Identity Theft Defense Lawyer in Dallas

Being accused of stealing someone's identity in Dallas?

Identity theft refers to various types of crime in which someone wrongfully obtains and uses another person's personal information in some way that involves fraudulent or deceptive practices, typically for economic gain. Unlike a person's fingerprints, which are unique and cannot be stolen, someone's personal data, especially their Social Security number, or bank account or credit card number, and other valuable identifying data can be used for personal gain.

A lot of people do not realize how easy it is for others to obtain their personal data without having to break into their homes. People can obtain personal information by going through garbage cans or trash bins to obtain credit card or bank statements or voided checks with routing numbers. Such records make it easy for people to gain control over accounts and assume someone else's identity.

The Internet has become a vehicle for illegally obtaining identifying data such as passwords and banking information.

Once enough identifying information is obtained, a person can take over another individual's identity to conduct a wide range of crimes including:

• False loan applications
• Credit card applications
• Fraudulent use of calling cards
• Obtaining government benefits
• Opening fraudulent bank accounts

Texas Penal Code

Identity theft is criminalized under both state and federal law. While each state has its own statutes regarding identity theft, in Texas identity theft is covered under the Identity Theft Enforcement and Protection Act, which authorizes the attorney general to bring an action to recover civil penalties ranging from $2,000 to $50,000 for each violation.

Under the Texas Penal Code, identity theft is spelled out under Section 32.51. Fraudulent Use or Possession of Identifying Information. Under §32.51, a person commits an offense if the person, with the intent to harm or defraud another, obtains, possesses, transfers or uses the identifying information of another person without their consent, or a child under the age of 18, or a deceased person.

An offense under §32.51 ranges from a state jail felony to a felony in the first degree depending on the number of items obtained, possessed, transferred, or used.

Contact a Dallas Theft Crime Lawyer

Are you searching for an attorney for an identity theft case in Dallas? The state of Texas and in more severe cases the federal government comes down hard on people charged with identity theft crimes. Depending on the nature of your charges, under Texas law, you could be facing anywhere from a $10,000 fine and 180 days in jail to life in prison. In any case, identity theft is prosecuted as a felony offense in Texas. When you are facing charges this serious in nature, you need an aggressive Dallas criminal defense attorney fighting for your rights and a favorable case outcome.