Two charged with using seven allegedly stolen credit cards

White collar crimes are offenses that typically deal with financial transactions, computer crimes, embezzlement, money laundering and counterfeiting. One of the most common types of white collar crime is identity theft. Being charged and subsequently convicted of any of these offenses can have dire consequences for an accused individual. The recent arrest of two Spartanburg individuals serves as an example of the dangers these charges pose and why they must be fought.

In Spartanburg, a man and a woman have been arrested for allegedly using seven stolen credit cards to make 35 unauthorized transactions at a local Best Buy, totaling more than $78,000. The two have since been charged with seven counts of financial transaction card theft and seven counts of obtaining goods under false pretenses.

Conviction for financial transaction card theft is a felony and carries a fine of not less than $3,000 and not more than $5,000, or imprisonment for no longer than five years, or both. Multiply these penalties seven times, and these individuals are facing life-shattering repercussions. And this is without taking the seven counts of obtaining goods under false pretenses into consideration, which also carry stiff penalties.

When one faces criminal charges for a white collar crime, it is imperative that the individual finds a competent attorney to fight the allegations. An experienced attorney will draw several critical facts into question, requiring the prosecution to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt before a conviction occurs.

Even if guilt is proven, a defense attorney can bring to light mitigating circumstances and negotiate for lesser charges and a reduced sentence. Vigorously fighting these charges ensures that harsh penalties are not forced upon undeserving individuals. This is the way the law is supposed to work, and a proper defense attorney will ensure that it lives up to the standard of fairness.

Source: GoUpstate.com, "2 accused of making more than $78K in unauthorized transactions at Best Buy in Spartanburg," Jenny Arnold, Dec. 19, 2012