My question involves criminal law for the state of: Pennsylvania
I have a question about something that happened to me and I don't really know what to do. I have never been in trouble before with the cops. I was charged with credit card fraud and receiving stolen property, but I have done nothing wrong.
I was at a bar a couple nights ago and I ordered a $3 pitcher of beer. There was a debit card sitting on the bar by itself so i picked it up planning on giving it to the bartender so it wasnt lost. No beer was poured and I handed it to him. He then asked for my ID. When I gave him my ID i told him that I was not trying to use it to pay, but I was just giving it to him because I found it on the bar. I was then told to wait there while the cops came. They told me I was going to be getting paperwork in the mail with my charges. I received them in the mail recently and I am charged with credit card fraud and receiving stolen property.
The statements that were given by the bartender were skewed alittle and make it look like I had intent to use it to pay for my drink. What is the process from here. I have a preliminery hearing coming up, but i need to get fingerprinted and go to booking before. This is what I am told. That kind of scares me. To me it sounds like I am already proven guilty.
If I am convicted of these charges what is the worst that could happen to me. I am very upset because I have never been in trouble and I did nothing wrong. I was just trying to help out. It was only $3 and i would have gladly paid that and actually did after the fact.
I have already called a lawyer and have a meeting with him, but I cant wait that long for answers as I am very scared because Im scared to get charged for something I didnt even do.
Thank you

