Facing allegations of credit card fraud can turn your world upside down. These charges often come with severe penalties, including prison time, fines, and lasting damage to your reputation. Working with an experienced Tampa, FL credit card fraud defense lawyer can make all the difference in how your case unfolds and how your future is protected. At Stechschulte Nell, we understand that people sometimes make mistakes, or find themselves accused of crimes they didn’t commit. We’re here to help you take control of your defense and work toward the best possible outcome.
Understanding Credit Card Fraud Charges
Credit card fraud is a broad legal term that covers several types of alleged offenses. These can include using someone else’s card without permission, creating counterfeit cards, or using false information to obtain credit. In some cases, even possessing stolen credit card data can lead to criminal charges. Florida law treats these cases seriously. Depending on the amount of money involved and the number of victims, charges can range from misdemeanors to serious felonies. A conviction could lead to jail time, probation, restitution, and a permanent criminal record that affects employment, housing, and even professional licensing. Our team knows that every case has two sides. We look deeper—into the evidence, the investigation, and the circumstances, to find weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and build a defense strategy tailored to your situation.
Strategies We Use To Defend Credit Card Fraud Cases
When we handle a credit card fraud case, our approach is always personal and precise. We examine how the evidence was obtained, whether your rights were violated, and if the charges are based on misunderstanding or lack of intent. Common defense strategies may include:
- Lack of intent: The prosecution must prove you knowingly committed fraud. If you were unaware or had permission, that changes everything.
- Mistaken identity: Credit card data theft often crosses state lines and digital platforms, errors in identification are common.
- Insufficient evidence: We challenge how evidence was collected, stored, and presented to uncover reasonable doubt.
Every client’s situation is unique, and we never take a one-size-fits-all approach. Our defense strategies are grounded in years of criminal trial experience and a commitment to protecting your rights.
Why Experience And Empathy Matter
Tampa criminal defense lawyer Ben Stechschulte is a former criminal prosecutor who understands how the state builds its cases. He is also a board-certified criminal defense attorney, a distinction earned by only 2% of all Florida attorneys. This rare combination of insight and expertise gives our clients a significant advantage in complex financial crime cases. Just as important, our Tampa, FL criminal and DUI defense law firm understands that you are a human being with a job and family, plans and dreams. We see you as a person, not a criminal, and we strive to mitigate the consequences of an all-too-human lapse in judgment.
Take Action To Protect Your Future
If you’re under investigation or have been charged with credit card fraud, the decisions you make now will shape your future. Don’t face these charges alone or wait until it’s too late to build your defense. At Stechschulte Nell, we stand ready to fight for you, your rights, and your future. Let us help you stop a bad situation from derailing your life. Contact our office today to schedule a confidential consultation and take the first step toward protecting your freedom.
