Award Winning Attorneys Committed to Aggressively Protecting Your Freedom and Your Future
Police and prosecutors have focused their considerable resources on investigating and prosecuting individuals suspected of committing identity theft. The tough and tenacious Philadelphia identity theft attorneys at van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim know that taking on the government requires painstaking preparation and a client-focused commitment to excellence in order to win.
Assuming the identity of another person could subject you to severe punishment. Long prison sentences and hefty fines coupled with a criminal record are some of the consequences associated with an identity theft conviction, so it is essential that your defense strategy be up to the task of attacking the criminal charges lodged against you.
Identity Theft is a Complex Criminal Charge Requiring Astute and Innovative Defense Counsel Prepared to Take on The Challenge
A large segment of the population has been affected by identity theft. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, more than 16 million people fall victim to identity theft each year. Pennsylvania makes it a crime to possess the identifying information of another person and using it without that person’s consent to achieve an unlawful purpose. Prosecutors are allowed to file a separate criminal charge for each item of identifying information you use or for each time you use it. This means that you could be facing multiple charges subjecting you to prison sentences and other penalties.
Tenacious Representation When You are Threatened With Years Behind Bars
Michael T. van der Veen and the criminal defense attorneys in his office have won the respect of judges and members of the legal community for their unsurpassed devotion to achieving the best possible result for their clients. This is who you want standing with you in court when facing felony and misdemeanor identity theft charges. The severity of the charges and the penalties that judges may impose at sentencing depend upon factors such as the value of the property taken and the age of the victim as follows:
- Property valued at less than $2,000: The charge is a misdemeanor in the first degree, punishable by up to five years in prison and fines up to $10,000.
- Property valued at $2,000 or more: The charge is a felony of the third degree punishable by up to seven years in prison.
- Criminal conspiracy: Identity theft that is committed as part of a criminal conspiracy may be prosecuted as a felony in the third degree.
- Elderly victims: If the victim of the identity theft is 60 years of age or older, the crime is elevated by one degree, so a misdemeanor in the first degree would become a felony in the third degree.
Besides sentencing you to serve a prison sentence and pay a fine, a judge may also order you to pay restitution to the victim. Restitution may include legal fees and other expenses incurred by a victim to repair or correct the damage done to the person’s credit record.
Put an Award Winning Legal Advocate to Work for You
At the Philadelphia Law Offices of van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim, our compassionate and client-oriented Philadelphia identity theft attorneys understand that facing criminal charges for identity theft is stressful for you and your family. We make ourselves accessible to answer your questions and address your concerns at all stages of the proceedings from our first meeting until the case is concluded. Contact us today to schedule a free initial consultation by calling us at (215) 486-0123 or by reaching out to us through our website.
