Someone says you stole their identity and used it for malicious purposes. If this happens, the prosecutor in your case will do everything they can to get a conviction. At this time, seek help from a Compton identity theft lawyer to contest the case against you.
Simmrin Law Group has helped thousands of clients and handled more than 100 jury trials to date. Let our criminal defense lawyers serving Compton assist you with your identity theft case. Contact us today to get started.
What Is Identity Theft?
According to California Penal Code Section 530.5, identity theft involves the acquisition of someone’s personally identifiable information (PII). If you are charged with this crime, someone claims you took their PII illegally. Categories of identity theft include:
- Financial: When a person takes someone else’s bank accounts or credit cards to make unauthorized purchases or withdrawals, they may be charged with financial identity theft.
- Medical: If someone uses another person’s PII to get medical care, they could face a medical identity theft charge.
- Social Security: This happens if an individual uses another’s Social Security number to get credit cards or loans that they do not plan to repay or receives disability, medical, or other benefits in someone else’s name.
- Synthetic: With synthetic identity theft, a person uses both real and fake information about another to establish a new identity that allows them to set up false accounts and complete fraudulent transactions.
If you are charged with these or other forms of identity theft, request help from a Compton identity theft attorney. Simmrin Law Group treats our clients like family, and we commit the time and resources required to dispute your criminal charge to the fullest extent. Schedule a consultation with our lawyers.
For a free legal consultation with an identity theft lawyer serving Compton, call (310) 896-2723
Identity Theft Penalties
An identity theft crime is classified as a wobbler. If convicted, you could receive misdemeanor or felony penalties. An identity theft lawyer serving Compton can explain what a wobbler is and look for ways to help you avoid severe penalties.
With a misdemeanor conviction, you could have to serve up to a year in jail or be fined up to $1,000. In some instances, those convicted of a misdemeanor receive both of these penalties. You may also be subject to summary probation in which you are required to complete community service, attend classes, or fulfill other terms in lieu of going to jail.
If you receive a felony identity theft conviction, you could face a prison sentence of up to three years, a fine of up to $10,000, or both. With a federal identity theft conviction, you may be sentenced to up to 15 years in prison. The federal penalties for conviction of identity theft can also be increased depending on the circumstances of the charge.
Compton Identity Theft Lawyer Near Me (310) 896-2723
How to Defend Against a Compton Identity Theft Charge
An identity theft attorney serving Compton will review the facts of your criminal charge carefully. From here, they will prepare an argument specifically for your case. As part of their efforts, they could consider several legal strategies, including:
Unlawful Intent
You obtain someone else’s PII but have no intention of using it to commit a crime. For example, you use another’s personal information to set up medical care for them. In this scenario, the court could find there is nothing malicious about what you did, which could help you get a favorable ruling.
False Accusation
Someone accuses you of stealing another’s PII in spite of the fact that they actually committed this crime. Your lawyer can explain how to defend yourself against false accusations. They will search for opportunities to raise reasonable doubts about the legitimacy of the prosecution’s argument against you.
Consent
The prosecution claims an individual never gave you their consent to use their personal information. Alternatively, you have documentation that proves this is false. Your attorney can share this information with the court, which may lead to the dismissal of your case.
Violation of Your Constitutional Rights
Police officers gather evidence from your home or car without a warrant. This is illegal and represents a violation of your Fourth Amendment rights. Your lawyer can argue that your constitutional rights were breached, and the court could dismiss evidence that the prosecution intends to use against you.
If the prosecution has concerns about whether you will be convicted in your identity theft case, they could offer a plea bargain. By approving this deal, you accept a lesser punishment than the one initially proposed. This could help you avoid a jail sentence and other harsh penalties.
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Our Compton Identity Theft Lawyers Solve the Toughest Legal Challenges
Your identity theft conviction could affect you for many years to come. The conviction can force you to spend time in jail or prison, pay fines, and incur other criminal penalties. Along with these penalties, your conviction could damage your reputation with family members and friends, hurt your chances of getting the job you want, and impact you in other ways.
If you are worried an identity theft charge will result in a conviction, ask for legal help from Simmrin Law Group. Our lawyers understand the legal system, and we will tackle any legal challenges that come up during your identity theft case. Request a consultation with our attorneys.
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