If you’re like most Americans, you value your privacy and the importance of keeping your information secure. As such, if you have been charged with identity theft in Oklahoma, it can be incredibly jarring. Regardless, the most important things you can do are familiarize yourself with the charges against you and connect with an Oklahoma City felony defense lawyer to help you explore your options for identity theft accusations. Keep reading, as the following blog explores this crime in further detail.
What Penalties Can I Face for Identity Theft Charges in Oklahoma?
Generally, anytime you access and utilize someone’s personal information for your own personal gain without their consent, it can constitute identity theft. This often refers to using someone’s name, date of birth, and Social Security number, for example, to open an account or take out loans, so the victim may be left with the bill and destroyed credit. However, using someone else’s credit card without permission, filing a tax return using their information, or even using their medical insurance to obtain care can also constitute identity theft. In addition, it is a crime to access, use, buy, sell, transfer, or alert someone’s identity.
If you are charged with identity theft, the penalties you can face if you are convicted can be intense. Because identity theft is considered a heinous privacy violation, you will be charged with a felony offense. Often, this carries a minimum of one year in prison, but the potential for up to five years.
You should also note that you may face a lawsuit from the victim for the damages you inflicted. This can include the financial damages they sustained as a result, as well as any emotional damages they can claim.
What Defenses Might I Be Able to Utilize for These Charges?
Identity theft may seem difficult to defend against, but there are options you may be able to utilize based on your circumstances. One common defense is that you are also a victim, as the real identity thief may have used your name and details to commit the fraud. As such, they may have used you to cover their trail when stealing the information from the other victim. Unfortunately, identity thieves are often incredibly sophisticated hackers and have the ability to cover their tracks, leaving you a victim in their wake.
Another option that may work for your circumstances is to claim that the person gave you permission to use their card to make a purchase on their behalf. However, this can be challenging to prove as it may be your word against theirs.
Identity theft is a serious crime with intense and harsh penalties. As such, it is in your best interest to connect with an attorney from the Jones Firm, PLLC, to discuss your legal options. Our team understands how overwhelming these matters can be to navigate, which is why we are committed to fighting for you. Contact us today to learn more.
