The technological advancements we have made in the last few years have opened doors to new opportunitites. But, this means opening doors to criminal activity as well. Because all of our information is on the internet, identity theft has become increasingly popular. Identity theft can severely impact the victim and leave someone struggling in many ways. As a result, the crime is taken very seriously in New York. Read on to learn more about identity theft and what the charges may include.
What Constitutes Identity Theft?
A lot of different actions can be considered identity theft. The following are a few examples of identity theft in New York:
- False personation: Misrepresenting one’s own name, date of birth, or address in an attempt to escape the law.
- Criminal impersonation: Pretending to be a police officer or other law enforcement personnel.
- Unlawful Possession of Personal Identification: Being in unlawful possession of another person’s identifying information.
- Unlawful Possession of Skimmer Device: A skimmer device is used to obtain the information stored on credit cards.
- Scheme to Defraud: Planning to defraud someone. This may include misrepresenting yourself or a business over the phone or through email.
What Are the Penalties For Identity Theft in New York?
Identity theft is a serious crime and it can come with heavy penalties. The penalties you face are dependent upon a few different factors. For example, how much money you steal, who you steal from, prior offenses, and more.
- Third Degree Identity Theft: This is a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to 1 year in prison and a fine of up to $1,000, or up to double the value of the property subject to the crime.
- Second Degree Identity Theft: This is a Class E felony punishable by up to 4 years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000, or up to double the value of the defendant’s gain from the crime.
- First Degree Identity Theft / Aggravated Identity Theft: These are Class D felonies punishable by up to 7 years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000, or up to double the value of the defendant’s gain from the crime.
If you or a loved one has been accused of identity theft in New York, contact our law firm today to discuss your case. We will explore all possible legal avenues and defenses.
Contact our Firm
Criminal matters can change the course of your life forever. This is why you need an experienced attorney who will aggressively combat your charges to help mitigate their long-term effects. If you are in need of experienced legal counsel for a criminal defense matter on Long Island or throughout New York State, please contact Grunwald & Seman, P.C. to schedule a consultation. We would be happy to assist you.
