Identity theft affects millions of Americans each year. In fact, it is one of the fastest growing crimes in the country. Victims of identity theft may never recover from the damage caused thus resulting in heavy fines and lengthy sentencing.
What is identity theft?
Identity theft occurs when an individual fraudulently uses or attempts to use identification information of another person, intending to obtain credit, property, services or other benefit. Most people know that identification information includes name, address, date of birth, telephone number, social security number, etc. Additionally, identification information also includes military ID numbers, citizenship status numbers, student ID numbers, employee ID numbers – even genetic identification information.
You can be charged with identity theft even if you did not know the identification information belonged to someone else. For example, purchasing and using a social security number would still constitute identity theft. This is true even if you thought the number was made up rather than stolen because regardless, it is illegal to purchase social security numbers and you knew that when you obtained the number.
Not all instances of identity theft are as grand as stealing a social security number. Stealing your siblings ID to buy alcohol or get into a bar constitutes identity theft. Just because the older sibling may not be hurt or even affected by the misuse of their identification information does not make the use any less of a crime. Regardless of whether the crime is committed only for a drink or years of employment, a conviction would be a serious mark on your record.
Penalties
Identity theft is a class “C” felony if the value exceeds $10,000. Under Iowa code a class “C” felony for identity theft can result in up to 10 years in jail and a fine of up to $10,000. If the value is between $1,000 and $10,000, the violation is a class “D” felony. This can result in up to 5 years in jail and up to $7,500 in fines. Where the value is less than $1,000, the crime is considered an aggravated misdemeanor which could result in up to 2 years in jail and up to $6,250 in fines.
While identity theft is criminal, an offender may also face civil liability. Additionally, an individual may be charged with multiple crimes in connection to identity theft such as fraud or theft. These additional charges would add monetary penalties as well as lengthening any time behind bars. For further reading on fraud and theft generally, see the article “Types of Fraud and Theft Charges in Iowa Explained”.
In addition to criminal penalties, an individual accused of identity theft may face immigration consequences. Whether a conviction results in an aggravated misdemeanor or felony record, an immigrant could be deported as a result. Furthermore, if the identity was stolen and used in connection with obtaining entry into the United States, an individual may face a lifetime ban on admission to the country.
You need an attorney
Contact a skilled criminal defense attorney if you are facing identity theft charges. Ray Scheetz is an immigration and criminal defense attorney who has extensive experience with cases such as identity theft. It is a serious crime with serious consequences that you should not face unrepresented.
