Identity Theft Law

When someone uses another person’s personally identifiable information without his or her permission an identity theft has occurred.  The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) estimates that approximately 9 million Americans are victims of identity theft every year. 

Identity thieves who steal personal information such as social security numbers or credit card numbers may use the information to make purchases in another person’s name or otherwise impersonate someone.  This can negatively affect the victim’s credit rating.  It can prevent the victim from qualifying for a mortgage or education loan.  It can even lead to the victim’s arrest for crimes which the victim did not commit with a charge of theft by false pretext.

Identity Theft Penalties

Those who are convicted of using someone else’s personal information without permission should be prepared for the following potential penalties:

• Jail time;
• Fines; and
• Forfeiture of personal property used or intended to be used to commit the crime.

Identity Theft Sentencing

Identity theft penalties depend, in part, on the severity of the crime, whether the defendant is a first time offender and whether the defendant is being sentenced pursuant to federal or state law.  Judges will also consider whether the identity theft was part of an organized scheme and whether the defendant violated any other laws such as credit card fraud, financial institution fraud or mail fraud.  All of these factors are important and will help determine whether a defendant is charged with a misdemeanor or a felony.

An identity theft lawyer can help a defendant develop a defense strategy early in the case and may be able to reduce the charges against defendant or the sentence imposed on the defendant.

Can a Lawyer Help with Identity Theft?

A professional criminal defense attorney who has experience defending those accused of Identity Theft is very important to the outcome of your case.  An identity theft attorney understands the serious charges and potential penalties faced by identity theft defendants and may be able to help an identity theft defendant receive a lesser sentence then he or she otherwise would have received.

An identity theft conviction can irrevocably change your life.  It is important that you, together with your identity theft defense attorney, strongly and actively defend the case presented against you.

• If you are a victim or have been charged with Identity Theft, Submit Your Case for a Free Review from a skilled Criminal Defense Attorney.