Orange County Identity Theft Lawyer

Serving Local Clients from Irvine, CA, & Federal Clients Nationwide

Have you been accused of stealing someone else’s identity? Our personal identifying information is integral to establishing who we are, protecting our assets, and maintaining a sense of order in our daily lives. If law enforcement or the district attorney’s office believes someone’s identity has been stolen, those accused may be subject to fines and imprisonment for their violations.

If you have been charged with identity theft, you must speak with a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. Investigators will follow the money, and if it leads back to you, a guilty conviction could result in years behind bars in state prison. 

Many federal defense attorneys in California and nationwide are skilled at representing those charged with either felony or misdemeanor identity theft. With the help of a skilled attorney, you may see charges dismissed, your name cleared, your reputation saved, and jail time escaped.

At Law Office of Diane C. Bass, Orange County identity theft defense attorney Diane C. Bass has an exceptional reputation among clients and fellow lawyers. She is known as a legal professional who aggressively fights for the rights of defendants accused of fraud crimes and stolen identities. 

Both state and federal government prosecutors will pursue the harshest criminal charges under the penal code for identity theft. Ms. Bass can fight just as hard to protect your rights and pursue optimum results.

If you have been charged, call Law Office of Diane C. Bass at F:P:Sub:Phone} to schedule a case evaluation and to determine your options. Or contact us online. 

What Is Identity Theft? 

Identity theft is illegal under California state and federal laws. You may be guilty of stealing another person’s identity if you willfully and knowingly obtain another person’s personal identifying information and use it without their approval or knowledge. 

Identity theft does not need to be used for financial gain or illegal purposes to result in criminal charges. However, if the stolen information was used for those purposes, you could face additional charges and enhanced sentencing. The penal code includes additional language for illegally using a stolen identity to obtain money or property.

The four types of identity theft include:

• The sale or transfer of another person’s identifying information to another individual or group to commit fraud.
• Use of another person’s identity information for an unlawful purpose, such as obtaining credit, property, services, or finance.
• The use of stolen identity information intending to commit fraud, such as credit card or tax fraud.
• Selling, transferring, or conveying stolen identity information without the person’s knowledge, knowing that others will use the stolen info to commit fraud.

Stealing a driver’s license, assuming another person’s identity, breaking into a non-encrypted email, committing credit card fraud by using a card belonging to another person without their consent, assaulting a victim, and stealing their ID all constitute identity theft.

What Are the Penalties for Identity Theft Charges?

Identity theft is a “wobbler” offense, meaning prosecutors can pursue felony or misdemeanor charges. Later, depending on the case, a judge may rule on whether or not to alter the charges. Criminal history may impact whether you are charged with a misdemeanor or felony. The difference between a misdemeanor and a felony can be probation or incarceration in federal or state prison or county jail.

Identity theft penalties can include up to a year in jail and up to $1,000 in fines for misdemeanors. Felony penalties can include 16 months, two years, or three years in jail and up to $10,000 in fines.

In most identity theft cases, the prosecution will also pursue theft charges. If the amount stolen was less than a thousand dollars, you may receive petty theft charges. More than that could result in grand theft charges. Assault or using a deadly weapon in theft can result in enhanced sentencing. The use or theft of multiple identities can also play a part in charges and sentencing.

In addition to financial penalties and the possibility of prison time, restitution is almost always demanded of those found guilty. Those convicted may face extensive probation after prison, lose the right to own a firearm, and potentially lose their license.