Identity Theft And Legal Consequences
We all live in a time of progressive technologies as well as various innovative solutions. We are constantly using all sorts of devices, gadgets and gizmos that significantly alleviate our day to day living. People these days are used to all the technological advancements and cannot imagine life without them. Although technology is mostly invaluable, it can turn into our enemy very quickly. Even the most sophisticated technological achievements have their flaws and some people are more than willing to use these flaws.
During the past decades, the number of identity theft cases has raised significantly, so more and more people from all over the world fall as victims to this type of crimes. Hackers and even common thieves already have entire schemes that allow them to use other’s credit cards and other personal data that permits to acquire products or services without the owner’s consent. Still, the law enforcement agencies try to fight with this type of crimes, but it is much easier said than done, since most identity thieves are well used to working anonymously and keeping their own information hidden. Furthermore, some people get framed or find themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time and are charged with identity theft without any actual reasons. If that is the case and you are also a suspect in a current identity theft investigation, it is important not to lose any more time and get in touch with a skillful and experienced attorney, who had to deal with such cases before.
It is also important to understand that the legal penalties for identity theft can be quite harsh. Of course, if the thieve used a card in order to simply buy some cheap clothing that was only worth a couple of hundred dollars, the case will be considered a misdemeanor. However, if the thief used a card or has stolen some personal information to get something that is worth more than $400, the case will be considered a felony and the legal punishment will be induced accordingly. Furthermore, the punishment also depends on how the data was stolen. The more sophisticated the act was (hacking into computers, stalking the person and so on), the more severe the legal punishment is going to be.
As we have already mentioned before, wrong people are often caught in the identity theft cases and if you are one of those people, it is crucial to consult a skillful Los Angeles criminal attorney, who has the expertise and the skills that will allow you to avoid any harsh punishment and will prove that you are not guilty. Therefore, in case you were charged with identity theft and do not know what to do, do not forget that only a qualified theft lawyer will be capable of crafting an adequate defense strategy that will defend your legal rights and will prove your innocence in the court of law.
In conclusion, you need to realize that being accused of identity theft is no joke and you could be facing incarceration along with expensive fines, so make sure to hire an attorney and do not stick with the public defender, since these guys have their hands full most of the time with other important cases and will not be able to focus on yours. Hence, contact a privet Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer; let him review your case and all the available evidence. Make an informed decision afterwards, in line with all the results from the free consultation and you will never regret it.