What Is Credit Card Theft in Arizona?

For Residents Facing Criminal Charges in Prescott

Credit card theft is taken very seriously under Arizona law and can result in major legal consequences. According to Arizona Revised Statutes § 13-2102, you may be charged with credit card theft if you:

• Obtain control of a credit card without the cardholder’s or issuer’s consent through theft or extortion, as defined in A.R.S. §§ 13-1802 and 13-1804;
• Sell, transfer, or otherwise convey a credit card with the intent to defraud; or
• Take possession, care, custody, or control of a credit card as security for a debt with fraudulent intent.

Consequences of a Credit Card Theft Conviction

Arizona punishes credit card theft independently from—and in addition to—any theft of money or property involved. Any one of the above methods for committing credit card theft leads to a Class 5 Felony charge. In Arizona, a Class 5 Felony can result in:

• A prison sentence ranging from 6 months to 2.5 years
• Up to 3 years of probation
• Fines up to $150,000

A felony conviction in Arizona becomes part of your permanent criminal record, often leading to:

• Loss of civil rights (such as voting or firearm possession)
• Difficulties obtaining employment, housing, loans, and professional licenses
• Long-term reputational damage

Defending Against Credit Card Theft Allegations

If you’re charged with credit card theft, do not underestimate the seriousness of the situation. The potential defenses in these cases vary, but often include:

• Consent (the cardholder allowed you to use or hold the card)
• Lack of Intent to Defraud (no fraudulent or deceptive motive)

An aggressive and knowledgeable legal strategy may be the difference between facing harsh penalties and preserving your future.

Speak to a Prescott Criminal Defense Attorney Immediately

Facing credit card theft charges in Arizona can be life-changing. At Ted Law, our lawyers have extensive experience defending serious felony cases and can craft a defense tailored to your specific situation. We’ll work diligently to protect your rights, challenge the evidence against you, and seek the best possible outcome.

Call (928) 776-1782 or contact us online for a free consultation. The sooner you reach out, the sooner we can begin building your defense.

 

In Arizona, the misuse of a driver’s license can lead to serious legal consequences. Statute 28-3478 outlines the unlawful use of a driver’s license and the associated penalties. This statute is in place to ensure the integrity of driver’s licenses and protect public safety on the roads.

What Does Statute 28-3478 Prohibit?

The statute categorizes the following actions as class 2 misdemeanors:

1. Knowingly displaying, causing, or allowing the display of a canceled, revoked, suspended, fictitious, or fraudulently altered driver’s license.
2. Lending one’s driver’s license to someone else or knowingly permitting another person’s use of their driver’s license.
3. Knowingly representing someone else’s driver’s license as one’s own.
4. Making false statements, using a false name, concealing material facts, or committing fraud in a driver’s license application.
5. Permitting the unlawful use of one’s driver’s license.
6. Knowingly using false information, a fictitious name, or committing fraud in an application for a nonoperating identification license.

Consequences of Violating the Statute

Being charged with a class 2 misdemeanor can result in significant penalties, including fines and possible imprisonment. The severity of the consequences emphasizes the importance of complying with the law and using driver’s licenses responsibly.

Avoiding Unlawful Use of Your Driver’s License

To avoid facing legal trouble, it’s crucial to handle your driver’s license with care and ensure that it is valid and not altered in any way. Lending your license to others or using someone else’s license as your own is strictly prohibited. Additionally, providing truthful and accurate information in driver’s license applications is essential to avoid potential fraud charges.

New PVC Licenses

As of February 28th, 2023 The Arizona MVD has implemented new security features in the Arizona Drivers License. If you receive your license after the 28th of February, 2023 it will have a lot of new security features making it even more difficult to duplicate. If you manufacture a fake drivers license with the intent to conceal true citizenship you will be dealing with a much more serious penalty.

Common Defenses:

If you’re arrested for a fake ID in Arizona, contact the criminal defense attorneys at Ted Law immediately. They can help you understand your rights and explore defense strategies to dismiss your charges or reduce penalties. Defense strategies may include lack of criminal intent (lack of knowledge of driving on a suspended license), no evidence of driving, and constitutional rights violations. Call (602) 453-3100 for a free initial case evaluation.