Charges and penalties related to identity theft.
Impersonating someone or using someone’s identity for profit is a serious criminal offense. Like all US states, Florida also has strict laws penalizing people for involving in such crimes. If you are facing any such charges, it is necessary to consult a competent criminal lawyer to prepare defense.
Why is getting legal help imperative if you face charges of identity theft? A look at the penalties associated with these crimes would be enough for you to realize how much a criminal conviction could affect your life.
As per the directives in Fla. Stat. ?817.568, any fraudulent use of another’s personal identification for monetary gain:
If it concerns an individual, a felony of the third degree, the penalties are maximum 5 years imprisonment and/or maximum $5,000 fines.
If it concerns more than 10 individuals but less than 20 and the money involved is $5,000 or more, a felony of the second degree, the penalties are imprisonment (minimum 3 years/maximum 15 years) and/or maximum $10,000 fines.
If it concerns more than 20 individuals but less than 30 and the money involved is $50,000 or more, a felony of the first degree, the penalties are imprisonment (minimum 5 years/maximum 30 years) and/or maximum $10,000 fines.
Note: The minimum period for imprisonment increases to 10 years if the crime concerns more than 30 individuals and monetary profits of $100,000 or more.
Fraudulent use of a minor’s personal identification for monetary gain is a felony of the second degree, whether the perpetrator is any individual or any individual handling the duties of a guardian.
Fraudulent use of a deceased individual’s personal identification for monetary gain classifies and carries penalties like the fraudulent use of a living adult’s personal identification.
The penalties acquire a harsher note if the criminal activity involves committing a fraud against a financial institute like a bank. If convicted, the individual may also need to pay for the other parties’ attorney fees and court costs.
It is obvious that any conviction of identity theft could jeopardize your personal and professional life. You need to get a competent criminal lawyer if you were facing any such charges. Only specialized and timely defense could decrease your chances of getting out of this legal mess.
Whenever you are facing any such trouble, get in touch with a lawyer for advice. If it is not possible for you, ask a family member to find a lawyer. Timely consultation with a lawyer could also give him/her the necessary time to investigate the facts, analyze the details and prepare adequate defense.
avoid identity theft. See http://avoid-identitytheft.co.cc for advice and tips for preventing and dealing with identity theft issues.