Shreveport Credit Card Fraud Defense Attorney

Credit card and bank fraud is one of the most aggressively prosecuted white collar crimes in Louisiana — and across the country. What many people do not realize is that credit card fraud and bank fraud charges can be brought at both the state and federal level, and the penalties can be severe even for what may seem like a relatively minor offense. A conviction can result in significant prison time, substantial fines, restitution orders, and a permanent criminal record that affects your employment, your reputation, and your future.

If you are facing credit card fraud or bank fraud charges in Shreveport, Bossier City, or anywhere in Northwest Louisiana, contact me immediately. I have defended clients against fraud charges across Louisiana for more than 30 years and I know how to build an aggressive defense on your behalf.

What Constitutes Credit Card Fraud In Louisiana?

Credit card fraud and bank fraud encompasses a broad range of conduct involving the unauthorized or deceptive use of credit or debit card information. Common credit card fraud charges in Louisiana include:

• Unauthorized use of a credit card — using another person’s card or card information without their permission
• Credit card theft — stealing a physical credit or debit card
• Counterfeit card production — creating or possessing fake credit cards
• Card skimming — using a device to capture card information at ATMs or point-of-sale terminals
• Account takeover fraud — gaining unauthorized access to another person’s credit card account
• Online credit card fraud — using stolen card information for internet purchases
• Identity theft involving credit cards — using another person’s identity to open or access credit accounts

Both state and federal prosecutors take these charges seriously. Federal involvement is common when fraud crosses state lines, involves large sums of money, or is part of a larger organized scheme.

Penalties For Credit Card Fraud In Louisiana

The penalties for credit card fraud in Louisiana depend on the value of the goods or services obtained and the specific nature of the offense:

• Value under $1,000 — misdemeanor charge; up to six months in jail and fines
• Value of $1,000 to $5,000 — felony charge; up to five years in prison
• Value of $5,000 to $25,000 — felony charge; up to ten years in prison
• Value over $25,000 — felony charge; up to 20 years in prison
• Federal charges — if prosecuted federally, sentences can reach 15 to 20 years per count depending on the specific federal statute charged

In addition to prison time and fines, a credit card fraud conviction typically results in restitution orders requiring you to repay the full amount of the fraud to the victims. Multiple counts can be charged for multiple transactions, meaning the penalties can stack quickly.

How I Defend Credit Card Fraud Charges

Credit card fraud cases are heavily evidence-dependent, and there are often significant opportunities to challenge the prosecution’s case. My defense approach includes:

• Challenging intent — fraud requires intentional deception; mistakes, misunderstandings, or authorization disputes are not fraud
• Disputing the evidence — examining transaction records, surveillance footage, and digital evidence for gaps or inconsistencies
• Challenging identification — in many fraud cases the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you were the person who committed the fraudulent acts
• Unauthorized use defense — examining whether you had a reasonable belief you were authorized to use the card or account
• Constitutional challenges — reviewing whether evidence was obtained through lawful search and seizure procedures
• Negotiating reduced charges — when the evidence is strong, negotiating with prosecutors to minimize penalties and avoid the most serious charges

With more than 30 years of criminal defense experience in Louisiana, I bring the knowledge and the courtroom skill to give you the strongest possible defense against credit card fraud charges.

Your Future Deserves a Powerful Defense

Speak With Us Today 318-990-1089

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Serving Shreveport, Bossier City, And Northwest Louisiana

I defend clients facing credit card fraud charges throughout Caddo Parish, Bossier Parish, Lincoln Parish, Webster Parish, Jackson Parish, Vernon Parish, and Natchitoches Parish. Whether your case is being prosecuted at the state or federal level, I am prepared to fight for you.

Contact A.J. Hodges, IV About Your Credit Card Fraud Charge

Call 318-990-1089 to reach my Shreveport office. You can also contact me online. Do not speak to investigators or law enforcement before speaking with me first.