How are identity theft crime charges handled in Michigan?

Since March 2005, most Michigan identity theft cases have fallen under the statutes created by the Act 452 of the 2004 Michigan State Legislature, otherwise known as the Identity Theft Protection Act of the state of Michigan. Codified as Sections 445.61 through Sections 445.77 of the Michigan Compiled Laws, these statutes essential prohibit a large number of offenses involving the use of another individual’s identity with or without permission. These laws cover crimes involving use of identity theft to obtain goods and services, use of identity theft in further identity theft or fraud, sale or attempted sale of identities, and the simple act of stealing identity information as well. The Office of the Attorney General, alongside local and state law enforcement, handles virtually all identity theft cases occurring within the state of Michigan.

Michigan has a relatively complex process of defining whether a given case involving identity theft incurs felony or misdemeanor charges. However, the penalties associated with any case are as follows:

• If charged with felony identity theft in Michigan, offenders face incarceration of not more than five (5) years upon conviction, with the potential of fines of not more than $25,000.

• If charged with a misdemeanor identify theft crime in Michigan, offenders face incarceration of not more than thirty (30) days upon conviction for a single count, with the potential for fines being levied at not more than $1,000 in amount.

How a given individual identify theft case may proceed, however, will ultimately be determined by the case-specific nature of each case, in light of any applicable Michigan criminal laws. For a defendant, having legal counsel involving in a pending identity theft criminal case from the outset is essential toward obtaining any form of favorable outcome. For more information and insight, consult with a Michigan identity theft lawyer today.