Overview of Illinois Credit Card Fraud Laws
In contemporary society, credit cards and debit cards are just about everywhere -- people often have multiple cards of one or both varieties and use them on purchases ranging from "everyday" items (such as food or gas) to expensive or atypical acquisitions. Just as consumers' purchases of goods and services on credit are steadily on the rise, so too is the widespread nature of fraudulent activities associated with credit cards and debit cards.
Illinois credit card fraud law prohibits and penalizes a wide array of crimes stemming from the wrongful possession, sale or use of a credit card or debit card. The statute specifically prohibits the following crimes involving a credit card or debit card:
For the last two crimes described above -- use of a counterfeited, forged, expired, revoked, or unissued credit or debit card, and use of a credit or debit card with intent to defraud -- the crime is complete when a person uses such card with the intent to defraud, regardless of whether he or she actually obtains anything of value by its use. The seriousness of these offense is determined according to the fair-market cash value of all property thus obtained (or sought to be obtained) during a six-month period.
Illinois Credit Card Fraud Laws: The Basics
Specific details about credit card laws in Illinois, including charges and penalties, are listed in the following table.
| Statutes | Illinois Criminal Code, 720/5/17-31 et. seq. |
| Sentences and Penalties | With the exception of two of the crimes described above -- use of a counterfeited, forged, expired, revoked, or unissued credit or debit card (a Class 3 felony if more than $300 worth of property was obtained in a six-month period) and use of a credit or debit card with intent to defraud (a Class A misdemeanor if less than $150 worth of property was obtained in a six-month period) -- Illinois classifies all of the other above-listed offenses as Class 4 felonies, the lowest level of a felony offense. Class 4 felony is punishable by:
Class AÂ misdemeanors, on the other hand, are punishable by a sentence of imprisonment or periodic imprisonment of less than one year, or probation or conditional discharge of up to 2 years; a fine of up to $2,500 for each offense; restitution; or a combination of those penalties. |
| Possible Defenses |
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Note: State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
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Illinois Credit Card Fraud Laws: Related Resources
Get Legal Help With Your Illinois Credit Card Fraud Case Today
Whatever form of credit card fraud you are being accused of, you shouldn’t go to court without knowledge of all the penalties associated with a conviction or plea deal and a plan in place for your defense. Learn more about your legal options and find a trusted legal advocate by contacting an experienced Illinois criminal defense attorney today.
