IDENTITY THEFT

Common Types of Identity Theft

In Florida, charges relating to identity theft span a wide array of crimes. These can include stealing the identity of an adult, minor, or deceased person–with different charges for various scenarios. Common crimes associated with identity theft include:

• Fraudulent use of debit and credit cards;
• Claiming to be someone else at the scene of a crime (criminal identity theft);
• Identity theft for prescription drugs or other medical purposes (medical identity theft);
• Internet fraud and cyber scams; and
• Check forgery.

People steal the identities of others for a variety of reasons, and these motives can alter charges and sentencing. Whether you have been accused of identity theft for financial or personal reasons, you will want to speak to your lawyer about your best possible legal strategy.

Common Penalties for Identity Theft

In regards to identity theft, Florida law calls for penalties spanning from minor misdemeanors to first degree felonies. The potential penalties in your case will depend upon the specific circumstances of the accusations against you. Any criminal use of someone else’s personal identification information will result in at least a third degree felony charge, for instance. Using personal identification to steal or obtain $50,000 or more is a first degree felony in Florida.

For felony identity theft charges, penalties can range from probation and restitution to large fines of up to $15,000 and prison terms of up to 40 years. Courts often try to make an example of identity theft defendants with stiff penalties, so it is important to have qualified legal representation.