When one thinks of theft crimes they may picture a bank robbery, car jacking or other violent interaction. Yet theft crimes can also include certain types of white collar crimes. For example, one type of white collar crime is credit card fraud.
Recently, a 24-year-old New York man has been charged with several counts of white collar crimes, including identity theft and possession of a forged instrument. The charges cam after police in Clarkstown, New York, were called to a shoe store, where the man allegedly attempted to buy gift certificates using a reportedly fraudulent credit card. According to police, the credit card number on the security strip did not correspond to the one on the front of the card itself. In addition, police accuse the man of having a forged driver’s license from another state. Police claim the man was in possession of 11 fraudulent credit cards. The man has been arraigned and his bail has been set at $15,000.
Prosecutors will go after those they believed have committed white collar crimes just as they will for those who commit violent crimes, drug crimes or engage in drunk driving. Credit card fraud is only one type of white collar crime. Identity theft, money laundering, corporate fraud and embezzlement are all examples of white collar crimes.
When one is accused of a white collar crime, it is important that they prepare a solid defense argument. In any criminal trial, the prosecution must prove that the defendant committed the crime beyond a reasonable doubt, which is a high standard to meet. If any reasonable doubt exists, for example, due to lack of sufficient evidence or the existence of a truthful alibi, the defendant cannot be convicted. In the end, it is important for a fair trial to be had, so that a person is not wrongfully convicted.
Source: New City Patch, Brooklyn Man Accused of Credit Card Fraud
