Have You Been Accused of Identity Theft?

Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in the country. In 2009, there were more than 1 million victims of identity theft in the California alone, and others were falsely accused of the crime. If you, a friend or a loved one have been accused of taking someone's identity, call the experienced DUI and Criminal Defense Attorneys at Hoffman & Associates.

Identity theft occurs when someone uses the personal identifying information of another person, without the authorization of that person, for unlawful purposes. Given the increased use of technology in our daily lives, identity thieves have access to more personal information than ever before. When that information is used for monetary gain or counterfeit purposes, an identity theft crime has occurred.

Our skilled identity theft attorneys represent clients charged with identity theft offenses in a wide variety of contexts. We can help with charges of identity theft in connection with these and other circumstances:

• Obtaining false or counterfeit government documents, including drivers licenses, social security cards, and birth certificates.
• Acquiring someone’s personal information in order to obtain credit cards.
• Using someone’s personal information to access medical information.

Federal identity theft laws (Identity Theft Penalty Enhancement Act) were strengthened in 2008 and provide stiff penalties for conviction, including jail time. The new law allows federal courts to prosecute when the cybercriminal and the victim live in the same state. In cases where convicted identity thieves are ordered to pay restitution, the federal law now specifies the victim should get money "equal to the value of the time reasonably spent by the victim in an attempt to remediate the intended or actual harm incurred by the victim from the offense."

Legislative representatives in California are also working to increase penalties for individuals who commit crimes while using a stolen identity. Depending on the evidence and severity of the alleged offense, identity theft may currently be charged as a misdemeanor or felony in California.

Identity theft in connection with the commission of a felony carries the steepest penalties. Posing as another person for any fraudulent purpose may also lead to probation and substantial fines. Identity theft charges should not be ignored, but rather aggressively defended due to the severity of the penalties.

Any identity theft charge should be taken very seriously. To protect your rights, you must consult with an experienced attorney who will fight for your freedom. The identity theft lawyers at Hoffman & Associates thoroughly understand identity theft charges and will work diligently to defend your good record.

Our attorneys regularly appear in courts throughout the Los Angeles and San Diego area, as well as courts in the San Fernando Valley including Van Nuys, San Fernando, Glendale, Burbank, and Pasadena. To schedule a consultation to discuss the specifics of your identity theft case, contact either of our offices that is most convenient for you:

Hoffman & Associates – Los Angeles
(323) 655-2900