Four Steps To Take If You Are Accused Of Credit Card Fraud In Florida?
Credit card fraud is a serious matter. Under Florida law (Florida Statutes § 817.61), credit card fraud is defined as the unlawful obtaining or use of a credit card, with intent to defraud. It is generally charged as a felony criminal offense in Florida. Any person facing credit card fraud charges needs to be ready to take immediate action to protect their rights. These are time-sensitive cases. Within this blog post, our Orlando criminal defense attorney highlights four essential steps that you should take if you were accused of credit card fraud in Central Florida.
- Exercise Your Right to Remain Silent
When accused of credit card fraud in Florida, it is absolutely essential to exercise your right to remain silent. The Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution protects you from self-incrimination, meaning you are not obligated to speak to law enforcement or prosecutors. You do not have to answer any of their questions. Police are not on your side. They are trying to gather evidence that they can use against you. If you want to make a statement to law enforcement, always do so through an experienced Orlando, FL credit card fraud defense lawyer.
- Understand the Scope of the Charges
In Florida, credit card fraud is a relatively broad term that can encompass a variety of offenses—from credit card fraud under Florida Statutes § 817.61 to identity theft to forgery. Make sure that you understand the full scope of the allegations being raised against you, including the penalties that you could face if convicted.
- Gather and Preserve Relevant Evidence
You have the right to defend yourself. While the burden of proof is in the prosecution, you should proactively gather and organize relevant evidence. As soon as you are aware of the allegations, begin collecting and preserving any evidence that may be relevant to your case. Examples of evidence can include credit card statements, receipts, emails, witness statements, and any other documentation that supports your innocence.
- Seek Professional Legal Representation
One of the most critical steps when accused of credit card fraud in Florida is seeking professional legal representation. A top-rated Orlando credit card fraud defense attorney can guide you through the complex legal process, ensuring that your rights are protected and that you have the best chance of a favorable outcome. Every credit card fraud allegation in Central Florida requires personalized, attentive representation from a defense lawyer.
Set Up a Confidential Consultation With a Central Florida Credit Card Fraud Defense Lawyer
At The Baez Law Firm, our Orlando credit card fraud defense attorney is a passionate, justice focused advocate for clients. If you or your family member was arrested on credit card fraud charges, you need professional legal support. Call us now or connect with us directly through our website to arrange your fully confidential, no obligation consultation. We defend credit card fraud charges in Orlando, Orange County, and throughout the wider region in Central Florida.