 ■ COLORADO IDENTITY THEFT DEFENSE ATTORNEY
Colorado Springs Identity Theft Defense Attorney
While technological advancements have improved our lifestyles throughout the decades, they have also brought a new dimension of crime into our homes. A nationwide survey conducted by the Federal Trade Commission found that more than 9.9 million Americans were the victims of identity theft in 2003. Unfortunately, because the vast majority of identity theft crimes are committed over the Internet, what would have been a simple theft charge is quickly escalated into a federal criminal case. If you are charged with identity theft, contact an experienced Colorado Springs Criminal Defense Attorney immediately to ensure that your case is handled appropriately.
Identity theft occurs whenever someone steals another person's personal information and uses it to commit a crime, acquire loans, credit cards and other items. Over the years, Congress has taken steps to protect Americans from identity theft by passing the Identity Theft and Assumption Deterrence Act in 1998 (18 U.S.C.§ 1028). This officially made it a federal felony to use another person's identification to commit an illegal activity. If you are convicted of identity theft felony, you could receive up to 15 years of imprisonment plus forfeiture of all assets that were obtained as a result of the crime. In addition to criminal charges, you may also face civil charges if the victim chooses to file a lawsuit against you.
Unfortunately, many of the identity theft laws that exist are relatively vague in their wording and intent. The vague wording of these identity theft laws means that many misdemeanor crimes are now mistakenly being labeled a federal felony. For example, if a teenager uses a friend's I.D. to purchase alcohol underage, she could be charged with identity theft and a federal felony, instead of a first time misdemeanor charge.
If you have been charged with identity theft, there are many defenses available. You may simply be the victim of mistaken identity or your crime may have been inappropriately categorized as "Identity Theft". As soon as you are charged with a crime, your attorney will review all the facts of your case thoroughly, in order to find the best approach to your legal situation.
Due to the vague nature of identity theft, it is important to contact a qualified and experienced Colorado Springs Criminal Defense Attorney immediately, to ensure that your case is handled appropriately. Your attorney will work diligently to help you avoid federal felony charges and prison time, so you can look ahead to the future.
Sources: http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2003/09/idtheft.shtm |
