Identity Theft Attorneys
Identity theft has increasingly become a hot button, heavily publicized issue. With widespread media coverage and more breaches being covered as time goes on, this sort of attention has consequently impacted the prosecution of such crimes. Prosecutors and courts have become overzealous at times in pursuing identity theft charges, sometimes throwing the book at even people who have minor convictions.
The penalties of a conviction for identity theft can be substantial. Along with possible restitution and hefty fees, those convicted can expect criminal charges that could very well result in prison sentences even longer than some who are convicted of violent crimes. With all of that said, you’ll want to be sure that if you’re facing investigation or criminal charges of identity theft, you have legal counsel that can get your charges reduced or even dropped entirely, ideally before you ever even set foot in a courtroom. The Norman Spencer Law Group is just such a law firm.
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What Kind of Identity Theft Charges Are There?
As with many other federal charges out there, federal identity theft can take many different forms. Some examples of common charges include things like fake documents being used, the stealing of social security numbers, tampering with computers, bank accounts, and other sensitive data.
Many of these fall under existing statutes that cover things like mail fraud, wire fraud, and other similar charges. As you might expect, prosecutors and authorities are quick to lump a variety of charges together, sometimes charging a single defendant with charges with combined prison sentences that could keep them in jail for decades, if not for the rest of their lives.
When you add to all this the public hysteria surrounding identity theft and the increased attention that these types of cases tend to receive in today’s world, individuals charged with identity theft will also be facing the court of public opinion at the same time that they’re dealing with legal penalties and charges.
Identity Theft and ATM Skimming
Another possible charge that falls under the purview of identity theft is ATM skimming, which basically involves individuals tampering with an ATM in such a way that they can illegally obtain someone’s personal information, usually in the form of a bank PIN number and/or bank account number in order to steal funds from an account that they’re not authorized to access.
Authorities will often use more tried and true methods of analyzing credit card activity in order to catch onto someone who’s engaging in ATM skimming or other types of identity theft, but they’ve also been known in recent years to use more sophisticated methods in order to catch suspects, such as algorithms that specifically target suspicious behavior.
What is the Difference Between ATM Skimming and Unlawful Possession of an ID?
It can be difficult to tell the differences, but there are some distinctions to be made when it comes to the similar charges of ATM skimming and unlawful possession of an ID. If someone specifically uses another person’s financial services account, they could be charged with what is known as unlawful possession of an ID. This isn’t to say that someone charged with unlawful possession of an ID can’t also be charged with ATM skimming, because that is also possible. Just that the two are separate charges.
Another thing to consider here is the severity of the charge as well as the criminal record of the defendant. If the defendant has an extensive record, especially when it comes to crimes of identity theft, then they can expect to face harsher penalties and increased jail time should they be convicted. For all of these reasons and many more, it’s vitally important that those who are facing criminal charges of identity theft get proper legal counsel to assess the individual characteristics of their case, analyze any evidence involved, and devise the best possible strategy for their successful defense.
Who Should I Turn to in Identity Theft?
It can be difficult to know which legal firm you should turn to when it comes to criminal charges of identity theft. On top of the stresses that naturally come along with any criminal inquiry, the defendant will also have to contend with the court of public opinion. And on top of all of that, the right defense attorney can easily be the difference between a defendant facing heavy fines and decades of prison time or going home without a single charge on their record.
With a decision this important, it’s abundantly clear that you need the right legal representation. So what are some factors that you need to consider when you’re choosing an attorney? Well, experience is obvious and paramount, but not just in terms of how many years they have under their belt. The defense lawyers you choose should also have plenty of expertise at defending cases just like yours, including especially cases that were brought to federal court. The state court system is entirely different from that which you’d face at the federal level, so you need to know that your attorney isn’t using you as a guinea pig for this type of work.
How Norman Spencer Law Group Can Help
With a combined 70 years of experience among its defense attorneys, the Norman Spencer Law Group stands out among the competition. When you add to that the fact that we’ve handled cases of every size and type, no matter how simple or complex, at both the state and federal levels, the choice becomes even more clear.
So if you’re facing legal trouble, especially as it relates to criminal charges of identity theft, get in touch with us as soon as possible. Someone from our team will be in touch with you right away, and we’ll get started on getting you the help that you need.