Chester County Identity Theft Lawyer
Chester County Identity theft Crimes
While non-violent in nature, Chester County Identity Theft crimes carry severe penalties if you are convicted. They are anything but “victimless” offenses. Individuals and companies in the Philadelphia region stand to lose a great deal of money if they are victimized by identity Theft offenses and are not reluctant to press charges. Our Chester County Criminal practice has the experience and legal knowledge you need if you are facing a Pennsylvania County Identity Theft crime accusation that stands to end your career and change your life forever.
Identity theft is a crime committed when a person steals the identity of another person in an attempt to obtain money or other goods. It is a crime that involves fraud and is considered a federal offense by the United States Government. A person could steal a credit card, driver’s license, identification card, birth certificate, passport, social security card, medical information, insurance information, mail and banking information; or any other valuable identifiable information when committing identity theft.
Individual can be charged for identity theft where they use false identification to portray themselves as someone else. This is occurring more and more often online with the increased use of the internet. If you are being investigated or have been arrested for a identity theft crime anywhere in Chester County, you need to seek immediate and aggressive legal counsel.
West Chester Identity Theft Lawyer
White collar crimes can carry serious penalties, especially if it is a subsequent offense. It is important to act fast and start to build a strong defense early on. If you are facing identity fraud charges, contact a West Chester identity theft attorney at Ciccarelli Law Offices.
The attorneys at Ciccarelli Law Offices are experienced in handling a variety of white collar crimes. We can help you fight to charges against you and work with you one-on-one to ensure your rights are represented. We can analyze the facts of your case and build a solid defense.
We are based in West Chester, and have offices where we can meet you in Philadelphia, Lancaster, Springfield, Plymouth Meeting, Radnor, King of Prussia, Kennett Square and Malvern. We serve clients throughout Chester County, Montgomery County, Lancaster County and Delaware County, as well as Philadelphia. Call (610) 692-8700 to schedule a free consultation.
The Consequences of Identity Theft Crimes
We see Identity Theft crimes being committed in Chester County. While no guns were drawn and no one was physically hurt, the damage done by a Chester County Identity Theft crimes will get the court’s attention. Restitution for identity theft may only be the start. Lengthy prison sentences and hefty fines may follow. Get legal advice now from our Chester County Identity Theft Crimes lawyers.
Information about Identity Theft Charges
Definition of Identity Theft in Pennsylvania
A person commits the offense of identity theft of another if he or she knowingly possesses or uses, through any means, identifying information of another person without the consent of that other person to further any unlawful purpose, according to Pa. Cons. Stat. §4120.
This is broad definition of identity theft that can be used to describe a variety of scenarios. Most often, the person uses the personal information to obtain some sort of benefit, whether it is money, services or goods. People often use identity theft as a way to obtain property or money.
Examples of identifying information could include:
- Name
- Date of birth
- Birth certificate
- Social security number
- Driver’s license number
- Non-driver government-issued number
- Telephone number
- Checking account information
- Savings account information
- Student identification number
- Employee or payroll number
Penalties for Identity Theft
Identity theft is one of several white collar crimes in which the penalties largely are determined by the value of the money, goods or services involved in the alleged offense.
Each time a person possesses or uses identifying information it constitutes a separate offense. However, the total value involved in offenses committed pursuant to one scheme or course of conduct may be aggregated in determining the grade of the offense. This could apply whether it is from the same victim or several victims.
If the total value involved is less than $2,000, the offense is a misdemeanor of the first degree. This could be punishable by up to five years imprisonment and $10,000 in fines. If the total value involved was $2,000 or more, the offense is a felony of the third degree, which is punishable by up to seven years in prison and $15,000 in fines.
Regardless of the total value involved, if the offense is committed in furtherance of a criminal conspiracy as outlined in Pa. Cons. Stat. §903, the offense is a felony of the third degree. This also is punishable by seven years in prison and $15,000 in fines.
Also, regardless of the total value involved, if the offense is a third or subsequent offense, the offense is a felony of the second degree. If convicted, a person could face up to 10 years in prison and up to $25,000 in fines.
When a person commits identity theft and the victim of the offense is 60 years of age or older or a care-dependent person, the grading of the offense shall be one grade higher.
Finding the Best Identity Theft Attorney in Chester County
If you are facing charges for identity theft, contact a West Chester identity fraud lawyer at Ciccarelli Law Offices. Our attorneys are experienced in handling cases like yours, and we can work to get a positive result in your case. Your future is important, and we can fight to help you protect it. Call (610) 692-8700 for a free consultation.
Contact a Chester County Identity Theft Attorney
Too much is at stake to give in to the prosecution. An immediate guilty plea is not wise. You need a seasoned defense attorney and former prosecutor who knows how Identity Theft crime cases are built. Your arrest does not have to lead to a conviction. You have choices, you have options and perhaps most you have rights that we fight to protect.
We make your choice all the clearer fighting for clients throughout Chester County, including our main location in West Chester PA. For more information or to schedule an appointment with an experienced Pennsylvania criminal defense lawyer, please contact us (610) 692-8700.