Boulder Identity Theft Lawyer

Identity theft has become relatively easy to commit with the growth of the internet and the proliferation of ways to access people’s digital information. To help you avoid the worst consequences of an identity theft conviction, you need representation from a Boulder identity theft lawyer who understands the intricacies of state criminal law.

Mike Petrash from Petrash Law has extensive experience prosecuting identity theft, having served for more than eight years as a prosecutor. As a fraud defense attorney, he uses his experience and knowledge to provide advice and build strong defenses for individuals facing fraud charges, and he could do the same for you.

What Are the Grounds for an Identity Theft Indictment?

Under Colorado Revised Statutes § 18-5-902, you could face identity theft charges under a variety of circumstances. These include:

• Applying for a job using another person’s Social Security information
• Requesting or obtaining medical services with someone else’s personal health insurance
• Identifying yourself as someone else when an arresting officer places you under investigation
• Applying for a credit card or loan under another person’s name without their authorization to do so
• Stealing credit cards, social security numbers, or passports with the intent of selling them to third parties

Your attorney can help you understand the identity theft charges against you, what they mean under Boulder criminal law, and what kind of defense strategy you may have for your case.

How Do Law Enforcement Authorities Investigate Identity Theft?

To build a proper defense, it is important to know how a case will be built against you. Investigators collect many forms of evidence to help them build identity theft cases. This evidence can include:

• Financial account statements
• CCTV footage from cash machines
• Witness testimony from identity theft victims
• Electronic records from seized computers and phones
• Copies of email and text responses for requests to internet service providers and cell phone carriers

As with any other criminal charges, a prosecutor must prove the elements of an identity theft charge beyond a reasonable doubt to secure a conviction. Further, they must ensure that they gather all evidence in accordance with constitutional due process limitations.

In response to the personal data fraud charges, your Boulder defense attorney will scrutinize the prosecutor’s case to challenge the sufficiency of the evidence and the procedures used to obtain it.

What Are the Penalties for an Identity Theft Conviction?

State law classifies identity theft as a Class 4 felony. This means that the penalties for a conviction can include a prison sentence of between two and six years, and fines of up to $500,000. In addition, the court may require you to relinquish all profits you received through your identity fraud activities and pay damages to the victims.

An identity theft conviction may also impair your ability to procure employment, secure housing, and get approval for loans and credit long after the date of the conviction. An experienced Boulder criminal defense attorney could help you fight against the identity fraud charges and work to minimize the consequences of a conviction.

Contact an Attorney for Help With Identity Theft Charges in Boulder

Facing criminal charges for personal data fraud can be stressful, but seeking experienced legal representation could help alleviate some of your anxieties. A Boulder identity theft lawyer could explain the charges and their consequences, and help you build a strong defense strategy. To protect your rights and establish an optimum defense, contact Mike Petrash at Petrash Law today.