Los Angeles Identity Theft Attorney

Los Angeles is one of the largest cities in the U.S. and is considered to be a commercial hub for the country. Because LA is involved in significant economic activity and business transactions, it can attract individuals who want to take advantage of the people there and commit crimes, such as identity theft. They may access and steal information related to identity via the mail, the internet, or spying on individuals in person. 

Los Angeles identity theft involves the taking of an individual's personal information or legal information. Such accusations are taken seriously in LA and California, which can lead to potentially serious repercussions. Therefore, it’s important to have a Los Angeles identity theft lawyer on your side. They can work with you on the specifics of your case and help you come up with a strong defense. 

When defending against crimes, identity crimes can be complex to handle. The legal team at The Law Office of Jacqueline Goodman has years of experience defending individuals in complicated identity theft cases, including domestic identity theft cases. Our attorney can work closely with you on your case, helping ensure that your rights are protected and that your voice is heard in and out of court. 

What Is Identity Theft?

The theft of a person’s identity happens when someone steals personal information, such as credit card information, bank account information, or social security digits, and uses it without authorization. People committing identity theft will use such information to make illegal purchases, open new financial accounts, use medical services, and even build up a criminal record under a certain name. In the state of California, all forms of identity theft are considered to be criminal offenses. 

What Are the Different Kinds of Los Angeles, California, Identity Theft Crimes?

Identity theft in Los Angeles can take many different forms. Identity theft crimes include any type of crime that is committed by using someone else’s information in an unauthorized manner. In Los Angeles, the following can be considered identity theft crimes: 

• Identity fraud. Identity fraud is a blanket term under which other forms of theft, such as credit card theft, can happen. It refers to the unlawful taking of the personal information of an individual, such as their full name, address, or social security number, to commit fraud, such as opening up investment accounts and making large purchases.  
• Hijacking financial accounts. In some cases, an individual can get access to financial accounts, like a bank account or stock accounts, by getting access to the username and password of the account, along with other information.
• Social media identity theft. With the rise of social media, social media identity theft has become a highly common offense. This involves making a fake account using the stolen information of another person to illicit fraudulent activity or possibly harass and bully people online. 
• Tax identity theft. Sometimes, individuals will collect tax returns belonging to another person by using their credentials, which have been obtained without authorization.
• Theft of medical identity. A person may take the medical-related credentials of another person and use them to get access to their medical accounts. Through this, they can try to fraudulently access and exploit certain medical services, such as diagnostics and medicines.
• Credit card fraud. Credit card fraud is a more common form of identity theft, which happens when a person steals certain credit card credentials and uses them to carry out financial transactions, such as making purchases and cash withdrawals.
• Check fraud. Although the use of checks has gone down as a means of payment in the last few years, check fraud still remains a rampant crime. Check fraud happens when a person makes a fake check, or alters an existing check, and then cashes it and keeps the money. 
• Child and senior identity theft. Children and seniors are particularly vulnerable to fraud because children have a clean record and seniors may be easier to scam in some cases. Child or senior identity theft involves taking sensitive information from these vulnerable groups without authorization and using this to commit fraudulent transactions.
• Utility fraud. Sometimes, individuals use stolen information from a person to set up utility accounts, such as for gas, water, and electricity, under their name and without their consent. 
• Mail theft or fraud. Mail theft is a felony, as it entails tampering with federal property. Sometimes, individuals steal mail to access key sensitive information that they can then use to exploit the individual by creating fake accounts or taking out loans in their name.

The laws for identity theft can differ depending on where the alleged crime took place. Therefore, if you have been accused of committing a crime in Los Angeles or the surrounding area, it is important to have a lawyer who is familiar with the local legislation and court system. Working with a Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer who has experience working with identity theft crimes can ensure that you are properly represented during your trial and any subsequent legal processes. 

Penalties for Identity Theft Crimes

An identity theft crime in California can be charged either as a felony or a misdemeanor, depending on the severity of the crime. If the crime is prosecuted as a misdemeanor, there is a possibility to receive either probation or a maximum of one year in jail. In addition to this, a person may have to pay up to $1,000 dollars. 

If the identity theft crime is charged as a felony, then the defendant could be facing a maximum of three years in prison and the possibility of a fine of up to $10,000 dollars. To reduce the potential penalties of a crime, it’s important to try to get a charge downgraded from a felony to a misdemeanor. 

When a defendant is a non-U.S. citizen, and they are prosecuted for identity theft crimes, their legal status in the United States could be at risk. It is critical for non-citizens to reach out to a lawyer if they are being charged with such crimes to avoid jeopardizing their legal status or even risk being deported. 

FAQs

Q: What Lawyer Can Help With Identity Theft Defense in Los Angeles?

A: If you are going up against any identity theft-related charges, it is important to work with a criminal defense lawyer who is experienced with identity theft in Los Angeles. Attorneys who have worked before in cases such as fraud, cybercrime, credit card theft, and other similar branches can help you build a strong defense and work through tedious legal processes.

Q: If I Have My Identity Stolen in California, Can I Sue for This?

A: In California, if you have had your identity stolen, such as by having your accounts hacked or finding that credit cards or bank accounts were opened under your name, then it is possible to try to sue the individual who committed the theft. In addition to suing the person who committed the theft, you can also sue any institutions that failed to properly protect your information, such as banks and creditors. 

Q: How Can I Report Having My Identity Stolen in Los Angeles?

A: Having your identity stolen can be stressful and disorienting, but knowing the proper steps to take to ameliorate the situation can be helpful for your mental well-being. You will first want to contact law enforcement and file a police report. You should also let the Federal Trade Commission know about your case. Then, you should report fraud to the major credit bureaus and your banks or financial institutions. Be sure to keep everything on file for later cases. 

Q: How Much Will My California Identity Theft Case Cost Me?

A: In cases of identity theft, it is the state of California’s responsibility to press charges against the perpetrator of the crimes on your behalf. However, if you decide to press your own civil charges against the perpetrator to get back any money that you may have lost from the theft, then you will need to pay to secure your own attorney. 

Q: Is Identity Theft in California a Wobbler?

A: In the state of California, identity theft can either be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the severity of the crime, meaning that it is characterized as a wobbler. A defense strategy that defendants of identity crimes may use is to try to get a case downgraded to a misdemeanor so that they can minimize the associated penalties. 

Get the Los Angeles Identity Theft Defense You Need Today

If you have been charged with identity theft, this can be extremely overwhelming and stressful. Identity crimes are taken very seriously in the state of California and can result in jail time or having to pay exorbitant fines. A lawyer from The Law Office of Jacqueline Goodman can take in the details of your case, address your questions and concerns, and help build the defense you need to take on the court system. Get in contact with our office today to schedule your consultation.