Identity Theft Lawyer in Dallas

Identity Theft Attorney Serving Texas

Identity theft is one of the more common white collar crimes. Generally, identity theft means using another person's personal identifying information to fraudulently obtain a financial benefit. Identity theft can have a major impact on the life and financial health of the victim, so it is taken very seriously by both state and federal courts. If it is found that you have already wrongfully obtained goods using another person's identity, you may face asset forfeiture while you are being investigated. In most cases, identity theft crimes will be charged as a felony. This means that you could be looking at more than a year in prison should you be convicted.

Spencer & Associates is skilled in fighting for those who are facing identity theft charges. We understand that life is complicated, and so are people's finances. Our goal is to provide you with the best legal defense possible under the circumstances. We take our role as defense attorneys very seriously. Your constitutional rights and your best interests come first when we are representing you in a criminal matter. Having strong legal defense team is essential to bringing about the best result possible under the circumstances. We provide aggressive representation throughout criminal proceedings.

Understanding Identity Theft

Perhaps the most common example of identity theft involves taking out a credit card in someone else's name and using it for your own benefit, but there are many other types of actions that can be considered identity theft. Generally, using another person's identifying information without their consent and for financial benefit is considered identity theft. First, it is important to understand that identifying information for the purposes of identity theft prosecution includes their:

• Name and date of birth
• Social security number
• Biometrics such as fingerprints
• Bank account or credit card information
• Electronic device identifiers

Forms that identity theft may take include:

• Applying for a credit card or loan using another person's information
• Using the identifying information of a deceased individual to obtain financial benefit
• Using a minor child's identifying information for financial purposes
• Giving another person's name to a police officer during an arrest or investigation and representing that you are that person
• Using another person's government ID
• Forging identifying documents, such as by creating fake IDs or possessing a device that does so
• Possessing identifying documents that belong to another person

When pursuing identity theft charges, the prosecution must be able to prove that you took these types of illegal actions with the intent to harm or defraud another.

Penalties for Identity Theft

If you are convicted of identity theft, you could face lifelong consequences. Not only could you be facing prison time, but the collateral consequences can stay with you permanently. You may find that you are no longer able to take out loans or credit cards in your own name, as financial institutions may deem you untrustworthy. You may struggle to find employment, especially if you worked in a professional job such as accounting.

The judicial penalties vary depending on the nature and extent of the alleged criminal conduct. Even "minor" cases of identity theft can carry sentences of up to two years in prison and a fine of $10,000 or more. More complex cases in which the offender was allegedly engaged in a pattern of stealing others' identities or forging identifying documents can carry up to a life sentence. If you are facing these charges, it is important to act quickly to protect your rights.

Contact a Dallas Identity Theft Attorney

Spencer & Associates is experienced in defending those charged with all forms of identity theft. To begin with a complimentary consultation, please contact us today at 214-385-8500. We can represent you in state or federal court.