia Defenses to Unauthorized Use of a Financial Transaction Card
Unauthorized use requires that the accused used the card for a purpose that was not intended. Any evidence that the purchase was authorized would be greatly beneficial to your case.
Furthermore, there are always Georgia Criminal Defenses that apply to your case. Our unauthorized use of a financial transaction card lawyers in Georgia will thoroughly examine your case to see which arguments will work best for you. Rest assured you will receive the very best representation when you choose Lawson and Berry.
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Our office has someone available 24/7 to take your call. We understand that you may need answers outside of regular 9-5 hours and that is why we are open nights, weekends, and holidays. We believe that you should not have to wait until the next business day to have your questions answered. Call an experienced Georgia Unauthorized Use of a Financial Transaction Card Attorney today!
