Buying an item on credit and then selling or disposing of it prior to paying for it can lead to criminal charges in Denver and throughout Colorado. If there’s an intent to defraud the seller or vendor in these situations, allegations of fraud can follow. Charged as purchase on credit to defraud, defendants in these cases face time in county jail and fines. Whether the items were purchased online or in a store, an accusation of purchasing on credit to defraud requires skilled representation. Contacting a Denver fraud lawyer early on has many benefits and often leads to a more favorable outcome, or some cases, even a dismissal.
What is Purchase on Credit to Defraud in Colorado?
Colorado’s purchase on credit to defraud law prohibits specific actions meant to defraud a seller or vendor. CRS 18-5-207 defines this fraud offense throughout Denver, Aurora, and Lakewood. Law enforcement will pursue charges if they believe you:
- purchased personal property on credit and afterwards (before paying for it),
- sold, hypothecated, pledged, or disposed of it,
- intending to defraud the seller or vendor
Selling something you’ve purchased on credit before paying for it isn’t enough to meet the requirements for this specific charge. There must have been an intent to defraud the company or individual you purchased the item(s) from.
How Serious is a Purchase on Credit to Defraud Charge?
Each fraud case in Colorado is different. Penalties for a conviction are unique to the specific circumstances. As a class 2 misdemeanor, purchase on credit to defraud can lead to:
- a county jail sentence of 3 – 12 months,
- a max fine of $1K
Online purchasing and payment activity can become risky if someone tries to make a profit from purchasing goods and then selling them prior to finalized payment. The intent to defraud in these cases often includes a theft offense or deceitful gain of money or benefit.
Denver’s Top Fraud Lawyer
If you or someone you know has been contacted by police about a fraud crime, exercising your right to remain silent is critical. Next, get in contact with Denver’s top fraud lawyer to confidentially discuss your unique case. Remember, just because a charge is mounting against you doesn’t mean you’re guilty. Perhaps your case includes mistaken identity, there was no intent to defraud a seller, or the item(s) was in fact paid for before it was sold. Nevertheless, contact our office for a free consultation. Our experienced criminal defense attorneys will carefully evaluate your case, answer your questions, and outline next steps in your defense. With affordable fees and flexible payment plans, Sawyer Legal Group is here to help the accused throughout Denver, Aurora, Lakewood, Thornton, Centennial, Littleton, Arvada, Broomfield, and Westminster.
Talk to us about purchase on credit to defraud – not the police. 303-731-0719
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