Identity Theft
Identity theft happens to many people on a daily basis in Florida and across the United States. Additionally, people are arrested and accused of identity theft every day. Just because identity theft is a relatively common crime does not mean that the criminal cases arising from this charge are simple. In fact, many identity theft cases involve an array of additional charges and significant evidence gathered by law enforcement. If you are accused of identity theft or related crimes, it is essential that you seek representation by an experienced Tampa identity theft attorney as soon as possible.
If assistance is needed during regular business hours, please call 813-672-1900. Or if there is an emergency and you need to call after hours, weekends and holidays please call telephone number: 813-551-3903 for assistance.
Identity Theft is a White Collar Crime
White collar crimes are offenses that are motivated by money and that do not involve physical force or violence. Many people think that these crimes are less severe than others because there is no physical force involved. However, prosecutors aggressively pursue white collar offenders because of the financial harm that can occur to unsuspecting victims. The law also allows for serious penalties that often depend on the method of theft and the amount of money that was misappropriated.
Identity theft is a particularly complex white collar crime charge because it can involve many different allegations including different types of fraud, intentions to do wrong, and theft. Some methods of identity theft that may be alleged include the following:
- Stealing someone’s wallet and using their credit cards or information;
- Obtaining someone’s personal information via fraudulent means and using it for various purposes;
- Using a deceased person’s information;
- Obtaining information through internet phishing scams;
- Forging signatures on checks, credit card receipts, applications, or other documents;
- Impersonating someone else.
Simply obtaining someone else’s personal information in an unlawful manner is enough to be charged with identity theft. However, charges can add up if you actually used their information fraudulently. Stolen information such as names, social security numbers and birth dates can be used for many unlawful reasons, including:
- Applying for credit;
- Bank withdrawals;
- Committing income tax fraud;
- Committing bankruptcy fraud
- Wrongfully obtaining government benefits;
- Healthcare fraud;
- Obtaining prescription medications;
- Evading an arrest warrant or otherwise avoiding arrest.
Many identity theft cases are so complicated because they involve the charge for the identity theft itself in addition to charges stemming from how the information was fraudulently used. In many cases, identity theft can be charged in federal court because information was used in violation of federal criminal laws. The potential penalties in identity theft cases can range from probation to many years in prison, depending on the circumstances of your case.
Contact a Tampa Identity Theft Defense Attorney to Discuss Your Case Today
A conviction for identity theft can result in extensive fines and time behind bars and can limit your professional options once you are released. At All Criminal Defense Group our Tampa identity theft attorneys know how to handle these complex cases while ensuring your rights are protected.
AFTER HOURS, please call 813-551-3903.
