Orange County Identity Theft Lawyer
Theft Crime Defense Firm in Anaheim
We have all heard of the dangers involved with identity theft, but do you
know exactly what such a crime entails? Knowing the ways in which an individual
could steal another person's identity and how this crime is penalized
under state laws can not only help you prevent your identity from being
stolen and used for a crime, but can also help you build a strong defense
in case you are wrongfully charged of committing the crime. Consult with
an Anaheim​ theft crime attorney today if you are facing charges so that
you can start defending your future from the repercussions of a
theft crime conviction.
Understanding Identity Theft
In essence,
California Penal Code Sections 528-539 define identity theft as the crime of impersonating another individual
in a way that defrauds, benefits the offender, and/or allows the offender
to commit a crime under another person's name. Such crimes include,
but are not limited to, internet crimes (
§ 528.5), forgery and fraud (
§ 529(2)), theft (
§ 530), and impersonation of a law enforcement officer (
§ 538d). Penalties for this crime vary depending on what type of identity was
stolen and what it was used for, but most cases involve a fine of thousands
of dollars, as well as a jail or prison sentence.
Identity theft is commonly dealt with as a federal offense, a crime against
U.S. law rather than state law. In addition to being a theft offense,
identity theft may also be considered a white collar crime because it
is typically financially motivated. One common way that identity theft
is committed is by obtaining a person's personal data such as a Social
Security Number, credit card number, bank account number and more.
This information can be stolen by "low tech" means such as dumpster
diving or stealing mail or it can be committed via the computer or internet,
making identity theft a potential cybercrime as well. If you have been
notified that you are under investigation by a federal agency such as
the Department of Justice or even a local law enforcement agency under
suspicion of identity theft, you have the right to retain an attorney.
You are innocent until proven guilty.
Find a Criminal Defense Attorney in Orange County
If you have been charged with identity theft, contact The Law Office of
Barney B. Gibbs for experienced and vigorous defense. I have personally
represented more than 2,500 defense cases over the course of nearly three
decades and provide personalized attention for each of my clients. Through
a free case evaluation with my firm, you could find out exactly what I
could do to obtain a reduction or dismissal of your charges. Call today!