West Chester

Identity Theft Lawyer

Identity theft can come in many forms, including applying for credit cards under someone else’s name, using someone else’s personal information to apply for government benefits, using another’s identity to apply for a loan or using someone else’s checks.

With all the possible ways to get in trouble for identity theft, there are also many ways to defend these charges as well. Reasons such as this are why it is of paramount importance to work with a white collar defense attorney who can advise you on how to approach the situation, while also defending your name.

If you or a loved one has is currently being charged with alleged identity theft in the southeastern Pennsylvania counties of Chester, Delaware, Lancaster or Montgomery then take the steps necessary to move on with your life by contacting the Skinner Law Firm.

Michael J. Skinner is an experienced and aggressive criminal defense attorney who is dedicated to providing excellent client service while making use of strong legal knowledge to develop an effective defense strategy for your personal situation. Call (610) 436-1410 to set up a free and confidential consultation to discuss the specifics of your case.

Identity Theft Under Pennsylvania Law

Pa. Cons. Stat. §4120 states that a person commits the offense of identity theft to another person if he possesses or uses, through and means, identifying information of another person without the consent of that other person to further any unlawful purpose.

The statute also specifies that each time a person possesses or uses identifying information, it constitutes a separate offense. However, the total values involved in offenses committed pursuant to one scheme or course of conduct, whether from the same victim or several victims, may be aggregated in determining the grade of the offense.

Identity Theft Penalties

As for the specific penalties for identity theft, they are broken down by total value. If the total value involved was less than $2,000, the offense is a misdemeanor of the first degree (Up to 5 years in prison and/or up to $10,000 in fines).

If the total value involved was $2,000 or more, the offense is a felony of the third degree (Up to 7 years in prison and/or up to $15,000 in fines).

Regardless of the total value involved, if the offense was committed in furtherance of a criminal conspiracy (Pa. Cons. Stat. §903), the offense is a felony of the third degree.

In addition, regardless of the total value involved, if the offense is a third or subsequent offense of identity theft, the offense is a felony of the second degree (Up to 10 years in prison and/or up to $25,000 in fines).

An Attorney To Fight Identity Theft

With all you have to lose in a case that involves identity theft, it would be in your best interest to hire a competent attorney to handle your case and make sure that everything is taken care of in an expedient and professional manner.

Contact the Skinner Law Firm at (610) 436-1410 or send an online message to schedule a risk-free and confidential consultation to discuss the specifics of your case with a committed and knowledgeable West Chester criminal defense attorney.

Michael J. Skinner proudly represents individuals accused of identity theft crimes in the southeastern Pennsylvania cities of Coatesville, Honey Brook, South Coatesville, Elverson, Brookhaven, Chester, Folcroft, Sharon Hill, Norwood, Elizabethtown, Columbia, Millersville, Adamstown, Pottstown, Telford, Trappe or Pennsburg, among many others.