Stamford Identity Theft Lawyer

If you are facing identity theft charges in Connecticut, then you need to be aware of the serious consequences of a criminal conviction. In light of how damaging an identity theft conviction can be for a victim’s credit ratings and credit history, those found guilty of using someone else’s information for personal gain face severe penalties.

Every degree of identity theft is a felony arrest under Connecticut law. A felony conviction can haunt you even long after you have served your sentence. However, the assistance of an experienced defense attorney can help you avoid harsh sentences and jail time.

A Stamford identity theft lawyer can help you defend yourself against any charges you may be facing, while looking out for your best interests at all times.

Severity of the Crime

Large-scale criminal enterprises that traffic in personally identifying information are becoming more common with the help of the internet. These are often extremely difficult to infiltrate by law enforcement.

The crime of identity theft is taken very seriously in Connecticut, and individuals suspected of identity theft often find themselves facing extremely harsh penalties. However, the prosecution will often offer to engage in plea-bargaining in exchange for information leading to other arrests.

The assistance of an experienced Stamford identity theft attorney is essential for defendants approached by the prosecution with a plea deal.

An attorney with a thorough understanding of this area of the law will be able to determine whether plea bargaining is in their client’s best interests, as well as being able to gauge the likelihood of a conviction if the case goes to trial. Even if it does end up in court, a Stamford identity theft lawyer can often help their clients avoid jail time.

What Is Identity Theft?

Identity theft occurs anytime a person uses the personally identifying information of another person, without their permission, to obtain money, credit, goods or other services.

Personally identifying information includes any number or other kind of information that could be used to identify a person, including an individual’s social security number, driver’s license number, or debit or credit card number, as well as biometric data like their fingerprints.

The crime of identity theft is categorized into three degrees in Connecticut, according to the value of what was stolen. A Stamford identity theft lawyer can best determine how to proceed with a case depending on its classification. The degrees of theft are as follows:

What is First Degree Identity Theft?

A person commits identity theft in the first degree when they steal over ten thousand dollars’ worth of property from a person less than 60 years old through identity theft; or over five thousand dollars’ worth of property from a person more than 60 years old.

Identity theft in the first degree is a class B felony offense, and is the most serious type of identity theft under Connecticut law. It is punishable by up to 40 years in prison, a fine of up to $15,000, or both. The severity of this charge requires the assistance of a knowledgeable Stamford identity theft lawyer, who can pursue an individual’s claim to the fullest extent.

Second Degree

Someone is found guilty of identity theft in the second degree when they steal over five thousand dollars of property from a person under 60 years of age; or any amount from a person over the age of 60. Identity theft in the second degree is a class C felony offense in Connecticut, punishable by a prison term of up to ten years in duration, a fine of up to $10,000, or both.

Third Degree

Identity theft in the third degree occurs when an individual uses the personally identifying information of another person to falsely obtain any goods, money, or services valued below thresholds identified above.

Identity theft in the third degree is a class D felony offense, which is the least serious type of felony offense in Connecticut’s Penal Code. Third degree identity theft is punishable by a prison sentence of up to five years, a fine of $5,000, or both.

Role of an Attorney

In today’s high-tech world, identity theft is running rampant throughout Connecticut and the country. You may find yourself facing these charges by merely for possessing another individual’s personally identifying information.

With such serious potential penalties on the line, it is not worth taking your future into your own hands and fighting your Connecticut identity theft alone. An experienced Stamford identity theft lawyer will be there to help fight to reduce any penalties you may be facing.