The number of cases of identity theft in California is increasing day by day, and it has become a prevalent crime in this age of Information Technology. However, the technicalities in such cases also make them one of the toughest cases to defend. Many of the defendants of identity theft cases are falsely accused based on mistaken identity, misunderstanding, or personal revenge. These defendants can lose the case and face incarceration if they do not have aggressive defense legal representation. This is why we are here to help our clients. Even in the technical and complex cases of identity theft, we have an exceptionally high success rate and most of our clients walk out of the courtroom without any prison time. With our expert skills in technical matters along with a strong grip of Californian laws, we are able to present your side of the story in the court and make it heard.
The cases of identity theft are charged under California’s Penal Code 530.5 which makes it illegal to obtain someone else’s personal information and use this information to access money, property, goods, services, or medical treatment without the knowledge of the other person. Under this statute, the information can be anything from personal information, social security number, credit card, bank account details, healthcare card, reward cards or anything related to this. Any person who willfully accesses the information and misuses it for personal gains violates the law.
For example, you have access to your spouse’s visa card, and you use it with his or her consent. After a fight, your spouse asks you to return the card, but you continue to use the card without his or her knowledge, you can be charged with identity theft even though you acquired it with consent. Or you found a wallet dropped in the San Francisco city, you pick it up and use the credit card to purchase grocery, you can be charged with identity theft. Or, for example, you have access to social security numbers of 100 clients in your office, you use this information and file tax returns on their names, receiving refunds, you have violated PC 530.5 and can be punished under the law. This law is comprehensive and criminalizes a range of activities such as taking loans from the bank on someone else’s name or getting utilities installed in someone else’s name without having any authority to do so.
If you or your loved one is stuck in a case of identity theft, it is time to seek assistance. Call now at (800) 755-5174 and get a free consultation.