“Identity theft” is a relatively broad term that can apply to many types of offenses. The term applies to any situation in which one party obtains the identifying information of another party without the other party’s consent. If they use this information in any way for personal gain, these actions are likely to increase their penalties if convicted. The three most commonly perpetrated forms of identity theft in the United States are:
Any of these offenses can entail severe penalties. Typically, an individual convicted of identity theft will be responsible for repaying the victim for the total value of funds and assets misappropriated plus penalty assessments, fines, and jail time. Therefore, if you are arrested and charged with committing any type of identity theft, it is vital to know your rights and the value of reliable defense counsel as your case unfolds.
If you are accused of any criminal activity involving identity theft, it is crucial to obtain reliable defense representation as soon as possible. The faster you secure defense counsel, the better your chances of forming a credible defense and avoiding conviction. There really is no good reason to wait to secure an attorney after you are arrested for identity theft charges. A good San Diego identity theft attorney can help their client form several potential defenses:
The attorneys at Zentz & Zentz will work closely with you to help you determine the best approach to defending yourself against identity theft charges.
If you commit any action for personal gain that requires using another person’s identifying information without their consent, such actions qualify as identity theft. A few of the most commonly reported forms of identity theft that can occur in California and throughout the United States include:
Any of these actions can lead to significant criminal penalties, and the extent of the activity typically informs the defendant’s sentencing. If the defendant committed any other criminal offenses in their identity theft, it is very likely they will face penalties that exceed federal minimum sentencing standards.