JON'S CELL: The federal government takes any type of white collar crime seriously, including identity theft. If you are under investigation for this type of crime or you are already charged, it is in your interests to take your situation seriously as well. The various government agencies that investigate these crimes work diligently to ensure they are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
As you consider your defense options, it may be helpful to learn more about what counts as identity theft and how it happens. These types of case can be remarkably complex, and it requires extensive legal skill and experience to build an effective defense. With your personal freedom and your long-term interests at stake, you do not want to face these types of charges alone.
What does the term “identity theft” mean?
Identity theft is a common type of white collar crime that involves taking the sensitive information of another person an using it for some type of financial gain or advantage. There are both state laws and federal laws that prohibit the use of someone’s information in this way, and if convicted, you could face serious prison time. The types of personal data often used in identity theft cases include:
- Social Security numbers
- PIN numbers, credit card numbers or debit card numbers
- Credit history
Those who take this type of information may do so through lost or stolen mail, stolen wallets, hacking computers and more. After obtaining this type of information, an offender can then use it to open credit cards, apply for mortgages, complete rental applications and more, all using another person’s name and information. These cases are often investigated by federal agencies such as the Postal Inspection Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Federal Trade Commission and more.
Defending your future
If you are facing allegations or charges of identity theft, you should not be facing them alone. You will benefit from the support and guidance of a Wisconsin criminal defense attorney who can provide you with an understanding of what you are up against and how you can fight back. In complex white collar cases, the experience of your attorney matters.
You may find it helpful to start with a complete evaluation of your case and assessment of the legal options against you.
