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Charged with Credit Card Abuse in Houston?

Using a credit card that isn’t yours might seem like a small mistake, especially if it belongs to a parent or a close friend. You may have intended to pay them back, or perhaps you felt you had implied permission. The law, however, draws a very clear line. In Texas, using someone’s credit or debit card without their explicit consent is a serious crime with consequences that can include significant jail time and hefty fines. Victims may face massive debt and plummeting credit scores as a result of credit card abuse. In Houston (often called “H town”), the financial and emotional toll on victims of credit card abuse has reached crisis levels as of 2025.

If you are facing allegations of credit card or debit card abuse, the situation is more serious than you might realize. The prosecution will build a case to prove you acted with fraudulent intent, specifically targeting actions taken for the actor’s benefit—such as obtaining property, services, or financial gain through deception. You need a defense strategy that is just as strong. A Houston criminal defense attorney can help you understand the charges and protect your rights.

Texas Law: The Crime of Credit Card Abuse

The primary statute governing this offense is Section 32.31 of the Texas Penal Code, titled “Credit Card or Debit Card Abuse.” The term includes not only traditional credit cards and debit cards, but also any device that authorizes access to a financial account. The law makes it illegal to use or present a cardholder’s credit card or debit card with the intent to obtain a benefit if you know the card was not issued to you, you are not the designated person, and you do not have the cardholder’s effective consent.

Let’s break down the key elements the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt. Under Texas law, a person commits credit card or debit card abuse if:

Use or Presentation: This includes swiping a card at a store, entering the number online, or even just presenting the cardholder’s credit card to a cashier. The law specifically covers the use or presentation of a cardholder’s credit card, which is typically issued to a designated person.
Intent to Obtain a Benefit: The law targets actions taken for the actor’s benefit. The “benefit” can be anything of value—goods, services, cash advances, or any other financial gain.
Knowledge: You must have known the card was not yours. This is usually easy to prove, as the cardholder’s name is printed on the card. A debit card obtained without proper authorization is a key element of the offense.
Lack of Effective Consent: This is often the most critical element. “Effective consent” means permission given freely by a person legally authorized to act. Consent is not effective if it is induced by force, threat, or deception.

It is also an offense to use a card for which credit previously authorized has been revoked, canceled, or expired. If you use a card after receiving either notice—oral or written—from the issuer that the card has been revoked, canceled, or expired, you are presumed to have knowledge of its invalid status. Written notice sent by registered or certified mail or telegram is presumed to be received by the cardholder within five days. The issuer requires cardholders to comply with all terms and conditions, and violation of these requirements can be relevant to establishing knowledge or intent.

The Texas Penal Code classifies Credit Card or Debit Card Abuse under Title 7 “Offenses Against Property,” Chapter 32 “Fraud.” The statute of limitations for Credit Card or Debit Card Abuse in Texas is seven years.

A conviction for credit card abuse is a state jail felony. This carries a potential penalty of 180 days to two years in a state jail and a fine of up to $10,000.

Types of Credit Card Fraud

Credit card fraud across Houston and throughout the great state of Texas manifests in numerous formidable forms, each carrying devastating risks and severe legal consequences that can shatter lives and futures. Under the unforgiving Texas Penal Code, particularly the iron-clad Section 32.31, individuals face relentless prosecution when they engage in any deceptive or unauthorized activities involving credit cards, debit cards, or other devices authorizing access to customer accounts. Understanding these various types of fraud becomes absolutely critical in your fight to protect your personal property and avoid actions that could result in devastating state jail felony charges or even more catastrophic criminal consequences.

Theft of a Credit or Debit Card
The brazen act of stealing someone else’s card—whether ruthlessly snatched from a wallet, intercepted from a mailbox, or pilfered from an unattended bag—represents a classic and devastating example of credit card abuse. Texas law strikes with unrelenting force, making it a state jail felony to take any cardholder’s credit or debit card with the intent to use, sell, or transfer it to anyone other than the rightful issuer or the person whose name appears on the card. Even if you never actually use the stolen card, simply possessing it without effective consent can unleash a torrent of criminal charges that will pursue you relentlessly.
Fictitious Credit or Debit Cards
Creating or deploying fictitious credit cards, debit cards, or fabricated numbers and descriptions to fraudulently obtain property, services, or cash represents a serious criminal offense that prosecutors pursue with aggressive determination. A fictitious card stands as one that was never legitimately issued by any financial institution or authorized issuer. Using a ‘pretended number’ or description of a card to obtain goods or services is a form of fraud under Texas law. Using fake cards or numbers to benefit fraudulently constitutes a clear and devastating violation of Texas law that carries severe consequences.
Expired or Revoked Cards
Attempting to use an expired credit or debit card—one bearing an expiration date that has already passed—or a card that has been revoked by the issuer represents another form of debit card abuse that authorities pursue with relentless vigor. An ‘expired debit card’ or ‘credit card bearing’ an expiration date that has passed is considered invalid, and a ‘debit card bearing’ such information is also covered by the law. If you attempt to obtain property or services with a card that no longer holds validity, you face potential felony charges that can destroy your future, even if the card once belonged to you legitimately.
Incomplete Credit Cards
Possessing two or more incomplete credit or debit cards not issued to you, combined with the intent to complete them without the issuer’s effective consent, represents another formidable form of fraud that prosecutors target aggressively. An incomplete card lacks required information such as the cardholder’s name or account number, rendering it unusable in its current state. Texas law treats possession of these cards as powerful evidence of intent to commit fraud, and authorities will pursue these cases with unwavering determination. In addition to incomplete cards, possession of any ‘other device’ or ‘device authorizing’ access to funds can also be used to commit fraud.
Credit Card Skimming
Skimming involves deploying sophisticated devices to capture critical information from magnetic stripes, often targeting unmanned teller machines, gas pumps, or customer convenience terminals throughout Houston and beyond. Skimming devices are often placed on ‘unmanned teller machines’ and ‘customer convenience terminals’ to capture card data and access the ‘customer’s account.’ City government and financial institutions have launched aggressive campaigns to combat this type of theft, yet it remains a prevalent method for criminals to obtain card data and gain unauthorized access to customer accounts without involving personnel or leaving traditional traces.
Cardholder Impersonation
Impersonating the rightful person named on a credit or debit card to fraudulently obtain goods, services, or other benefits represents a devastating form of identity theft that prosecutors pursue with uncompromising intensity. This includes using someone else’s identification card or personal information to make unauthorized purchases that can financially devastate victims. Under Texas law, individuals commit serious offenses when they use cards without the cardholder’s effective consent, particularly when they intend to benefit fraudulently from their criminal actions.
Unauthorized Use by Family or Friends
Even when cards are not stolen through traditional means, using credit or debit cards without the cardholder’s explicit permission—such as appropriating a family member’s or roommate’s card—can result in devastating criminal charges that destroy relationships and futures. If you use someone’s card to obtain property or services for your personal benefit when the cardholder faces financial inability to pay, you may face serious debit card abuse charges under the unforgiving Texas Penal Code.
Application Fraud
Providing false information to fraudulently obtain credit cards, debit cards, or other devices authorizing access to funds represents application fraud—a serious offense that authorities pursue with aggressive determination. This includes deliberately misrepresenting your income, employment status, or identity to unsuspecting financial institutions. Texas law considers the unauthorized use of credit card numbers or descriptions, even without physical card presence, as integral components of this devastating crime.
Intercepting or Redirecting Cards
Intercepting cards sent through registered or certified mail, or maliciously redirecting them to addresses other than those designated for the rightful person, represents another formidable form of credit card fraud that carries severe penalties. Issuers require that cards be delivered exclusively to addresses on file, and tampering with this critical process—such as requesting delivery to different addresses or failing to provide required return receipts—can unleash devastating felony charges that will pursue you relentlessly. Fraudulent ‘delivery requested’ for cards or goods is often part of these schemes and can result in additional criminal liability.
Benefit Fraud
Using credit or debit cards to unlawfully obtain benefits, including redeeming rewards, insurance payouts, or other services not previously authorized, represents a serious crime that prosecutors target with unwavering determination. If you receive benefits known to have been obtained through violations of Texas law, you may face devastating liability for benefits fraudulently received, with consequences that can haunt you for years to come. It is also illegal to ‘furnish goods’ or services using a card obtained or used in violation of the law.

Credit card fraud extends far beyond high-tech schemes or organized crime rings—it encompasses petty theft, grand theft, and seemingly minor actions like using expired debit cards that can result in life-altering consequences. The penalties under Texas law strike with devastating force, and convictions carry lasting consequences that can destroy your future prospects and reputation. Whether you are a cardholder, merchant, or simply someone fighting to protect your personal property, understanding these various types of fraud becomes absolutely essential in your battle against financial crime. Stay vigilant with unwavering determination, safeguard your information with relentless attention to detail, and seek aggressive legal representation immediately if you face accusations of any offense involving credit cards bearing your name or anyone else’s—your freedom and future depend on it.

Unauthorized use often begins with small ‘test’ charges that may go unnoticed. Common signs of credit card abuse include unexpected charges, missing statements, declined transactions, and alerts from your bank about suspicious activity.

When Penalties Escalate

The consequences become even more severe under certain circumstances. If the person whose card was used is an elderly individual (defined as someone 65 years of age or older), the charge is elevated to a third-degree felony. Texas law provides enhanced protections for its elderly citizens against financial exploitation.

A third-degree felony conviction carries a prison sentence of two to ten years and a maximum fine of $10,000. This stark increase in punishment shows how seriously the state takes offenses against its most vulnerable populations.

The Link Between Addiction and Financial Crimes

Substance abuse and addiction often create desperate situations. When an individual is struggling with a dependency on drugs or alcohol, their judgment becomes impaired, and they may act in ways they never would have otherwise. This can include stealing from those closest to them, such as family members and friends, to support their habit.

The holidays can be a particularly difficult time. Increased stress, financial pressure, and family gatherings can be triggers for those battling addiction. In these moments of high emotional distress, a person might take a relative’s credit card from a purse or wallet, intending to buy drugs or alcohol. They may even rationalize their actions, telling themselves they will pay the money back.

Unfortunately, the legal system does not typically view addiction as an excuse for criminal behavior. While a judge might consider it a mitigating factor during sentencing, it is not a legal defense against the charge itself. The prosecution’s focus will remain on whether you knowingly used the card without consent to obtain a benefit.

If addiction played a role in your alleged offense, it is vital to address it head-on. A defense attorney can help frame this context for the court and advocate for treatment-oriented solutions, such as diversion programs or probation with mandatory counseling, as an alternative to incarceration.

Building a Defense Against Credit Card Fraud Charges

An accusation is not a conviction. A skilled criminal defense attorney can scrutinize the state’s case and identify weaknesses. Every element of the crime must be proven, and there are several avenues for a strong defense. Effective fraud prevention often requires organizations to involve personnel in monitoring and verifying transactions, as trained staff can detect suspicious activity and handle disputes that automated systems may miss.

The legal system often faces challenges in prosecuting credit card abuse cases due to the complexity of financial fraud. Additionally, victims of credit card abuse frequently bear significant legal and practical burdens, spending considerable time and resources resolving fraudulent charges with banks and credit bureaus.

Challenging the Element of Consent

The most common defense revolves around permission. Did the cardholder give you consent to use the card?

Express Consent: This is direct permission, whether written (like a text message) or verbal. For example, if your mother told you, “You can use my card to buy groceries,” you had express consent.
Implied Consent: This is more complex. It’s based on past behavior and the nature of your relationship. If you had regularly used the card in the past for similar purchases with the owner’s knowledge and without objection, your attorney could argue you had a reasonable belief that you had implied consent.

The prosecution’s case often hinges on the cardholder’s testimony. If they deny giving you permission, it becomes your word against theirs. An attorney can challenge their credibility and look for inconsistencies in their story.

Questioning Intent and Knowledge

The state must also prove you acted with fraudulent intent. Perhaps you used the card by mistake, grabbing the wrong one from your wallet. While this can be a difficult argument to win, especially if the names on the cards are different, it may be a viable defense if the circumstances support an honest error.

Furthermore, the prosecution must show you knew you were using the card without permission. If you genuinely believed you had consent, you may lack the necessary criminal intent for a conviction.

Statute of Limitations for Credit Card Abuse in Texas

Understanding the statute of limitations for credit card abuse in Texas isn’t just crucial—it’s your frontline defense against devastating allegations that could shatter your future. Under the formidable framework of the Texas Penal Code, prosecutors wield a powerful seven-year window from the date of the alleged offense to bring charges for credit card abuse, debit card abuse, or related fraud. This extended timeframe reflects not only the serious nature of these crimes but also the complex investigative battles often waged in cases involving fictitious credit cards, incomplete card possession, or the unlawful taking of debit cards to obtain property or services.

The statute of limitations clock begins its relentless countdown from the very moment the alleged abuse occurs—whether that’s the use of an expired credit card, the possession of a debit card obtained without effective consent, or any attempt to benefit fraudulently from a customer’s account. In cases involving incomplete credit cards or fictitious cards, this legal timeline springs into action when prosecutors can establish that the defendant intended to complete or use the card without the issuer’s authorization—a determination that requires masterful legal strategy and unwavering attention to detail.

Texas law demands strict adherence to specific procedures for notifying cardholders of potential abuse, creating both opportunities and pitfalls in every case. Written notice must be dispatched by registered or certified mail, with return receipt requested, to the address shown on the issuer’s records. The law presumes that the cardholder receives notice within five days of mailing—a critical presumption that can make or break both prosecution and defense strategies in establishing timelines and intent. This process ensures that both the cardholder and the accused are fully aware of the alleged offense, setting the stage for a comprehensive legal response.

The severity of charges can escalate dramatically depending on the circumstances, transforming what might seem like a manageable situation into a legal nightmare. When the offense targets an elderly individual or involves a cardholder who is financially unable to pay for the property or services obtained, the crime may surge from a state jail felony to a third-degree felony, carrying devastating penalties that can destroy lives and futures. The Texas Penal Code treats credit card abuse, debit card abuse, and related theft—whether petty theft or grand theft—as serious violations that demand aggressive, strategic defense.

It’s essential to recognize that theft involving credit cards or debit cards can manifest through numerous avenues, including sophisticated schemes involving unmanned teller machines or customer convenience terminals. The unlawful taking of a card, even without immediate use, can trigger the statute of limitations and expose the accused to life-altering legal consequences that require immediate, expert intervention.

City government and state law enforcement agencies across Texas operate with relentless vigilance in investigating and prosecuting these offenses, deploying significant resources to prevent fraud and protect consumers. When you receive written notice of alleged credit card abuse or find yourself under investigation, time becomes your most precious commodity. Consulting with a seasoned attorney who possesses deep mastery of Texas law and the Penal Code isn’t just advisable—it’s your lifeline to mounting a formidable defense that can preserve your freedom and future.

By arming yourself with comprehensive knowledge about the statute of limitations and the intricate legal requirements for notice and prosecution, you can build an impenetrable shield against the devastating impact of credit card abuse allegations. Whether you’re facing accusations of using a debit card bearing someone else’s name, benefiting fraudulently from a fictitious card, or confronting charges related to the unlawful taking of personal property, understanding your rights under Texas law becomes the cornerstone of a powerful defense strategy that can save everything you’ve worked to build.

Why You Need an Experienced Attorney

Credit card fraud cases are complex and carry life-altering penalties. The state has significant resources to prosecute these offenses, and you should not face them alone. An experienced attorney will thoroughly investigate your case, analyze the evidence, and advise you on the best path forward. This may involve negotiating with prosecutors for a reduced charge, seeking a dismissal, or preparing a powerful defense for trial.

Time is of the essence. The sooner you involve a legal professional, the more time they have to build your defense and protect your future.

If you have been charged with credit card abuse in Houston, contact the Law Offices of Tad Nelson & Associates today. We will review the details of your case in a confidential consultation and explain your legal options. Call us or send a message online to schedule your meeting.