Unauthorized use of a credit card in Oklahoma City is a crime. Also, if you are found in possession of a credit card belonging to another, you could be presumed to have stolen it — unless you can prove the owner gave it to you.
Okla. Stat. tit. 21 § 1550.1 defines a credit card as a device or card issued to a corporation, firm, or person by a business entity that allows the person or entity issued with the card to obtain goods, property, or services on the credit of the issuer.
What is Unauthorized Use of a Credit Card In Oklahoma City?
Any person who attempts to use a credit card not issued to them without the permission of the person to whom the card is issued can be found guilty of a misdemeanor in Oklahoma City.
Also covered under the unauthorized use of a credit card statute is attempting to use one that is non-existent, revoked, canceled, or false. Using a card refers to putting a credit card to any stipulated use. It also involves all the ways you can use a card such as in person, over the internet, or the telephone. Okla. Stat. tit. 21 § 1550.2
Proving The Crime
For someone to be convicted on charges of unauthorized use or possession of a credit card in Oklahoma City, the state must prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that the following occurred:
- Possession of a card, which is either a debit or credit card
- by someone who is not the cardholder or authorized by the holder.
Credit Card Theft
One of the most potent tools that Oklahoma prosecutors have to use is the Oklahoma Credit Card Act. This act makes it illegal to intentionally take a credit or debit card from the possession of another without the consent of the cardholder. Unlawful possession here includes obtaining a credit card by any illegal means. Okla. Stat. tit. 21 § 1550.22
Repeated use of someone else’s credit card without their permission can be charged as a felony crime. Okla. Stat. tit. 21 § 1550.33
Penalties for Unauthorized Use of a Credit Card in Oklahoma City
For amounts up to $500, someone could spend up to 30 days in jail, pay a fine of up to $500, or both.
If the amount stolen exceeds $500, a person faces up to a year in jail, a fine between $500 and $1,000, or both.
Defendants convicted on felony charges could face up to seven years in prison, $3,000 in fines, or both.
Get Help
One to seven years behind bars is a long time. Get the help you need by contacting a qualified Oklahoma City criminal defense attorney right away.
Initial Consultation: Oklahoma City Criminal Defense Attorney
We make it easy for you to get answers to your most pressing questions. There is no cost and no obligation for an initial consultation with our Oklahoma City criminal defense attorney. Call today for answers to your questions.
Our lawyer is well positioned to advise you accordingly, as he has the necessary training and experience. He has the wit and tenacity to match the skill of the Oklahoma City prosecutors.
For a initial consultation, call the Criminal Defense Law Office of Oklahoma City at 405-588-4529 (588-4LAW) today.