This page was written, edited, reviewed & approved by Brian LaVine following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. Brian LaVine the Founding Partner, 10+ years of legal experience as criminal defense attorney.
At LaVine Law Firm, our Houston credit card theft lawyer defends clients accused of credit card fraud and abuse throughout Houston and Harris County. A credit card fraud conviction carries prison time, heavy fines, and a criminal record that follows you for years. According to the FTC, Americans reported over $10 billion in fraud losses in 2023, with Texas ranking among the top five states for credit card theft and identity theft complaints. We handle credit card fraud charges at both the state and federal levels, and we fight for every client we serve. Call LaVine Law Firm at 713-489-7806 to protect your future.
LaVine Law Firm offers trusted criminal defense services to people in Houston facing credit card fraud, credit card abuse, and related financial crimes in Texas state and federal courts. Our law offices serve clients throughout Harris County, Galveston County, and the surrounding areas. We review your case immediately, analyze all available evidence, and tailor a defense strategy to your specific circumstances. Contact us at 713-489-7806 to schedule a confidential consultation with a skilled defense attorney.
Here is what we do for clients facing credit card fraud charges:
Early legal representation gives you the best chance at a favorable outcome. A criminal defense attorney who knows the local courts brings knowledge and strategy that can change how your case resolves.
Texas prosecutes credit card-related offenses under Chapter 32 of the Texas Penal Code, which covers fraudulent use or possession of credit card or debit card information and credit card abuse. Credit card abuse includes using someone else's credit card without the owner's consent, presenting a stolen credit card, using a fake credit card, and possessing an incomplete credit card with the intent to defraud.
Credit card fraud extends further to cover unauthorized use of account numbers, counterfeit card use, and account takeover schemes. When transactions cross state lines or involve federally insured institutions, defendants face potential federal charges with far harsher penalties. The FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) reports that financial crime losses in the U.S. reached record highs in recent years, and Texas consistently ranks among the most affected states.
TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR DEFENSE AGAINST CREDIT CARD FRAUD CHARGES
Credit card fraud penalties in Texas depend on the dollar value involved, whether a credit or debit card was used, the number of victims, and whether the prosecution pursues state or federal charges. Penalties increase significantly when the offense involves an elderly person, causes bodily injury, or is linked to organized fraud rings. If convicted, even at a lower level, you may face fines, court costs, restitution, and potential reporting consequences with the Texas Board, as well as a lasting criminal record.
Here is a breakdown of Texas state penalties by the value of the fraud:
| Value of Fraud | Charge Level | Penalty |
| Under $100 | Class C Misdemeanor | Fine only |
| $100–$750 | Class B Misdemeanor | Up to 180 days in county jail; fine up to $2,000 |
| $750–$2,500 | Class A Misdemeanor | Up to 1 year in county jail; fine up to $4,000 |
| $2,500–$30,000 | State Jail Felony | 180 days to 2 years in state jail; fine up to $10,000 |
| $30,000–$150,000 | Third Degree Felony | 2 to 10 years in prison; fine up to $10,000 |
| $150,000–$300,000 | Second Degree Felony | 2 to 20 years in prison |
| Over $300,000 | First Degree Felony | 5 to 99 years or life |
Under 18 U.S.C. § 1029, federal credit card fraud convictions carry a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison per count. Federal charges are serious, and they require a defense attorney with experience in both state and federal court. At LaVine Law Firm, we have the legal experience to defend clients at every level of prosecution.
Whether you face misdemeanor or felony credit card fraud charges in Harris County depends mainly on the total alleged loss and the number of fraudulent transactions. Harris County courts handle a high volume of financial crime cases, and prosecutors aggressively pursue felony-level charges, especially in cases tied to identity theft or organized fraud. Even a misdemeanor credit card abuse conviction carries lasting consequences that go well beyond jail time and fines. A Houston credit card fraud lawyer from LaVine Law Firm can assess which charge level applies and build a strategy to challenge it.
A credit card fraud conviction in Texas does far more damage than the sentence alone. The collateral consequences can restrict your access to property, jobs, housing, and your personal freedom for decades. The Texas Attorney General's office treats credit card fraud and identity theft as serious public safety concerns, and Texas courts reflect that approach in sentencing.
Here is what a conviction can mean for your life:
These stakes make building a strong defense, not just accepting a plea, your most important priority.
A credit card fraud charge is not a guaranteed conviction. The prosecution bears the burden of proving every element of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt, and there are real, viable defense strategies available under Texas law. The strength of your defense depends on the specific facts of your case, which is why a thorough case review by a criminal defense attorney is the most important first step you can take. Below, we outline the strategies our Houston credit card fraud lawyers use most often.
At LaVine Law Firm, we bring unique insight and deep legal knowledge to every credit card fraud and credit card abuse case we handle. Our criminal defense team evaluates all available defense angles based on your specific circumstances. Here are the primary strategies we use to defend clients who have been accused of fraud:
LaVine Law Firm reviews every angle of your case so you walk into court with the strongest possible defense.
A credit card fraud charge in Houston does not have to define your future. LaVine Law Firm is ready to fight for you and provide the legal representation you deserve. Our attorneys bring direct legal experience in Texas criminal courts, including Harris County and the surrounding region, and we know what it takes to defend against credit card fraud charges at every level.
Our legal specialization in criminal defense means we understand Texas law and how to use it to protect our clients. We handle all types of fraud cases, from a stolen credit card charge to complex financial crimes involving multiple counts and federal exposure. You benefit knowing that a dedicated Houston credit card theft lawyer from our firm will be with you every step of the way. Visit LaVine Law Firm online or call us today at 713-489-7806 to schedule a free consultation. The sooner you call, the more options your defense attorney has to fight your credit card fraud charges and protect your future.
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