Caught With a Card Skimmer in Oklahoma? Understand the Charges
Being caught with a card skimmer in Oklahoma is a serious matter. A card skimmer is a device designed to illegally capture information from credit or debit cards. Oklahoma law defines key terms such as cardholder, skimmer, credit card, and debit card to clarify what these devices target and who is protected under the law. Possession or use of such devices can lead to criminal charges, and understanding these charges is important for anyone facing this situation.
Under Oklahoma law, using a scanning or skimming device on credit or debit cards, or using a reencoder to alter card data, is prohibited. Simply possessing a skimming device with the intent to use it or distribute it is also illegal. Okla. Stat. tit. 21 § 1550.39. These offenses are taken very seriously because they involve theft of personal financial information and potential financial harm to victims.
The charges often involve several elements that must be proven in court. For example, the prosecution must show that the device was used or possessed with the intent to steal or encode card information unlawfully. Additionally, the person charged must be shown to have had knowledge of the device and its purpose. jury instruction.
Penalties for these offenses can vary depending on the specific facts of the case, such as whether the skimmer was used in connection with other crimes or if there was an actual theft of funds. The law outlines various penalties that can include fines and jail time, reflecting the seriousness of tampering with financial information. Okla. Stat. tit. 21 § 1550.33.
Those charged may also face related accusations, such as possession of another person’s credit or debit card without permission. This can carry its own set of legal consequences and requires proof that the cardholder’s rights were violated. jury instruction.
If someone is caught with a card skimmer in Oklahoma, it is crucial to seek experienced legal advice. A knowledgeable criminal defense attorney can explain the charges, possible defenses, and the best steps forward in court. The right Oklahoma City attorney will understand the complexities of these laws and help protect your rights.
If you need legal help, call Wirth Law Office – Oklahoma City at (405) 888-5400.
