Trusted Dayton Attorneys for Credit Card Fraud Defense
We understand how quickly a financial‑crime allegation can threaten your liberty, finances, and reputation. Our attorneys regularly handle complex white‑collar and identity‑theft matters and have secured dismissals, charge reductions, and not‑guilty verdicts. From first consult to final resolution, we tailor a defense strategy to your facts and goals.
What Is Credit Card Fraud in Ohio?
Ohio prosecutes credit‑card fraud under the statute titled “Misuse of Credit Cards,” R.C. 2913.21. The law covers multiple kinds of conduct:
- Obtaining a credit card by deception (R.C. 2913.21(B)(1)).
- Buying or selling a credit card from/to anyone other than the issuer (R.C. 2913.21(B)(2)).
- Using a card to obtain property or services while knowing or having reasonable cause to believe the card is expired, revoked, stolen, or unlawfully obtained (R.C. 2913.21(C)).
- Furnishing property or services while knowing a card is being misused (R.C. 2913.21(C)).
- Obtaining control of a credit card as security for a debt (R.C. 2913.21(C)).
The degree of the offense is driven primarily by the total value of the property, services, or debt involved.
Ohio Penalties for Misuse of Credit Cards (General Cases)
Penalties escalate with the total value involved. Sentencing ranges and fine caps are from R.C. 2929.14 and 2929.18.
| Total Value | Charge | Jail/Prison Range | Max Fine |
| Less Than $1,000 | Misdemeanor 1st Degree (M1) | Up to 180 days | $1,000 |
| $1,000 – <$7,500 | Felony 5th Degree (F5) | 6–12 months | $2,500 |
| $7,500 – <$150,000 | Felony 4th Degree (F4) | 6–18 months | $5,000 |
| $150,000 or More | Felony 3rd Degree (F3) | 9–36 months | $10,000 |
Enhanced Penalties: Elderly or Disabled Victims
When the victim is an elderly or disabled person and the conduct is a violation of R.C. 2913.21(B)(1) (obtaining a card by deception) or (B)(2) (buying/selling a card), penalty levels increase:
| Total Value | Charge | Jail/Prison Range | Max Fine |
| Less Than $1,000 | Felony 5th Degree (F5) | 6–12 months | $2,500 |
| $1,000 – <$7,500 | Felony 4th Degree (F4) | 6–18 months | $5,00 |
| $7,500 – <$37,500 | Felony 3rd Degree (F3) | 9–36 months | $10,000 |
| $37,500 or More | Felony 2nd Degree (F2) | 2–8 years | $15,000 |
Note: Courts can also order restitution.
How Credit Card Fraud Is Investigated in Ohio
Most cases begin with banks and card issuers flagging suspicious activity, contacting merchants, and notifying local law enforcement. County prosecutors commonly file charges; larger or interstate schemes can involve the U.S. Secret Service Financial/Cyber Fraud Task Forces, the FBI, or the Ohio Attorney General/BCI. Digital and financial records — merchant data, IP logs, and video — often play a central role.
Benefits of Working with Experienced Counsel
- Full‑spectrum support from investigation through disposition.
- Client‑centered communication and clear, practical advice.
- A track record of favorable outcomes in complex financial‑crime matters.
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