What will happen if I stole a credit card and used it?

Question

I am a private duty nurse. I stole a credit card out of my clients house. I used it 4 times in 4 different jurisdictions. Total charged approx $250. What will happen to me?

Jared Austin · Answer

You could be charged with four counts of Fraudulent Use of a Credit Charge which is a four-year felony. You could also be charged with larceny. You need to make sure that you pay back the entire amount before any court orders you to do so. This only serves to help you. If charged, you need to retain an experienced criminal attorney as soon as possible to help navigate you through the process and prevent the least amount of damage to your life and career.

Jacob P. Sartz · Answer

Based on the conduct you described, you could potentially be charged with a  litany of offenses, ranging from misdemeanors to several types of felonies. I'd  recommend you retain an attorney as soon as possible.  Speaking generally, the prosecutor would determine your charges based on their  investigation. Financial charges often require more comprehensive and  time-consuming investigations than other matters so there may be a lag time  between the timing of the alleged event and any action taken by law-enforcement.   I'd recommend you retain an attorney to assist you in this matter.  They may still be in the investigative stages and what you say and do will be used  against you in a court of law if the charges are ever brought against you.

Seth Bloom · Answer

First of all, you should not be posting information that specifically implicates you in criminal activity on the internet as no attorney-client privilege exists in this venue.  You will likely be facing charges if discovered which can include: fraudulent acquisition  and theft.  The potential sentences for each are:  Fraudulent acquisition of a credit card - Fines of up to $3,000 and jail time of up to 10 years Theft under $500 - Fines of up to $1,000 and jail time of up to 6 months

Michael Palumbo · Answer

This is a felony and, if convicted of a felony, you face having your nursing license pulled. You will certainly lose your job from the agency if caught. We can represent you and likely get a misdemeanor plea bargain to at least keep your license intact.

Eric Sterkenburg · Answer

You have committed credit card fraud and theft. This could be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony. If found guilty you could go to county jail for up to one year or state prison for 18 months, two or three years.

Stephen Freeborn · Answer

First off, I suspect that you will loose your job, and quite possibly your nursing license.  As far as charges:  those could range anywhere from a felony to a gross misdemeanor.  Under either classification, you could be looking at jail time.   This is a very serious situation.  While it sounds like you are guilty, an attorney may still be able to help you mitigate the situation.  Consult with an attorney.

Jules N. Fiani · Answer

You will be charged with a felony.

Loren M. Dickstein · Answer

You may be charged with a felony and if you are convicted of a felony, that is not going to be very good for your chances of remaining a nurse. I cannot tell from your question if you are charged yet but you cannot hire a Michigan Criminal Defense Lawyer fast enough. View www.notafraidtowin.com for details about my firm. If you have not been charged, you may be able to stop the charges with a proactive criminal attorney intervening on your behalf. If you have been charged, a criminal attorney who really fights for you may be able to get the felony reduced to something that won't effect your career.

Paul J. Wallin · Answer

You can be accused of a felony or a misdemeanor depending upon which offense the prosecutor decides to file against you. The problem is there likely will be bail and you will be taken into custody until you post the bail. You should immediately contact our law office so we might help you.

Michael J. Breczinski · Answer

You could be found guilty of one or more felonies and lose you license to nurse. This could possibly lead to prison.You need an attorney.

Thomas Tomko · Answer

Thank you for your inquiry  First of all, you should not be making admissions on the Internet.  This can only result in bad things happening.  Second, you should immediately retain an attorney.  There may be a way to even avoid charges.  If not, the attorney can be instrumental in getting this taken care of, and perhaps even keeping this off your record.  Being in the health care field, this may extraordinarily helpful for your job or a future job.  If in Macomb Oakland or Wayne Counties, you can contact this office for an appointment.  I should caution that the longer you delay addressing this, the worse it can get.  So the sooner the better.  I hope that this was helpful.

Robert Watkins · Answer

The possibilities are being charged with a misdemeanor credit card   fraud charge or felony forgery IF you signed the card owner's name.   Because you used the card in 4 different jurisdictions there is the   possibility of similar charges arising out of each jurisdiction.   Assuming an eventual conviction any sentence is dependent on a number   of factors. Incarceration could result if you have been convicted of   similar conduct in the past. Time to consult with an attorney.

Roianne Houlton Conner · Answer

You can be charged with the fraudulent use of a credit card as well as theft in each of the jurisdictions in which you used the card.

Leonard Harden · Answer

It depends.  You may not get caught.  You could be charged with theft as a misdemeanor or even credit card fraud as a felony.   If you are charged contact a lawyer ASAP Do not use the card again.

Jason Savela · Answer

Likely felony charges of identity theft and unauthorized use of financial transaction device in each jurisdiction.

Kathryn Hudson · Answer

Since the amount is under $500 you might he charged with misdemeanor theft. My suggestion would be to pay the money back before charges are filed as this sort of incident could prevent you from further employment in your field.

James Schoenberger · Answer

Make restitution immediately and hope no charges are filed. You could be charged with ID theft and theft.

Eric Schurman · Answer

You can be charged with 4 counts of felony theft.  You should hire an  attorney right away.

Timothy Klisz · Answer

Be charged with any number of crimes. The amount sounds like misdemeanor. You will certainly need an attorney to try and avoid jail and a criminal record.

Jared Altman · Answer

You may face at least Forgery and Identity Theft.

Jeff Yeh · Answer

You could face felony identity theft. That is, unless you are either smart about it or get a lawyer now. Most people, by themselves, end up making incriminating statements and eventually get charged.

Terry Nelson · Answer

Possible charges of burglary and theft[s].  You’ll learn the actual charge[s] filed against you when you appear for arraignment at your first court hearing if and when you are arrested.   What can you do?  Hire an attorney, unless you know how to effectively represent yourself in court against a professional prosecutor intending to convict.  A little free advice:  exercise the 5th Amendment right to SHUT UP and do NOT talk to anyone except an attorney about the case.  That includes on this or any other web site or public forum.  It also includes any communication or dealings with the employer, clients, etc.  Most police and prosecutors will happily tell you that 95% of people convict themselves by trying to be 'helpful and cooperative', either during initial contact, questioning, interview or interrogation.      If you haven’t yet been arrested, your attorney may be able to negotiate a civil compromise agreement with the clients and employer that will avoid you being prosecuted.

Gregory Casale · Answer

If you are caught, you could be charged with Larceny by Credit Card, Larceny Under $250 (for each use), Uttering, Forgery, etc. It is unlikely that you will be charged with all of these. Probably Larceny Under $250 and Larceny by Credit Card.

Eric M. Mark · Answer

If the client notices and reports to the police, you could be charged with several counts of theft and fraud. The police may want to speak with you. Do not speak with them until you have spoken with a lawyer. Your nursing license could also be in jeopardy. You would be wise to retain a lawyer immediately.

Cynthia Henley · Answer

You can be charged with a state jail felony credit card abuse in four jurisidictions. In addition, you may be able to be charged in the county in which the complainant lives with burglary of a habitation - a second degree felony - because you entered with the complainant's effective consent (because the consent was obtained by fraud.)

Joseph Dane · Answer

You're potentially facing felony forgery, identity theft, credit card fraud and burglary charges, just to name a few. Time for a lawyer.

Eric Rothstein · Answer

You can be charged with a felony.

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