Paramus NJ Credit Card Fraud Case Dismissed

NJ Criminal Defense Lawyers

* Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances. *

Ms. Hascup’s client, a taxi driver from New York City, was arrested and charged with Fraudulent Use of a Credit Card following an alleged incident at a store on Route 17 in Paramus. Although he faced up to 5 years in New Jersey State Prison if convicted on the Third Degree offense, he was most concerned about the immigration consequences associated with a conviction, since he was applying for United States citizenship. He knew that any “fraud” conviction would almost certainly result in his being deported.

Initially, the case was downgraded by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office and remanded back to the Paramus Municipal Court for handling – often times a sign that there are proof (i.e., evidentiary) issues associated with the charge(s).

After reviewing the discovery documents, it was clear that the evidence was lacking. When the matter was listed for trial, the State could not produce so much as a single witness from the store where the alleged incident took place. Accordingly, Alissa Hascup moved for a dismissal of all charges. The motion was granted.

It was a great result. The client is now actively pursuing his citizenship application.