Identity Theft and Fraud

Identity theft and identity fraud are federal crimes. The terms are used to refer to all varieties of crime in which someone wrongfully obtains and uses another person’s personal data in some way that involves fraud or deception. Identity theft and fraud as crimes are typically committed for economic gain.

Identity theft has only been a crime, federal or otherwise, since 1998. This offense became a crime with the passage of the Identity Theft and Assumption Deterrence Act. This act prohibits knowingly transferring or using some form of identification for a person that is not oneself with the intent to commit, or to aid or abet, any unlawful activity that constitutes a felony under any applicable state or law.

The crime, as defined by the 1998 law, carries a penalty of a maximum of 15 years imprisonment, a fine, and criminal forfeiture of any personal property used or intended to be used to commit the offense. In addition to violation of the Identity Theft and Assumption Deterrence Act, the crime of identity theft may involve committing various other felonies including identification fraud, credit card fraud, mail fraud, wire fraud, etc. All of these crimes are felonies which carry the penalties of imprisonment and fines. The worst of the possible other crimes carries a penalty of up to 30 years imprisonment.

If you have been accused of identity theft or any of a variety of other types of fraud and are in need of an experienced criminal defense lawyer, please contact the Clearwater criminal defense lawyers of the Law Offices of Tragos & Sartes at 727-441-9030 to determine the best approach for a successful defense.