Chicago Criminal Lawyer Blog
Chicago is one of the largest financial and retail centers in the Midwest, with tens of thousands of daily transactions flowing through stores, restaurants, banks, and online platforms. With this constant movement of money, the city also sees a steady stream of credit card fraud allegations. Prosecutors in Cook County treat these cases aggressively because they believe they strike at the integrity of the financial system. Yet, not every accusation reflects criminal intent. Many cases involve misunderstandings, errors by banks, or mistaken identity.
Under Illinois law, credit card fraud is prosecuted through a combination of statutes, including 720 ILCS 5/17-31, 720 ILCS 5/17-32, and 720 ILCS 5/16-1. These laws cover conduct such as possessing a stolen card, using a counterfeit card, making unauthorized charges, or trafficking in account numbers. Whether the offense is charged as a misdemeanor or felony depends on the value of goods or services obtained and whether the individual has prior convictions. Using a card for purchases under $300 may fall into misdemeanor territory, but anything beyond that often becomes a felony carrying the potential for years in prison.
When cases begin, the police typically receive reports from cardholders, merchants, or banks. Detectives then conduct investigations that may last weeks, involving surveillance, subpoenaed bank records, and electronic data. Once an arrest is made, the accused is brought before a judge for a bond hearing, where conditions of release are determined. From there, the prosecution files formal charges, and the criminal case process begins.
