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Last Modified on Apr 11, 2026
If you’re facing credit card fraud charges in Louisiana, it’s critical that you understand what you’re up against. State and federal fraud laws impose severe penalties that can impact the rest of your life. It’s highly recommended that you hire a credit card fraud lawyer to help you navigate your charges and form a solid defense strategy. Even so, it’s wise to have a basic understanding of credit card fraud charges in Lafayette, LA.
Credit Card Fraud Charges in Lafayette, LA
Credit card fraud is a type of white-collar crime that typically affects individuals and businesses in Louisiana. It’s a serious offense and can carry harsh penalties at the state and federal levels.
There were 687 fraud cases reported in Louisiana in a single year. This included 131 cases that involved a credit card or automated teller machine (ATM). If you’re facing charges, hire a credit card lawyer to help you.
Credit card fraud is typically charged as a felony under Louisiana law. Lafayette credit card fraud penalties can include fines up to $50,000 and up to 15 years in prison. Specific types of fraud may carry harsher penalties. For example, committing fraud against a financial institution can lead to heftier fines. Other types of fraud may carry smaller fines, such as fraudulent acquisition of a credit card.
Common types of credit card fraud include:
- Account takeovers
- Application fraud
- Card cloning or card skimming
- Card-not-present (CNP) fraud
- Misuse of a card by a business or employee
- Unauthorized use of cards
Being charged with any type of credit card fraud is a serious matter, but it is possible to defend against your charges. It’s wise to contact a credit card fraud attorney in Louisiana to go over the specifics of your case.
Credit Card Fraud Cases in Louisiana
There are many different definitions of fraud. In fact, Louisiana has many distinct codified crimes that all have “fraud” in the title. The common denominator amongst all types of fraud cases is that they involve deception, intention, and potential for gain. Credit card fraud refers to stealing someone’s financial information through the unauthorized use of someone’s credit card.
There were 61,678 cases reported to the United States Sentencing Commission in a single year, including 739 cases involving credit cards and other financial instrument fraud. Credit card theft is a form of identity theft. There are a handful of different ways offenders can go about committing credit card fraud in Lafayette. Our credit card fraud attorneys at Longman Jakuback have experience navigating complex fraud cases throughout southern Louisiana.
No matter the nature of the alleged criminal act, it’s important that you understand Louisiana’s fraud laws as well as the potential Lafayette credit card fraud penalties you can face. It’s also wise to work with a Lafayette criminal defense attorney who has experience navigating white-collar crime cases at the federal level.
FAQs
What Is Louisiana’s Anti-Skimming Act?
Louisiana’s Anti-Skimming Act combats the illegal use of card-scanning devices or microchips and provides harsher penalties for skimming crimes. Common areas where these devices are installed include ATMs and gas pumps.
After collecting card data through these illegal means, people can create new counterfeit cards and access funds for their own purchases. Skimming can result in serious penalties under Louisiana law, especially with the recent update to the law.
What Lafayette Credit Card Fraud Penalties Can I Face in a Fraud Case?
The Lafayette credit card fraud penalties you can face in a fraud case can vary depending on the details of your charges. Credit card fraud is often charged as a felony, which carries hefty fines and time in prison. Mandatory hard labor is also likely to be a part of the sentence.
The amount you owe and your total prison sentence are going to hinge on how your case progresses. It’s wise to hire a credit card fraud lawyer.
How Do I Defend Against a Credit Card Fraud Charge in Lafayette?
How you defend against a credit card fraud charge in Lafayette depends on the details of the case. There are many defenses your Lafayette credit card fraud attorney can discuss with you based on the facts of your case. Common defenses include:
- Authorized use
- Coercion
- Entrapment
- Insufficient evidence
- Lack of intent
- Mistaken identity
It’s important to consider your unique situation when forming your defensive strategy in a white-collar crime case.
How Does Identity Theft Relate to Credit Card Fraud Cases in Lafayette?
How identity theft relates to credit card fraud cases in Lafayette is that it’s often an underlying factor in credit card fraud cases. Identity theft refers to stealing someone’s personal information to commit fraud. This includes financial details like credit card information.
Identity theft is a common element of credit card theft and can carry varying degrees of punishment.
Hire a Credit Card Fraud Attorney You Can Trust
If you’re involved in a credit card fraud case in Louisiana, you must act quickly to begin forming your defense. A Lafayette credit card fraud lawyer from Longman Jakuback can help. Our team has earned a great reputation over the years, earning the trust and respect of Louisianans throughout southern Louisiana.
A handful of our attorneys were even selected to be a part of the Louisiana Super Lawyers. This is an honor only awarded to a small percentage of attorneys.* While our accolades do not guarantee a win for your case, you can rest assured you’re working with skilled attorneys who are passionate about protecting our clients and their families.
Our team has experience handling cases at the state level through the 15th Judicial District Court and at the federal level through the United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana. No matter how much things escalate, you can count on our attorneys to be there to advocate for you.
If you want to discuss your case in more detail, reach out to set up an appointment with a trusted attorney from our team today. Our office is in Baton Rouge, right off I-110. You can find us in the Saltz Building on Main Street.
*Awards and recognition are not guarantees of future results. Selection criteria vary by organization.
