California Identity Theft Defense Lawyers
What You Need to Know About Identity Theft
Wallin & Klarich specializes in identity theft violations throughout southern California. Over the past decade, the crime of identity theft has become a huge problem throughout California. Because of this, law enforcement has been cracking down on this more than ever and is prosecuting these cases to the fullest extent of the law. Thus, it is vital for you to have good legal representation if you are accused of this crime.
Under Penal Code section 530.5 the state must show the following elements to prove the crime of identity theft:
- A person willfully obtained personal identifying information of another person;
- The person obtaining the information did so without the authorization of the other person; and
- The person used that information for any unlawful purpose, including the obtaining, or attempted obtaining of credit, goods, services, or medical information in the name of the other person without the consent of that person.
If you are charged with this crime, the District Attorneys Office may file the case as either a felony or a misdemeanor (Wobbler). If charge as a felony, you could be facing prison time, and if filed as misdemeanor, you could serve up to a year in county jail.
Wallin & Klarich has over 30 years of experience in criminal defense. If you are facing a charge of identity theft, call us today for a free consultation.
