Wednesday, April 9, 2008

Charged with Identity Theft in LA?

A Los Angeles Identity Theft Attorney may be able to help. Identity theft is a serious crime, and some report it to be the fastest growing crime in America. The consequences can be serious for identity theft in Los Angeles, and only an experienced Los Angeles Identity Theft Attorney can help you.

Stephen G. Rodriguez is an experienced Los Angeles Identity Theft Attorney. If you have been charged with Identity Theft in Los Angeles, and need a criminal defense attorney, call Stephen G. Rodriguez at (213) 223-2173.

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

How an Experienced Identity Theft Attorney can Help

If you have been arrested or accused of an identity theft crime, it is important to work with an attorney who has experience in identify theft cases for the best outcome of your case. A skilled defense attorney can develop a defense strategy early on in the case, and may be able to reduce or dismiss the charge before you even discuss settlement or go to trial. Alternative Sentencing (no jail) is always an option with a good criminal defense attorney (see www.avoid-jail.com).
Stephen G. Rodriguez is an experienced Los Angeles Identity Theft Attorney. If you have been charged with Identity Theft in Los Angeles, and need a criminal defense attorney, call Stephen G. Rodriguez at (213) 223-2173.

California Law Identity Theft Penalties

A misdemeanor charge is punishable by up to one year in jail. A felony is punishable by 16 months or more of state prison time. The charge and sentence will depend on the following:

  • Seriousness or degree of the victim's harm
  • Amount of monetary damage
  • The sophistication of the crime
  • Defendant’s past criminal record
  • Internet theft: the Internet crosses state lines, so the theft can also be charged as a federal crime

Stephen G. Rodriguez is an experienced Los Angeles Identity Theft Attorney. If you have been charged with Identity Theft in Los Angeles, and need a criminal defense attorney, call Stephen G. Rodriguez at (213) 223-2173.

California Identity Theft Law

Under the California Identity Theft Law covered in section 530.5 of the Penal Code, a person charged with identity theft can be convicted if the prosecutor proves all of the following:

  • A person willfully obtained personal identifying information of another person;
  • The information was obtained without authorization;
  • The information was used for any unlawful purpose, including obtaining credit, goods, services, or medical records in the victim's name and without the victim's consent.
Stephen G. Rodriguez is an experienced Los Angeles Identity Theft Attorney. If you have been charged with Identity Theft in Los Angeles, and need a criminal defense attorney, call Stephen G. Rodriguez at (213) 223-2173.

Types of Identity Theft Charges:

  • Internet identity theft: Internet or computer purchases using another person’s credit card
  • Credit card theft: Applying for a credit card (access card) or making purchases
  • Bank/credit card identity theft: Applying for a mortgage, other loan, or bank account
  • Counterfeit or altered credit cards, driver’s license, or official records (medical, marriage)
  • Forgery of signature on documents such as a check or debit card purchase
  • Publishing account numbers

Stephen G. Rodriguez is an experienced Los Angeles Identity Theft Attorney. If you have been charged with Identity Theft in Los Angeles, and need a criminal defense attorney, call Stephen G. Rodriguez at (213) 223-2173.

What is Identity Theft?

Identity theft occurs when someone uses another person’s name, Social Security number, date of birth, mother’s maiden name, driver’s license number, account numbers, passwords or other personal identification information, without authority, and falsely poses as another person to commit fraud and gain access to the other person’s finances.

This also includes selling or transferring personal information to another person to obtain money or goods.

Stephen G. Rodriguez is an experienced Los Angeles Identity Theft Attorney. If you have been charged with Identity Theft in Los Angeles, and need a criminal defense attorney, call Stephen G. Rodriguez at (213) 223-2173.