Pueblo, CO Identity Theft Lawyers
Identity theft is a serious crime and it carries harsh penalties. If you’re being questioned about identity theft or you or a loved one has been arrested, it’s a good idea to speak with a criminal defense attorney as soon as you can. At Anaya & Chadderdon, P.C., we are always here to assist you. If you have questions or need help with any criminal matters, contact us today for a free case consultation.
What Is Identity Theft
Under Colorado law, identity theft is illegal. The statute can be somewhat confusing, so if you need help understanding exactly what identity theft is, you should speak with a Pueblo criminal defense lawyer. Simply put, you can be charged with and convicted of identity theft if you fraudulently use someone else’s personal identifying information to obtain credit, take out a loan, open other types of accounts, obtain identification, or engage in any other activity that is unlawful. Identity theft must be done knowingly or you can’t be convicted of the crime.
What Is Personal Identifying Information?
This list isn’t exhaustive, but some examples of personal identifying information include the following:
- Social security number
- Passport number
- Student ID
- Military ID
- Credit card number
- Bank account number
- Passwords to online banking and other financial institutions
What Does Knowingly Mean?
In order for your behavior to be knowingly, you must be aware of your conduct. For example, if you fill out an application for a loan and accidentally use someone else’s social security number because you were off by one number, this would not be identity theft if it was truly an accident. However, if you know someone else’s social security number and purposely use their social security number on your loan application because you believe they’re more likely to be accepted than you are, this would be identity theft.
Penalties
In Colorado, identity theft is a class 4 felony. The potential consequences are between two and six years in prison and 3 years of mandatory parole, and a fine of between $2,000 and $500,000.
Prison Time Might Be Mandatory
In the following circumstances, there is a mandatory sentence of prison time for identity theft:
- You are convicted of identity theft, attempted identity theft, or conspiracy or solicitation to commit identity theft, AND
- You were previously convicted of identity theft or a related offense in Colorado, or you were convicted of an offense in any other state in the United States, or any other territory that is subject to the jurisdiction of the United States that would constitute identity theft if committed in Colorado.
In addition to a mandatory prison sentence, the maximum penalty also increases to 12 years.
Contact Anaya & Chadderdon, P.C. For Help With Identity Theft Charges
If you or a loved one has been charged with theft in Colorado, the police are questioning you, or you have any questions about identity theft or anything else related to criminal law, Anaya & Chadderdon, P.C. can help. Our firm is dedicated and experienced in handling all types of criminal matters. When you hire us, you’re hiring an identity theft attorney who cares as much about your case as you do. Call our law office today for a free case consultation.