Los Angeles Identity Theft Attorney
California Penal Code 530.5
California Penal Code § 530.5 refers to California’s identity theft laws. These laws state that a person commits a identity theft when they unlawfully obtain the personal identifying information of another and use that information for any unlawful reason.
In order to be convicted of identity theft, the prosecutor must prove all of the following elements:
- You were in possession of someone else’s personal information
- You obtained the personal information without the individual’s consent
- You used the personal information for fraudulent purposes and with the intent to commit fraud
Because identity theft charges and penalties vary from case to case, we encourage anyone face charges under PC 530.5 to contact us for a free legal consultation.
Facing Identity Theft Charges in Los Angeles?
Identity theft occurs when someone unlawfully obtains and uses someone else’s personal information to commit fraud or other illegal activities. Identity theft can include anything from stealing someone’s credit card or social security number to impersonating that individual on the internet or in real life. Identity theft is a form of fraud and, depending upon the magnitude of the fraud, can be tried as a felony federal crime, which can include substantial monetary fines, extensive prison sentences, and more.
When facing identity theft charges, you should immediately speak with a Los Angeles identity theft attorney from our firm to discuss your case and get started on your defense. When it comes to identity theft charges, time is of the essence. You must act now.
Types of Identity Theft
Some of the different types of identity theft include using someone’s identity to:
- Steal goods or services
- Obtain credit
- Obtain real property
- Obtain medical information
- Steal a child’s identity
- Pose as a business to obtain loans
Common Personal Information Used in Identity Theft
According to the statute, personal identifying information may be any forms of ID or documents that include a person’s confidential information.
Examples include:
- Another’s name, date of birth, address, and telephone number
- Social security numbers
- Driver’s license & passport information
- Birth or death certificate information
- Credit cards or banking information
Penalties for Identity Theft in California
A standard charge under PC 530.5 is punishable by fines, imprisonment in jail for up to one year, or both. Charges can and often do vary, however, depending on the facts and circumstances of the case. Identity theft is a common internet and theft crime, and will vary depending on a variety of factors:
- The amount or value of goods, property, or services stolen
- The person or party from whom the goods, property of services were stolen
- A person’s criminal record, including any prior theft crime or identity theft convictions
Depending on the circumstances surrounding a case, prosecutors may pursue additional charges for crimes such as mail or wire fraud. Individuals accused of identity theft may also face heightened charges and penalties for committing identity theft against certain persons, including elderly individuals. Although penalties can vary on a case by case basis, convictions can result in terms of imprisonment for as much as three years.
Identity Theft Attorney in Los Angeles
At Lessem, Newstat & Tooson, LLP, we have over 50 years of experience handling criminal defense cases, and we are ready to put our expertise and knowledge to work for you. We have handled numerous identity theft cases and can help you devise the right defense for your case. We will work on your behalf with prosecutors to have your charges reduced or dropped, or we will aggressively defend you at trial. With the experience and know-how you are looking for, our Los Angeles identity theft attorneys are the attorneys you can trust with your defense.
