Connecticut Credit Card Fraud & Financial Crimes Defense

Stamford White-Collar Crime Attorney – Protecting Your Rights, Your Reputation, and Your Future for Over 30 Years

Being accused of a financial crime like credit card fraud, identity theft, embezzlement, or check fraud can turn your life upside down. These allegations don’t just threaten your freedom — they attack your good name, career, and livelihood. Many of our clients are hardworking professionals, parents, or students who suddenly find themselves facing charges they never imagined.

You may be feeling overwhelmed, embarrassed, and unsure of what to do next. You might be terrified about jail time, worried about how this will impact your job or family, or confused about what the charges even mean. You are not alone — and your situation is not hopeless.

At the Law Offices of Allan F. Friedman, we have spent more than 30 years defending people just like you throughout Connecticut. We understand how stressful these cases are, and we know that one mistake or misunderstanding shouldn’t define your entire life. Our job is to fight for your rights, protect your reputation, and guide you through this process with skill, discretion, and compassion.

Understanding Financial Crimes in Connecticut

Financial crimes, sometimes called “white-collar crimes,” involve allegations of theft or deception for financial gain. These cases often rely on complicated paper trails, digital evidence, and circumstantial proof. Common financial crimes we defend include:

Credit Card Fraud (C.G.S. § 53a-128d)

Using, possessing, or trafficking in a stolen, forged, or revoked credit/debit card, or using someone else’s card without permission. Even attempting to use such a card can lead to arrest.

Identity Theft (C.G.S. § 53a-129a et seq.)

Taking or using another person’s personal identifying information — like Social Security numbers, bank accounts, or login credentials — to obtain money, goods, or services. Penalties escalate quickly:

• First Degree (Class B Felony): Losses over $10,000 or multiple victims.
• Second Degree (Class C Felony): Losses over $5,000.
• Third Degree (Class D Felony): Lower-level cases.

Check Fraud & Forgery (C.G.S. §§ 53a-128, 53a-138–140)

Writing checks on closed accounts, intentionally “bouncing” checks, or forging signatures. These charges can lead to larceny and forgery counts.

Embezzlement (C.G.S. § 53a-119 – Larceny by Embezzlement)

Taking funds entrusted to you by an employer or organization. Even minor workplace discrepancies can spiral into serious allegations if not handled properly.

Wire & Mail Fraud (18 U.S.C. §§ 1341, 1343)

Using electronic communications or the mail to further a scheme. These are federal crimes, with potentially devastating penalties.

Insurance Fraud (C.G.S. § 53a-215)

Presenting false statements to obtain insurance benefits. Prosecutors view these cases harshly.

Many of our clients come to us saying, “I never thought this could happen to me.” Some are falsely accused. Others made a mistake and now face life-altering consequences. Whatever your circumstances, there are always options.

Penalties and What’s at Stake

The consequences of a financial crime conviction go beyond fines and jail time:

• Criminal Penalties:
  • Misdemeanor (under $500): Up to 1 year in jail, $2,000 in fines.
  • Class D Felony ($500–$2,000): Up to 5 years in prison, $5,000 fine.
  • Class C Felony ($2,000–$10,000): Up to 10 years, $10,000 fine.
  • Class B Felony (over $10,000 or aggravated identity theft): Up to 20 years, $15,000 fine.
• Federal Exposure: Wire/mail fraud can mean 20+ years in federal prison, enormous fines, and forfeiture of assets.
• Restitution: Courts almost always order repayment of alleged losses.
• Collateral Consequences: A conviction can destroy your career, ruin credit, revoke professional licenses, and even affect immigration status.

This is why early, aggressive defense is critical. We fight not only to avoid jail but to protect everything else you’ve worked so hard for.

Defenses – How We Fight for You

Every case is different. We listen to your story, investigate thoroughly, and craft a defense strategy tailored to your needs. Common approaches include:

Challenging Intent

Most financial crimes require proof of intent to defraud. Many cases involve honest mistakes, miscommunication, or incomplete evidence. We work with accountants, digital experts, and investigators to show the absence of criminal intent.

Exposing Mistaken Identity

Credit card and identity theft often involve stolen personal data used by someone else. Surveillance footage, IP address tracing, and alibis can clear your name.

Suppressing Unlawful Evidence

If police obtained evidence through an illegal search, seizure, or interrogation, we fight to exclude it — sometimes leading to full dismissal.

Negotiating Discreet Resolutions

For eligible first-time offenders, Connecticut offers the Accelerated Rehabilitation (AR) Program, which can result in:

• Dismissal of charges
• No criminal record
  We’ve successfully placed many clients into AR or other diversionary programs, allowing them to move forward without permanent damage.

Mitigating Consequences

Even when evidence is strong, we negotiate restitution agreements, reduced charges, or plea deals that minimize penalties, avoid incarceration, and protect your reputation.

Why Experience and Early Intervention Matter

When your freedom and future are on the line, experience counts. With over 30 years defending financial crime cases, Attorney Allan F. Friedman knows how to navigate complex investigations and high-stakes prosecutions.

• We act immediately: Contacting investigators, preventing damaging statements, and sometimes stopping charges before they’re filed.
• We understand the system: Having handled thousands of cases, we know what persuades prosecutors and judges in Connecticut courts.
• We protect your name: We handle cases with discretion to limit exposure and embarrassment.
• We are trial-ready: While many cases resolve outside of court, we prepare every case as if it will go to trial — a strategy that often leads to better outcomes.

FAQs – What Clients Ask Us MostTake Control of Your Future – Call Today

You may feel like your world is collapsing, but you have rights, options, and a chance to fight back. The decisions you make right now can change everything.

Call Allan F. Friedman, Connecticut Criminal Lawyer, at (203) 357-5555 for a free, confidential consultation. We will listen to your story, explain your options, and begin building your defense immediately.

We are available 24/7 because we know problems don’t wait for business hours. Let us put our 30+ years of experience to work for you.

Your freedom, reputation, and future are worth defending. Contact us today.

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