Identity Theft in Denver
Colorado defines identity theft as knowingly using personal identifying information, financial identifying information, or the financial device of someone else without permission or legal authorization to obtain cash, credit, property, service, or any other thing of value or to make a financial payment.
When federal prosecutors are involved, identity theft is usually charged under 18 U.S.C. §1028, which makes it a crime to knowingly produce, transfer, or possess identification documents or authentication features without lawful authority, to produce, transfer, or possess false identification documents, or to produce, transfer, or possess document-making implements to create a false identification document.
Examples of Identity Theft
Identity theft is a pervasive problem in the United States, leading many to seek the expertise of a Denver internet crime lawyer. People frequently try to access someone else’s personal or financial information through unsecured networks or internet purchasing scams. Charges often involve allegations of:
- Stealing someone’s identity to make purchases using a credit card;
- Submitting fraudulent credit card applications;
- Using a counterfeit credit card or driver’s license; and
- Forging someone else’s signature to make a credit card purchase.
However, far too many people are falsely accused of identity theft. If you are under investigation or have been charged in Colorado, you need an experienced identity theft attorney who has successfully litigated these cases in state and federal court.
Additional Charges in Cases
People charged with identity theft often face additional criminal charges such as forgery, illegal possession of equipment, illegal use of interstate transportation, or fraud. An experienced identity theft attorney can evaluate your case, explain your options, and mount a vigorous defense.
What To Do If You Are Facing Charges
If you are under investigation or have been charged, do not consent to an interview or speak to law enforcement agents without first speaking with a lawyer. Understanding the legal definition of consent is crucial in such situations. Colorado identity theft attorney Kevin Cahill can guide you through your discussions with law enforcement agents, protect you from incriminating yourself, and negotiate with the prosecutor for lesser charges or even dismissal of the case against you.
Defenses to Charges of Identity Theft
Your specific defense will depend on the nature of the charges against you. Four of the most common defenses to charges are:
False accusations. Unfortunately, sometimes the government falsely accuses people of crimes, including the crime of identity theft. If you have been falsely accused, an experienced criminal defense lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation to explain the mistake and have the charges dismissed.
Authorized use. Consent is a powerful defense against charges of identity theft. In some cases, we may be able to claim that you had authorization to use the other person’s identifying information. If you had permission to use someone else’s personal or financial identifying information, you cannot be convicted of identity theft. To prove consent, we will present documents or testimony that shows you were given permission to use someone else’s personal or financial identifying information.
Lack of intent. In many cases, the circumstances surrounding a case of alleged identity theft are not clear enough to warrant a criminal charge. If you were in possession of someone else’s personal or financial identifying information but did not intend to use it to commit a crime, you cannot be convicted of identity theft.
Insufficient evidence. To convict someone of identity theft, the prosecutor must prove every element of the criminal offense, beyond a reasonable doubt. Identifying holes in the prosecutor’s theory of the case or a lack of evidence, even as to one element of the crime, can be enough to have the case dismissed, the charges reduced, or for the jury to return a verdict of Not Guilty.
Contact Our Identity Theft Attorney for Aggressive Criminal Defense
If you suspect you are under investigation for identity theft, contact the Law Office of Kevin Cahill today by calling (720) 548-2990. In many cases, we can help you avoid an indictment by working with the investigating agency to show them why you should not be charged.
If you have been charged with identity theft, a skilled identity theft attorney will analyze your case and build a compelling defense to minimize the likelihood of a conviction and the penalties you could face.
To schedule a consultation, contact the Law Office of Kevin Cahill today by calling (720) 548-2990 or completing the online contact form.
ATTORNEY KEVIN CAHILL
Denver Defense Lawyer Kevin Cahill never assumes that your case is a lost cause. He is a confident and fearless litigator who refuses to back down when he is fighting to protect the rights of his clients. Regardless of whether you are facing a felony or a misdemeanor, it is vital that you take the charges seriously and seek out legal representation as soon as possible so you can start building your defense. [ ATTORNEY BIO ]
