Identity Theft is a serious offense in Denver that involves using someone’s personal or financial information to make purchases. Using another person’s check or credit card to obtain anything of value can lead to significant consequences. When personal information is so easily accessible in our day and age, this particular offense is closer than one might think. Any accusations or charges of identity theft need the immediate attention of an experienced identity theft attorney.
What Qualifies as Identity Theft in Colorado?
C.R.S. 18-5-902 addresses the crime of identity theft throughout Colorado’s many counties. Someone commits this fraud offense when they:
(a) Knowingly use the personal identifying information, financial identifying information, or financial device of another without permission or lawful authority with the intent to obtain cash, credit, property, services, or any other thing of value or to make a financial payment;
(b) Knowingly possess the personal identifying information, financial identifying information, or financial device of another without permission or lawful authority, with the intent to use or to aid or permit some other person to use such information or device to obtain cash, credit, property, services, or any other thing of value or to make a financial payment;
(c) With the intent to defraud, falsely make, complete, alter, or utter a written instrument or financial device containing any personal identifying information or financial identifying information of another;
(d) Knowingly possess the personal identifying information or financial identifying information of another without permission or lawful authority to use in applying for or completing an application for a financial device or other extension of credit;
(e) Knowingly use or possess the personal identifying information of another without permission or lawful authority with the intent to obtain a government-issued document
Is Identity Theft a Felony in Denver?
Identity theft can be a class 4 felony in Denver, Aurora, and Lakewood. Potential consequences include 2 – 6 years in the Colorado Department of Corrections and fines of $2,000 – $500,000. However, penalties amplify if the defendant has a previous conviction of identity theft, a related offense, or for attempt, conspiracy, or solicitation to commit identity theft. Additionally, the prior offense doesn’t have to have occurred in Colorado for increased consequences to apply.
In cases where a defendant has another’s personal information or financial device in their possession intending to use it or uses another’s information to apply for a financial device, extension of credit, or government issued document, a class 2 misdemeanor applies. These types of cases can lead to:
- up to 120 days in county jail,
- fines of up to $750
Denver Identity Theft Attorney
Locating and hiring a skilled criminal defense attorney is essential in identity theft cases in Colorado. This is a complex offense that requires the expertise of a seasoned criminal lawyer from Sawyer Legal Group.
We have decades of experience successfully defending clients facing complicated felony charges and our results are second to none. Perhaps you used another’s information with their permission or you didn’t intend to defraud anyone. Nevertheless, contact our office for a free consultation with Denver’s best identity theft attorney.
Don’t talk to police about identity theft allegations – talk to us. 303-731-0719
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