Using someone’s personal information or their credit card to pay for goods or something of value can be considered identity theft in Denver, Cherry Creek, and Montbello. If you either don’t have permission or lack authority, using another’s info or credit / debit card may result in serious criminal charges. This can also apply to using another person’s info to apply for credit or another type of financial device. If law enforcement believes you’ve taken these steps with the intent to defraud, your future is at stake. Contacting a Denver identity theft lawyer early on has many benefits and needs to be your next step if facing allegations.
Denver ID Theft Law
Denver County’s identity theft law prohibits specific acts using information to defraud another. CRS 18-5-902 defines identity theft throughout Colorado. Charges will be pursued if police believe you:
- knowingly used or possessed,
- another’s personal or financial identifying information or their financial device,
- without permission or lawful authority,
- to obtain cash, credit, property, services, something of value, to make a payment, or to apply for a financial device, extension of credit, or government document
Personal identifying information includes things like a name, date of birth, social security number, driver’s license or ID card, passport, or an employer or student ID number. Financial identifying information refers to a credit card number, bank card or checking account number, EFT number, or even a routing number.
How Bad is Identity Theft in Denver?
Each ID theft case in Colorado is different. The facts and details of the situation can impact sentencing. Those accused of identity theft in Denver, Adams, and Jefferson County face the penalties of a class 4 felony. A conviction in these cases can lead to:
- a prison sentence of 2 – 6 years,
- 3 years of parole,
- fines of $2K – $500K,
- restitution
A felony such as identity theft on your record can significantly hinder your ability to find / maintain adequate employment and apply for housing, loans, or credit.
Denver’s Top Identity Theft Lawyer
In cases as serious as identity theft, finding the top lawyer is critical to your future. The criminal defense attorneys at Sawyer Legal Group have successfully handled thousands of cases throughout Denver, Thornton, Aurora, Lakewood, Arvada, Commerce City, and Westminster. Our reviews speak for themselves.
Perhaps you didn’t knowingly use identifying information to defraud, you had permission to use the financial device, or there are holes in the prosecution’s case. Nevertheless, contact our office for a free, confidential consultation with a strategic criminal lawyer. We will thoroughly analyze your case, answer your questions, and recommend next steps in your defense. We offer same-day jail visits, affordable fees, and flexible payment plans for those accused of identity theft throughout Colorado.
Don’t talk to the police about ID theft – talk to us. 303-731-0719
Photo by Pixabay