You face an identity theft charge and have no idea about what to do next. Hire a Calabasas identity theft lawyer who will advocate for you and protect your legal rights. Your attorney can prepare an argument to dispute the prosecution’s case against you.
With decades of legal experience, the team at Simmrin Law Group represents your best interests. Our criminal defense lawyers serving Calabasas are available to review your case. Contact us to get started.
What Is Identity Theft?
Identity theft refers to a crime in which one party steals another’s personal information. They can use this information to open bank accounts, submit health insurance claims, and commit other malicious acts. An identity thief can steal many types of personal information, including:
- Bank account numbers
- Credit card numbers
- Driver’s license information
- Social Security numbers
- Health insurance account information
If you have been charged with identity theft, pursue legal help. Simmrin Law Group can connect you with a Calabasas identity theft attorney right away. Speak with a federal crimes lawyer serving Calabasas from our team.
For a free legal consultation with an identity theft lawyer serving Calabasas, call (310) 896-2723
Types of Identity Theft
Identity theft is a major problem across the United States. Thieves commit time and resources to find innovative ways to steal personal information. Here are three common forms of identity theft.
Financial
A thief takes someone’s wallet or purse and uses the victim’s credit card for purchases. They can also take information from the victim’s driver’s license and set up credit card accounts in their name. These are examples of financial identity theft.
Medical
This type of identity theft happens when a person has someone else’s medical information. For example, if an individual submits an insurance claim using someone else’s ID, they are committing medical identity theft. Based on their actions, they can be punished accordingly.
Synthetic
An individual uses real and fake information about a person to establish a new identity. Then, they use this identity to open fraudulent accounts. As such, this individual can take advantage of credit card companies and lenders that offer credit based on their false identity.
Getting charged with any of these or other types of identity theft can feel overwhelming. An identity theft lawyer serving Calabasas understands the challenges associated with a criminal charge. They will teach you about the legal system and penalties that come with a criminal conviction.
Calabasas Identity Theft Lawyer Near Me (310) 896-2723
Calabasas Identity Theft Penalties
Per California Penal Code Section 530.5, identity theft is a “wobbler” crime. This means you can be convicted of a misdemeanor or felony. The penalties you can receive include jail time, a fine, and probation.
If convicted of a misdemeanor, you can receive up to one year in a county jail, a fine of up to $1,000, and summary probation. For a felony conviction, you can get a jail sentence of up to three years, a fine of up to $10,000, and formal probation. An identity theft attorney serving Calabasas can explain what a wobbler is and the penalties you could face.
In addition to these penalties, there are other consequences associated with an identity theft conviction. For instance, with a felony conviction, you lose your right to own or possess a firearm. Avoid this and other consequences by working with a lawyer who gives your case the attention it deserves.
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How Our Calabasas Identity Theft Attorneys Contest Charges
Every identity theft case is different, and your lawyer will evaluate your legal options in detail. Your attorney gathers evidence to support your argument in the hopes of compelling the court to rule in your favor. As part of their efforts, they may consider several legal defenses, including:
Mistaken Identity
If you are the victim of mistaken identity, you could be charged for a crime you did not actually commit. Your lawyer can present an argument that shows the court that someone else committed the crime. If they succeed, the court could dismiss the case against you.
Consent Was Provided
You accessed someone else’s personal information after they permitted you to do so. To validate this point, your lawyer can provide documentation in which this party provided their written consent. If you have a wealth of proof to verify that consent was given, the prosecution may struggle to get a conviction.
Illegal Search and Seizure
Police officers collect evidence to use against you but do so without your consent, violating your Fourth Amendment rights. Your attorney can explain what the Fourth Amendment means and how it relates to your case. If your constitutional rights were breached, the prosecution may not be able to use certain pieces of evidence against you.
Disputing an identity theft charge is rarely simple. If you have an experienced criminal defense attorney at your side, you are in good hands. Your lawyer develops a legal strategy tailored to your case, putting you in a position to disprove the prosecution’s argument.
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Our Calabasas Identity Theft Lawyers Offer Legal Solutions for Your Case
If you think your identity theft charge will disappear by itself, think again. The charge can result in a conviction, along with associated penalties. Instead of letting the charge go unaddressed, partner with a criminal defense lawyer who will help you fight back.
Simmrin Law Group has proudly served the Greater Los Angeles community for more than 15 years. Our lawyers solve the toughest legal challenges and give you an advantage in your litigation. Request a consultation with our attorneys.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form