Accusations of identity theft can be prosecuted very harshly in Torrance, CA. Identity theft is a white-collar crime that can be prosecuted in the state or federal court system. Convictions may lead to incredibly high fines and decades of time in jail or prison.
The severity of identity theft charges makes it important that you get professional help right away if you are arrested. The Simmrin Law Group is prepared to begin working on your defense now. You can call us to speak to our identity theft lawyers in Torrance now.
The Legal Definition of Identity Theft in Torrance
Identity theft occurs when someone uses another person’s private identifying information in a forbidden manner. You may think of using someone’s social security number or banking information to open a credit card in that person’s name as an act of identity theft, for example.
However, even something as simple as signing someone else’s name can be considered identity theft in California. Any time an individual uses the personal information of another person without their permission and for unlawful purposes, they are committing identity theft.
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State Charges to Prosecute Identity Theft in Torrance
As we mentioned, you can face criminal charges in the state court system if you are accused of identity theft in Torrance. California typically prosecuted identity theft under Penal Code Section 530.5. PC 530.5 can be treated as a misdemeanor or a felony.
PC 530.5 charges are often used if someone is accused of misusing basic information about another person, including their date of birth or address. The use of financial information and banking information is also restricted under identity theft laws. Finally, the misuse of identifying numbers can lead to criminal charges. This includes:
- Driver’s license numbers
- Social security numbers (SSN)
- Employee, school, or tax I.D. numbers
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Repercussions for a PC 530.5 Conviction in Torrance
You can face a number of harsh penalties if you are convicted of identity theft in the state court system in California. Misdemeanor charges for identity theft can result in fines of up to $1,000 and jail time of up to one year.
Felony charges for identity theft are prosecuted more harshly. In fact, you can face fines of up to $10,000 if you are convicted of a felony. You may also be sent to prison for up to three years. Find out more about how to build a defense to these charges by contacting a criminal defense lawyer in Torrance today.
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Federal Charges to Prosecute Identity Theft in Torrance
The federal court system will step in to prosecute some acts of identity theft in Torrance. In most cases, the federal court will only take over a case if it:
- Crosses a state border
- Crosses a national border
- Involves the U.S. government
Acts of identity theft are often committed over the internet, which can draw the attention of the federal government, as the internet allows people to obtain information from individuals who are not physically close to their location.
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Repercussions for a Federal Identity Theft Conviction
The federal court has a reputation for handing down harsh penalties after a conviction. This holds true for identity theft charges. The exact penalties for a federal identity theft conviction can vary, but in many cases you can face:
- Fines up to and exceeding $5,000
- Prison time of up to 30 years
These penalties may be increased if you use information obtained with identity theft to:
- Take Social Security benefits from someone
- Carry out domestic terrorism
- Violate immigration laws
Take charge if you are accused of any form of identity theft by reaching out to a federal crimes lawyer in Torrance today.
Work with an Identity Theft Lawyer in Torrance
An identity theft lawyer in Torrance can help you face the charges brought against you quickly. The team at the Simmrin Law Group is ready to spring into action. We may be able to:
- Block evidence against you
- Work to get your charges reduced
- Help during your bail hearing
- Advise you during legal questioning
- Fight for you in court
Allow us to investigate your case now, so we can begin preparing a personalized defense for you, right here in Torrance.
Defend Yourself with a Torrance Identity Theft Lawyer
Improve your chances of successfully resolving identity theft charges in Torrance by getting legal help right now. The team at the Simmrin Law Group can work on your defense now. Get information about state and federal charges today with a FREE case evaluation.
Reach out to our identity theft lawyers in Torrance by calling or filling out our online contact form.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form