Access Device Fraud

Access device fraud is a federal crime. In Pittsburgh, it is against the law to use, sell, or create an access device which you know is altered or counterfeit; is incomplete, canceled, or revoked; or is the property of another person who has not given anyone else permission to use it. You cannot use someone else’s credit, debit, ATM, or other account number-containing card without their permission.

Defrauding someone knowingly will be a mistake that you will deeply regret later on. If you use another person’s access device for purchases or for making unauthorized withdrawals without their permission, there is a high chance you will be prosecuted either in federal or Pittsburgh court. At this point, you should seek the help of one of our best Pittsburgh access device fraud lawyers.

Vital Facts About Access Device Fraud

Using an access device for obtaining or trying to obtain the services, property, or money of another person without their permission is illegal. The federal law covers all forms of crimes related to:

• SIM cards in mobile phones
• Long distance access code
• Debit or credit card numbers
• Personal identification numbers
• Computer passwords
• ATM cards
• Debit cards
• Credit cards

Once you are convicted of this crime, you may be imprisoned for up to 10 years and pay a fine of about $250,000. The actual sentence is likely to be determined based on the circumstances of the case, as well as the federal sentencing guidelines. However, these severe penalties make it important to consult an access device fraud attorney in Pittsburgh.

Grading of Access Device Fraud Charges

Access device fraud can be graded as a misdemeanor or as a felony. The grade assigned depends largely upon the value of the thing that was taken. If the value is under $50, the charge is a second-degree misdemeanor. If the value is between $50 and $500, the charge will be a more serious first-degree misdemeanor. But, if the value is higher than $500, the charge becomes a first-degree felony.

Federal vs. State

The federal court system in Pittsburgh is complex; its methods are different from the state and local court systems. One key difference is that the former uses complicated, unique sentencing guidelines for deciding the punishment of the person convicted of the crime. Another big difference is that federal prosecutors are capable of drawing on extensive resources that include the outcomes of lengthy investigations carried out by federal agents. The prosecutors of the Pittsburgh area do not have resources such as those that they can access. So if you have been convicted of a federal crime and are facing severe consequences, get in touch with us and avail yourself of the services of one of our top Federal Criminal Defense Lawyers. The Pittsburgh access device fraud attorney that we will assign you will patiently listen to your needs and help you in the best way possible.

What to do if You are Arrested for Access Device Fraud

As with all crimes, if you are arrested for access device fraud, it is important that you remain polite and compliant with the arresting officer. Do not make him angry. Then, follow these important guidelines:

• Do not speak to the police or prosecutor without your attorney present. Anything you say can and likely will be twisted and used against you.
• If police try to ask you questions, politely refuse to reply until you have an attorney present with you.

How Can Logue Law Help?

When you have been charged with access device fraud, you will require the assistance of a licensed and experienced Federal Criminal Lawyer who will leave no stone unturned in determining your choices and attaining the best results for your circumstances. You will need a Pittsburgh Criminal Defense Lawyer that will prepare for your trial or preliminary hearing fully while preparing behind the scenes for negotiating the finest possible outcome for your case. If you or any of your loved ones are facing an access device fraud charge, immediately speak to our Pittsburgh Criminal Defense Lawyer and breathe a sigh of relief knowing we’re on your side.

For a free initial consultation with an experienced access device fraud lawyer in the Pittsburgh area, contact us online or call (412) 612-2210.