Identity theft is a common crime. Both the offense and the consequences range vastly, but regardless, identity theft is taken seriously in New Jersey. If you have been accused of identity theft, you will want to retain the help of a skilled criminal defense attorney. Read on for more information regarding identity theft in New Jersey.
What Constitutes Identity Theft?
Many different offenses fall under the category of identity theft. Some of the most common examples of identity theft include:
- Impersonating or falsely assuming the identity of an individual in order to enrich yourself or defraud someone else.
- Pretending to represent a person or organization for your benefit or to defraud someone.
- Obtaining a person’s identifying information so you can assume that identity to:
- Attain some benefit or service
- Avoid payment of a debt or other legal obligation
- Avoid prosecution for a crime by using the victim’s identity.
What Are the Penalties of Identity Theft?
Identity theft has become more and more common as a result of technological advancements in recent years. As a result, New Jersey has some strict identity theft laws. If you are charged with identity theft, you may face the following:
- If the amount stolen is less than $500, there is only one victim, and it is the offender’s first offense, this is a fourth-degree crime. This can result in up to 18 months in prison and a fine of up to $10,000
- If the amount that was stolen is between $500 and $750,000, or there are two to four victims involved, this is a third-degree crime, potentially resulting in three to five years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000.
- If more than $75,000 are stolen or there are five or more victims, this level of theft is considered a second-degree crime, leading to five to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $150,000.
If you or a loved one has been charged with identity theft, contact our firm today to speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney. We will explore all possible legal options and defenses.
Contact our Firm
If you are facing criminal charges in New Jersey, you need strong legal defense. Contact the Law Office of Carl Spector for dedicated representation. With over 30 years of experience as both a prosecutor and criminal defense attorney, he offers a unique perspective on how both sides think, and how to best approach each aspect of the case. When your future is on the line, don’t settle for less than the best possible legal representation. Contact an experienced New Jersey criminal defense attorney who will aggressively fight for you. Call today for a free confidential consultation. Let our experience work for you.