Identity Theft Defense Attorney in Los Angeles, CA Offering Experienced Defense Strategies in Los Angeles County, Orange County, Ventura County, and Throughout Southern California
Allegations of stealing someone’s identity can impact you for a lifetime. If you’ve been charged with a federal offense of identity theft, you need to develop a compelling argument in your defense. Otherwise, you could be facing a lengthy prison sentence, fines high enough to pose serious financial hardships, and other repercussions that impact you now and in the future. Retaining a knowledgeable Los Angeles identity theft lawyer who is committed to defending against federal charges offers you the greatest hope for minimizing the consequences of this legal issue.
At The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney, a team of experienced attorneys stands up for the accused, fighting federal charges of all forms of identity theft. We’re here to guide you through the criminal justice process, starting with a free, confidential consultation. To find out what a dedicated identity theft defense attorney in Los Angeles, CA, can do for you, contact us today.
Types of Federal Identity Theft Crimes Commonly Filed in California
Identity theft refers to using someone else’s personal identifying information without permission or authorization for financial gain or to facilitate criminal activities of other kinds. Section 1028 of Title 18 of the United States Code establishes the following conduct as federal identity fraud offenses.
- Producing a false identification document or authentication feature
- Knowingly transferring to someone else a false identification document or a feature or document that was stolen or produced without authorization
- Possessing false or stolen identification documents or authentication features with the intent to use them unlawfully or to unlawfully transfer them to someone else
- Possessing false, unlawfully issued, or stolen identification documents or authentication features with the intent to use these documents to defraud the United States
- Possessing, producing, or transferring document-making implements to be used in producing false identification documents or authentication features
- Possessing false, stolen, or unlawfully produced identification documents or authentication features in connection with a special event of national significance to the United States
- Possessing, transferring, or using someone else’s identification documents with the intent to commit a felony offense or to aid and abet others in committing such a crime
- Trafficking authentication features for the purpose of using such features in false identification documents or document-making implements
The means of identification covered under this statute include (but are not limited to) an individual’s:
- Name
- Date of birth
- Social Security number
- Taxpayer identification number
- Employer identification number
- Government-issued driver’s license number
- Government-issued identification number
- Government-issued passport number
- Alien registration number
- Fingerprint
- Voice print
- Iris or retina image
- Biometric data of other kinds used for identification
- Unique electronic identification number, routing code, or address
- Telecommunication identifying information
- Telecommunication access devices, such as electronic serial numbers, mobile identification numbers, personal identification numbers, and other devices used to obtain account access
Generally, for conduct to violate this statute, it must be knowing and intentional.
Aggravated Identity Theft Charges
Some acts of federal identity theft are more serious offenses than others. Section 1028A of Title 18 of the United States Code establishes the federal crime of aggravated identity theft.
The general offense of aggravated identity theft occurs in situations in which the possession, use, or transfer of another person’s means of identification without authorization occurs during certain types of felony violations or for purposes related to such a violation. The violations covered under this statute include:
- Fraud of any kind, such as mail fraud, wire fraud, and bank fraud
- Theft of public money
- Embezzlement
- False statements on firearm applications
- False personation of citizenship, counterfeit alien registration cards, or unlawful procurement or misuse of citizenship papers, passports, and visas
- Obtaining customer information through false pretenses
Additionally, identity theft can constitute an aggravated violation if it involves acts of terrorism. Examples of such acts include violence at international airports, destruction of aircraft, bombing of government property or property used in interstate commerce, attempted or actual kidnapping or assassination of government representatives or officers, destruction of communication lines or systems, destruction of utilities, or the use of biological, chemical, or nuclear weapons.
Fraud Charges Filed in Conjunction With Federal Identity Theft Offenses
Depending on the specifics of the charges against you, you could be facing further accusations in connection with the alleged identity theft. If the act you’re accused of carrying out involved financial gain through using someone else’s credit card information or bank account data, you might be charged with violations of Section 1029 of Title 18 of the United States Code (credit card fraud) or Section 1344 of Title 18 of the United States Code (financial institution fraud).
Use of computers in alleged identity theft offenses can lead to federal charges of violating Section 1030 of Title 18 of the United States Code, which pertains to computer fraud. If any aspect of the alleged crime involved the use of the postal service, you could be charged with mail fraud under Section 1341 of Title 18 of the United States Code. Other methods of committing identity theft may be addressed under Section 1343 of Title 18 of the United States Code, which covers all forms of fraud that make use of wire, radio, or television communications.
Penalties for Federal Identity Theft Convictions
Identity theft is a significant offense in and of itself, particularly at the federal level, and it’s not uncommon to face additional charges involving fraud, as well. You need a Los Angeles identity theft lawyer who understands your case from all angles and is ready to address all of the challenges.
Federal identity theft charges can lead to years-long prison sentences. For the federal crime of identity theft in the absence of aggravating factors, you can be sentenced to a prison term of up to 15 years, 20 years (for identity theft associated with violence or drug trafficking), or even 30 years (for identity theft that involves acts of domestic or international terrorism.
Even less severe violations of this statute could send up to prison for up to five years, and the least serious offenses under this federal law that prohibits identification document fraud are punishable by up to one year in prison.
For aggravated identity theft, you’re facing two additional years on top of the penalty imposed for the felony crime out of which these charges arose. In the case of aggravated identity theft pertaining to a terrorism offense, the additional penalty amounts to five years.
Further, fines imposed for federal crimes are steep, amounting to up to $250,000 under Section 3571 of Title 18 of the United States Code and potentially more in certain instances, such as those involving bank fraud.
How to Beat Identity Theft Charges in California
With so much on the line, you can’t simply hope to get off with a light sentence. You need to fight back against the charges through a strong and strategic defense. At The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney, our team works tirelessly to secure our clients the most favorable legal resolutions possible in their unique situations. Depending on the facts of your case, we may be able to help you:
- Identify evidence against you that was improperly or unlawfully obtained and submit motions to have that information suppressed
- Advocate for the dismissal of charges based on weak or insufficient evidence
- Negotiate a plea deal that involves downgraded charges and less serious penalties
- Fight for you in court to seek a not-guilty trial verdict by presenting the strongest possible case and highlighting weaknesses in the prosecutor’s arguments
- Introduce mitigating circumstances in sentencing proceedings and advocate for less harsh penalties
There are numerous potential defenses against charges of identity theft, from false allegations and mistaken identity to lack of intent to commit fraud or any other criminal act. Through a thorough evaluation of the facts of your situation, including the procedures followed in law enforcement’s investigation and your arrest, we can identify all of the factors that could potentially be used to strengthen your defense.
The Benefits of Retaining an Experienced Identity Theft Defense Attorney in Los Angeles, CA
If you choose to face the legal process alone, you could wind up making big mistakes that undermine your defense. You might be inclined to try to explain the situation to law enforcement—but your attempts at clarifying what happened could be used against you. A federal prosecutor may convince you that a plea deal is your only option for avoiding the harshest possible prison sentence, persuading you to accept terms that aren’t beneficial to you.
The legal counsel you choose matters. Leaving your case up to an overburdened public defender means missing out on the dedicated guidance and extensive professional resources of an experienced federal criminal defense firm. Opting for an attorney whose experience is limited to state-level cases leaves you without the significant advantages that are crucial when facing charges in federal court.
With a legal team experienced in defending clients in serious matters of federal offenses, you can rest assured that every aspect of your case is in capable hands—from investigation and gathering of evidence to the development of a personalized legal strategy and representation in court.
How The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney Can Help
Our firm recognizes the importance of your legal strategy and how critical it is that your defense aligns perfectly with the specific facts of your unique situation.
We begin each case with an initial analysis of the facts. From there, we investigate your situation, including the allegations against you, the prosecution’s evidence, the circumstances of your arrest, and all possible evidence in your favor. Our team gathers evidence to support your case, considers strengths and weaknesses in your case and the case against you, and begins formulating the most effective defense strategy possible.
Throughout the legal process, we’re a consistent advocate for our clients. We’re here to answer all of your questions, guide you through the legal process with as much confidence as possible, and stand beside you in all proceedings, fighting for your rights.
Why Choose The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney as Your Los Angeles Identity Theft Lawyer?
At The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney, you’ll find a Los Angeles identity theft lawyer dedicated to your defense. We’re known throughout Southern California for our extensive legal knowledge, our commitment to crafting personalized defense strategies, and our experience handling high-stakes and high-profile federal cases.
Comprehensive Knowledge of Federal and State Law
A thorough understanding of the nuances of legal language is essential for developing the strongest possible defense. With our firm’s in-depth knowledge of both state and federal law, we understand the intricacies of legal definitions, offenses, and penalties. We’re prepared to use the specific elements required to attain an identity theft conviction, legal technicalities, evidence-gathering procedures, and all other potentially relevant facts and statutes as we develop your defense strategy.
Customized Legal Strategies Based on Your Unique Situation
The best defense for your situation depends on the facts and evidence involved in your case. Our firm is known for constructing smart strategies against serious charges, and we determine the most promising path forward based on your specific circumstances: the strengths and weaknesses of your case and the prosecution’s arguments against you, your priorities, and the mitigating circumstances and evidence in your favor that we’re able to unearth through our investigations.
A History of Securing Favorable Results in High-Stakes, High-Profile Cases
A federal identity theft charge can attract attention, in addition to carrying the potential for harsh penalties. At The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney, we don’t shy away from handling high-profile cases and the challenges that can accompany them. We’re used to the pressure of high-stakes negotiations and courtroom showdowns, and we have a history—amounting to more than 100 years of combined legal practice—of handling challenging cases with discretion and dedication.
Contact a Los Angeles Identity Theft Lawyer at The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney Today for a Free Consultation
You need to explore all options for your defense against federal identity theft charges, and that means bringing on the guidance and skill of experienced professionals. To ensure you have the chance to discuss your defense with a law firm known for providing personalized legal solutions, we offer free, confidential initial consultations.
For help from an identity theft defense attorney in Los Angeles, CA, contact The Law Offices of Christopher Chaney online or call 818-330-5198 today.
