Stealing a person’s information to commit fraud is a serious crime with very serious possible consequences. If you are facing this type of charge, you will need a good identity theft defense attorney to represent you in court.
If you have been accused of stealing someone else’s personal information, you will need to find a good identity theft defense attorney. This type of crime has received more media attention than most other criminal offenses in recent years. An unfortunate side effect of the increased use of the internet is that personal information is far too easy to access. This type of crime affects millions of Americans every year. It is defined as any crime in which a person wrongfully obtains and uses another person’s information to commit fraud. A person who commits this crime can most commonly obtain someone’s personal information through the internet or computer. The information obtained may include another person’s name, address, date of birth, social security number, bank account number, credit card number, or passwords for accessing bank accounts and credit cards. The victim of this crime could possibly have problems with his or her credit score, preventing the victim from qualifying for loans. Some people who steal this personal information do not consider the crime to be nearly as bad as some other criminal offenses. Some people think this type of illegal activity is victimless, but they do not realize the long-term effects that it can have on a person’s sense of financial security. Even though most major banks and credit unions now offer identity theft protection services, there are still instances in which the victim has no safeguard from this fraudulent activity. The crime may not be violent, but there is still a definite victim. One key aspect of a good identity theft defense is acknowledging the victim and the harmful effects that your actions have had.A good identity theft defense is necessary because the potential consequences are very serious. Since it is the fastest growing type of crime in America, identity theft prosecutors are seeking extreme sentences in almost every case. The FBI spends an estimated $15,000 in the investigation and prosecution of each identity theft case. The possible levels of the charges can vary by location. In some states all cases are classified as felonies. They may be either Class B or Class C felonies, depending on the value of the items you have obtained through fraudulent activity. Some states have misdemeanor classifications for these charges, for which the possible sentence is less serious. Sentences may range from one year of jail time to ten years in a state prison. Identity theft defense attorneys provide their legal expertise to protect your rights and ensure that you receive fair representation in court. Many of the top defense lawyers are actually former prosecutors with extensive knowledge of how these cases are handled on the other side. You may want to find an attorney as soon as possible after you have been charged. Many law offices offer free consultations, which allow you the opportunity to present your case. An early consultation will maximize the amount of time that the attorney you choose has to prepare for your day in court. There are several excellent criminal defense attorneys out there willing to provide a good identity theft defense for you, which can make a huge difference in the ultimate outcome of your case.
