An identity theft charge can feel like the end of the world. As you deal with the aftermath of your charge, request legal help. Hire a Beverly Hills identity theft lawyer to evaluate your legal options in depth.
Simmrin Law Group has helped thousands of clients and handled more than 100 jury trials. Our criminal defense lawyers serving Beverly Hills can examine your case. Contact us to get started.
Definition of Identity Theft
Identity theft refers to any activity in which an individual uses another’s personal information without authorization. For example, if a person takes someone’s credit card and makes purchases with it, they could be charged with identity theft. This individual can receive criminal charges based on their actions.
An identity thief can steal an individual’s Social Security number, driver’s license information, or other personal information. When they do, they can set up bank accounts, submit tax returns, and finalize other fraudulent transactions. It can take a long time for a person to realize they are the victim of identity theft and recover from this crime.
Following an identity theft charge, partner with the team at Simmrin Law Group. We can connect you with a Beverly Hills identity theft attorney who can contest your charge. Get in touch with our white collar crime lawyers serving Beverly Hills.
For a free legal consultation with an identity theft lawyer serving Beverly Hills, call (310) 896-2723
What Does Identity Theft Look Like?
Identity theft is not one-size-fits-all. A federal crimes lawyer serving Beverly Hills can provide insights into the different types of identity theft. Reasons why people are charged with identity theft include:
Social Security Number Identity Theft
If someone has another’s Social Security number, they can impersonate a victim, set up new credit card accounts in the victim’s name, and commit other malicious acts. These can damage the victim’s credit. In addition, they can cause the victim to incur debts.
Medical Identity Theft
A thief has a victim’s health insurance card or policy information and uses it to get medical services. The costs of these services can be significant. Since the thief stole their identity, the victim can be on the hook for these expenses.
Credit Card Identity Theft
Sometimes, a thief uses stolen credit card information to buy products and services. The thief completes these transactions, and the victim is completely unaware. The victim may find out after they see unauthorized transactions on their credit card statement and have to deal with the consequences of the thief’s actions.
Synthetic Identity Theft
With synthetic ID theft, an individual uses real and fake information about a person to establish a new identity for them. Next, they can create new credit card accounts and make fraudulent charges. They can also apply for loans using their synthetic ID.
An identity theft lawyer serving Beverly Hills understands the ramifications of a criminal conviction. To protect you against this worst-case scenario, your attorney prepares a compelling argument. They work diligently to gather evidence, helping you prove you do not deserve to be punished.
Beverly Hills Identity Theft Lawyer Near Me (310) 896-2723
Beverly Hills Identity Theft Penalties
You can be punished for identity theft in alignment with California 530.5 PC. How you are punished depends on your crime’s severity. Since identity theft is classified as a “wobbler,” you could be convicted of a misdemeanor or felony.
If convicted of a misdemeanor, you can receive a fine of up to $1,000 and a jail sentence of up to one year. You can be subject to summary probation as well. If so, you can be ordered to complete court-ordered tasks as an alternative to spending time in jail.
Penalties are more serious if you are convicted of a felony. With a felony conviction, you can receive a jail sentence of up to three years and a fine of up to $10,000. Along with these, you can get formal probation, which can require you to complete community service and comply with other court-ordered conditions.
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How to Dispute an Identity Theft Charge
An identity theft attorney serving Beverly Hills knows the challenges that come with disproving a criminal charge. Your lawyer looks for ways to help you avoid a conviction. We will evaluate many legal defenses, such as:
False Accusation
Your lawyer can provide evidence to show you were falsely accused of identity theft. Meanwhile, they can poke holes in the prosecution’s argument. If your attorney is successful, it can be difficult for the prosecution to prove that you should be convicted.
No Intent to Commit Fraud
You may have accessed someone’s personal information by mistake. Or, you may have believed you had an individual’s consent to use their personal information. In these scenarios and similar ones, your lawyer can argue that you did not intend to commit a crime.
Violation of Your Constitutional Rights
Per the Fourth Amendment of the Constitution, it is against the law to search and seize someone’s property without their consent. If police officers collect evidence they plan to use in your identity theft case but never had your permission to do so, they are breaking the law. As such, this evidence cannot be used against you, which can damage the prosecution’s argument.
In an identity theft case, your lawyer can negotiate a plea deal. With a plea agreement, you can accept a lesser charge than the one that was initially proposed. This may help you stay out of jail.
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Our Beverly Hills Identity Theft Lawyers Provide the Legal Representation You Deserve
Going through the legal process that follows an identity theft charge can be daunting. If you make a mistake during this process, you can be convicted. When this happens, your conviction can impact you for the rest of your life.
Simmrin Law Group understands the problems you will face during your litigation. Our lawyers ensure you receive the legal services and support you need as your proceedings move forward. Schedule a consultation with our attorneys.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form