CREDIT CARD FRAUD (MISUSE OF CREDIT CARDS) — DAYTON, OH

Charged with credit card fraud in Dayton? The defense team at Gounaris Abboud is ready to protect your rights and your freedom. We provide clear guidance, aggressive advocacy, and step‑by‑step support through every stage of the case.

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.

Why Our Defense Team Is the Right Choice

Decades of Experience

Defending white‑collar and identity‑theft cases.

Personalized Strategies

Aimed at dismissal, reduction, or acquittal.

Aggressive Motion Practice

Suppression, discovery enforcement, valuation challenges.

Trial‑Ready Advocacy

With a focus on credibility and reasonable doubt.

Our Process for Defending Misuse of Credit Cards Cases

Evaluate & Advise

Case theory, exposure, and goals.

Investigate & Preserve Evidence

Bank/merchant records, video, devices, witnesses.

Challenge Proof

Identity, intent, reliance, value aggregation, chain of custody.

Negotiate Strategically

Diversion, reductions, restitution‑driven resolutions where appropriate.

Try the Case When Needed

Targeted cross‑examination and expert use.

FAQs on Misuse
of Credit Cards in Ohio

What should I do if I’m charged with credit card fraud?+

Call a defense attorney immediately. Do not speak to investigators without counsel. Preserve bank statements, communications, and exculpatory records.

How long will my case take?+

Timelines vary with complexity and venue. Many cases resolve within months; trials can take longer. Your lawyer can map realistic timing.

Can I avoid jail time?+

Possibly. Outcomes depend on amount, record, and proof strength. Diversion, community‑control sanctions, or amended charges may be achievable.

Disclaimer: This document is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Results depend on specific facts and law.