According the U.S. Justice Department, identity theft occurs when “someone wrongfully obtains and uses another person's personal data in some way that involves fraud or deception, typically for economic gain.” With more people going online to pay bill and purchase items, hackers are finding it easier to get personal information. But even before the Internet, identity thieves were stealing information by diving through dumpsters for old bills and stealing purses with vital personal information. An identity theft conviction can result in jail or prison time, depending on whether or not the crime is a felony or misdemeanor. Here’s a quick look at the laws in some states. In Florida, identity theft is a felony punishable by up to five years in prison. Virginia has two classes of identity theft. On the first office, it is a misdemeanor punishable by 12 months in prison and up to a $2,500 fine if the theft was less than $200. If the theft was more than $200, it is a felony punishable by one to five years in prison. A first conviction for identity theft in Illinois is punishable by one year in jail and is a misdemeanor. A second offense is a Class 4 felony and with penalties of up to $25,000 in fines and up to one to three years in prison.