Criminal Defense: Identity Theft
Identity Theft, Theft, and Fraud
Identity Theft is sometimes accomplished on the internet and other times accomplished through mail theft and bank fraud. This is an area where law enforcement has been concentrating a growing amount of their resources over the past several years, since technology has made areas of money transfer that were once known only inside the banking industry to so many more average individuals through on-line banking and internet pay pal accounts. These cases are usually prosecuted by special units in either the Office of the District Attorney or the U.S. Attorney in federal cases.
More simple types of theft can involve simply stealing goods worth over $400—grand theft, or less than $400, petty theft. In both of these types of crimes, the clients are often average people who have made a mistake, either out of financial need, or sometimes out of other life problems, such as gambling, substance abuse, or even depression. I have successfully worked in many of these cases, when filed as a misdemeanor to reach dismissals if the property has been returned and the victim no longer wishes to prosecute. When that has not been possible, I have been able to get charges reduced upon showing the prosecutor the positive things my client has done in the community, made restitution, and usually get charges reduced, assuming no past record. If the problem can be tied to a specific issue such as a mental health problem, gambling, or substance abuse, I direct my client to get help for these underlying issues and present this information to the prosecutor, again usually resulting in reduced charges, or a lesser or no jail sentence.
My 25 years of experience as a San Jose criminal defense attorney has allowed me to understand and defend complicated identity theft, fraud, or embezzlement cases, which are often daunting to those without experience because of the volume of paperwork and transactions involved.
For more information on identity theft charges and defense please contact San Jose Criminal Defense Attorney Maureen Baldwin today.
