Identity theft may not seem like a crime as serious as robbery or theft, however, this crime has become an increasingly prominent issue within the United States and is taken very seriously by the criminal justice system. If you have been charged with identity theft in San Antonio, Texas, you may be facing serious legal repercussions that may, in turn, lead to issues in your everyday life in the future. To avoid being convicted of identity theft and facing serious penalties like fines or jail time, it is crucial that you retain the help of a San Antonio identity theft defense attorney as soon as possible to begin building your defense case. If you are suspected of committing any type of theft in San Antonio, it is crucial that you partner with a skilled criminal defense lawyer who will work diligently to protect your rights. When your freedom, future opportunities, and financial well-being are on the line, you can count on former Assistant District Attorney Sophia C. Martinez to construct a solid strategy to defend your case.
How Is Identity Theft Defined Under Texas State Law?
As the internet has made it increasingly easier for a person to hack into another’s account and steal their information, the crime of identity theft has been on the rise. According to Texas state law, identity theft occurs when a person obtains, possesses, transfers, or uses another individual’s identity without permission and with fraud as their intent. Besides personal identity information, this crime can include the following:
- Taking bank and credit card accounts
- Taking bank PINs
- Taking information regarding security question answers, such as mother’s maiden names and more
This crime is often committed with the purpose of using someone else’s identity to benefit financially and can negatively impact victims’ lives for years to come in regard to their financial situation and credit. If you have been accused of identity theft in San Antonio, you could be facing serious legal penalties. That is why it is crucial that you get the help of a trusted San Antonio identity theft defense lawyer. When you work with a San Antonio identity theft defense attorney like Sophia C. Martinez, she can help you go over what the best legal options are for your defense case.
What Legal Penalties Will You Face if Convicted of Identity Theft?
Being convicted of a crime can leave a person feeling as if the entire criminal justice system is against them. However, that is not the case. When you work with a trusted criminal defense lawyer, you will have someone on your team who is fighting for your rights and interests. Attorney Sophia C. Martinez has more than 25 years of experience helping clients who have been accused of crimes like identity theft.
It is crucial to have a strong defense case in order to avoid the potential penalties you may be faced with if convicted of the crime. The legal repercussions you may be facing if convicted of identity theft in San Antonio, Texas, are as follows:
- State jail felony: This type of sentence is punishable by as few as 180 days or as much as two years in prison. Additionally, you may face fines of up to $10,000.
- Third-degree felony: This sentence is punishable by a minimum of two years and a maximum of ten years in prison. You may also face a maximum fine of $10,000.
- Second-degree felony: If you are convicted of a second-degree felony for identity theft, this sentence is punishable by two to twenty years in prison. In addition to time in prison, you could be facing fines of up to $10,000.
- First-degree felony: This sentence is the most severe and is punishable by five to 99 years in prison with possible fines of up to $10,000.
In the state of Texas, charges and penalties are based on how many items of identity were obtained and used. Additionally, your arrest record may also be a determining factor in the severity of your sentence. In order to protect your rights and interests, Attorney Sophia C. Martinez will help you build a strong criminal defense case to help the possibility of the charges against you being minimized or dropped altogether.
Speak With a San Antonio Identity Theft Defense Lawyer as Soon as Possible
Attorney Sophia C. Martinez is a former Assistant District Attorney and is well-versed in defending people accused of identity theft in San Antonio and throughout the State of Texas. With more than 25 years of experience offering legal assistance to the accused during their fight for justice, Sophia Martinez Law is prepared to go to work for you.
To schedule a free evaluation of your identity theft case with Attorney Sophia C. Martinez, contact Sophia Martinez Law today by completing our contact form or calling (210) 226-3000. Phone lines are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We also speak Spanish.