Erin Field is on your side if you have been charged with check fraud in the state of Connecticut.
Fraud, credit card fraud and related offenses, and writing bad checks can be serious offenses depending on the amount involved. Any criminal offense will leave you with a permanent criminal record that can follow you for life.
Most often, these offenses are committed by people under extreme financial stress. The loss of a job, unexpected medical bills; many things can send a tight financial situation into a nosedive.
If you made a mistake at a difficult time in your life, I understand and want to help you.
Although financial stress is not an excuse for criminal behavior, there are still defenses we can pursue. I have handled many white collar offenses within the Connecticut criminal courts. I know what you are up against, and what it will take to fix this problem.
For an immediate phone consultation on any bad check/check fraud charge, please call me immediately. I answer my own phone, and I can talk to you right away.
Penalties for bad checks/check fraud in Connecticut
You may be charged with a bad checks offense if you attempt to pass a check knowing there is insufficient funds to cover the amount, or knowing the bank will refuse the check, for instance writing a check on a closed account.
The penalty you face for this charge depends on the amount of the check:
| $250 or less | Class C Misdemeanor | Up to 3 months in jail and $500 in fines. |
| $250- $500 | Class B Misdemeanor | Up to 6 months in jail and $1,000 in fines. |
| $500- $1,000 | Class A Misdemeanor | Up to 1 year in jail and $2,000 in fines. |
| More than $1,000 | Class D Felony | 1-5 years in prison and up to $5,000 in fines. |
Ref: Conn. Gen. Stat. §53a-128
C.G.S Stat. §53a-128b – False Statement to Procure Credit Card
If you give incorrect information to an issuer of a credit card, you could be charged with a criminal offense of giving false information. For example, if you lie about your income or financial situation to be approved for credit. This offense is aClass A misdemeanor punishable by up to 1 year in jail and $2,000 in fines.
C.G.S §53a-128c – Credit Card Theft
If you steal the credit card of another person, or come into possession of someone else's credit card with the intent to sell it or use it for purchases you can be charged with this offense. Credit card theft is typically a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to 1 year in jail and fines up to $2,000.
C.G.S§53a-128d – Illegal Use of a Credit Card – Penalties
This offense can be committed by using a credit card that is no longer valid (i.e. where the account is closed), using a stolen credit card, or representing yourself as a valid account holder knowing no such account exists or the account does not belong to you.
The extent of your charges depends on the value of the items or services obtained through the illegal usage.
| Up to $500 | Class A Misdemeanor | Up to 1 year in jail and $2,000 in fines. |
| $500 or more | Class D Felony | 1-5 years in prison and up to $5,000 in fines. |
Ref: Conn. Gen. Stat. §53a-128d
C.G.S §53a-129a – Connecticut Identity Theft – Laws & Penalties
Identity theft is defined by Connecticut statute as obtaining personal identifying information of someone else without their authorization and using that information for an unlawful purpose (obtaining credit, goods, or services, etc). This “personal identifying information” can include social security numbers, employee numbers, mother's maiden name, account numbers, etc.
This offense is a Class D felony which is punishable by 1-5 years in prison and up to $5,000 in fines.
Contact a Connecticut Check Fraud Defense Attorney Today
Connecticut fraud laws are broad and far reaching. There are many offenses that are categorized under this heading. The only way to know for certain what kind of penalty you may be facing for your charge is to consult with an experienced defense attorney.
I am prepared to fight on your behalf, and there are always legal defenses. You may have thought you were authorized to use a credit card or borrow a check, and we will fight to clear up this misunderstanding.
I also understand that people make mistakes and bad decisions in times of stress. If this happens to you, I will fight to protect your rights and get you the best outcome possible under the law.
If you have been charged with bad checks/check fraud, you should speak with an experienced attorney asap. I always answer my phone, so give me a call now for a free consultation to discuss your case and defense.