Identity Theft Lawyer in Delray Beach, FL
If you are charged with identity theft, then you need a focused defense. At McLaughlin Morris Law we are experienced in fighting identity theft charges at every level. Jeffrey L. Morris spent six years as a prosecutor in the Broward County State Attorney’s Office’s Economic Crimes Unit and understands these cases.
We represent clients charged with a variety of white-collar crimes and identity theft offenses such as credit card fraud, loan fraud, and tax-related identity theft charges throughout South Florida, including Palm Beach County, Broward County, and Miami-Dade County, FL.
With offices in Delray Beach and Miami, the criminal defense attorneys at McLaughlin Morris Law are here to provide you the best defense. Call today for a free consultation to discuss your case. We can begin your defense today.
Understanding the Consequences of ID Theft Convictions
If convicted, the penalties for identity theft charges will depend on the offense.
For a first degree felony, you could be sentenced to between 30 years to life in prison, and face a fine up to $10,000. Second-degree felonies carry sentences ranging up to 15 years in prison, along with a fine up to $10,000. A third-degree felony can result in a term up to five years imprisonment, and a fine up to $5,000.
A first-degree misdemeanor conviction could result in a jail sentence up to one year and a fine up to $1,000, whereas a second-degree misdemeanor can mean a jail sentence up to 60 days and a $500 fine.
Some identity theft charges carry mandatory minimum prison sentences. For instance, Criminal Use or Possession of Personal Identification Information carries a sentence of at least three years, if the scheme involved $5,000 or more or involved the information of 10 to 20 people. Additionally, you may be required to pay restitution to the victims.
Common Types of Identity Theft Charges in Florida
Florida law provides for a variety of different identity theft charges, including:
- Criminal Use or Possession of Personal Identification Information – Prohibits the fraudulent use or possession of another person’s personal identifying information without that person’s consent. Charges can range up to first degree felonies, depending on the amount prosecutors can prove the accused obtained through use of the information and how many people’s identification information was used. See Florida Statutes Annotated § 817.568(2).
- Use or Possession of a Deceased Person’s Personal Identification Information – Prohibits the fraudulent use or possession of a deceased person’s personal identification information. See Florida Statutes Annotated § 817.568(8).
- Obtaining Property by False Personation – Larceny includes falsely presenting yourself as another person, or in any way impersonating another person, to obtain property. The charge is either a felony or misdemeanor, depending on the value of the property taken. See Florida Statutes Annotated § 817.02.
- Criminal Use of Personal Identification Information to Harass – Using another person’s personal identifying information without consent in an attempt to harass that person is prohibited under the charge of “criminal use of personal identification information to harass,” which is a first-degree misdemeanor. See Florida Statutes Annotated § 817.568(4).
- Use of a Minor’s Personal Identification Information – Willfully and fraudulently using the personal identification information of a person under the age of 18 without that person’s permission, or the permission of the minor’s parent or legal guardian is a second-degree felony. See Florida Statutes Annotated § 817.568(6).
- Counterfeit or Fictitious Personal Identification Information – Using, or possessing with the intent to use, falsified or fictitious personal identification information for purposes of committing a fraud is a felony. See Florida Statutes § 817.568(9).
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From the very beginning they treated me with respect and listened to my concerns.
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