West Palm Beach Identity Theft Attorney David W. Olson
According to data provided by the Bureau of Justice Statistics, there were more than 16 million identity theft victims in the U.S. in 2012. According to a study by the Federal Trade Commission, Florida led the nation with more than 37,000 identity theft consumer complaints. And South Florida – specifically, the West Palm Beach, Ft. Lauderdale and Miami metro areas – “ranked first in 2013 amongst the top 50 largest metro areas….” 1
A conviction for identity theft can potentially result in years in prison and exorbitant fines and may be prosecuted at both the state and federal levels. In many instances identity theft victims have actually been accused of the very crimes of which they have been a victim. If you were charged with identity theft it is advisable to contact an experienced identity theft attorney immediately to protect your rights and your freedom. Attorney David Olson offers a complimentary consultation to discuss your case.
What Type of Information is Stolen and Used in Identity Theft Offenses?
The Department of Justice (DOJ) explains that identity theft and identity fraud are terms used to describe all crimes in which one party illegally obtains and uses another party’s personal identity and data – usually for the purpose of economic gain. These may include:
- Social security numbers
- Bank accounts
- Credit card numbers
- PIN numbers
- Cellphone, business and home phone numbers
- Computer, hard drive data
- Physical addresses
- Email addresses
- Financial information such as stock and trading accounts
- Insurance records – health, home, auto, business, other
- Medical records
- Birth and death records
- College and scholastic transcripts
- Professional organizations and memberships
- Financial documents, court records
If you were charged with an identity theft offense or are presently under investigation for one, it is advisable to consult with an experienced attorney immediately. Early intervention will allow your attorney to guide your case toward the most favorable outcome possible. As well, early intervention has resulted in suppression of evidence and again, favorable outcomes.
Examples of Florida Identity Theft Laws
There are many statutes that may apply in identity theft cases. Here are a few under Chapter 817:
- 817.02 Obtaining property by false personation.—Whoever falsely personates or represents another, and in such assumed character receives any property intended to be delivered to the party so personated, with intent to convert the same to his or her own use, shall be punished as if he or she had been convicted of larceny.
- 817.03 Making false statement to obtain property or credit.—Any person who shall make or cause to be made any false statement, in writing, relating to his or her financial condition, assets or liabilities, or relating to the financial condition, assets or liabilities of any firm or corporation in which such person has a financial interest, or for whom he or she is acting, with a fraudulent intent of obtaining credit, goods, money or other property, and shall by such false statement obtain credit, goods, money or other property, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.
- 817.025 Home or private business invasion by false personation; penalties.—A person who obtains access to a home or private business by false personation or representation, with the intent to commit a felony, commits a felony of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084. If such act results in serious injury or death, it is a felony of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082, s. 775.083, or s. 775.084.
- 817.5685 Unlawful possession of the personal identification information of another person.— (1) As used in this section, the term “personal identification information” means a person’s social security number, official state-issued or United States-issued driver license or identification number, alien registration number, government passport number, employer or taxpayer identification number, Medicaid or food assistance account number, bank account number, credit or debit card number, and medical records.
Law Offices of David W. Olson, Identity Theft Attorney Serving West Palm Beach and South Florida
If you were charged with identity theft, it is crucial to contact an experienced identity theft lawyer to protect your rights, your freedom and your reputation. For more than 30 years, Attorney David Olson has been representing clients charged with serious felonies and misdemeanors, including identity theft, credit card theft, internet offenses, false personation, drug offenses, DUI, white collar crimes, domestic violence and other crimes.
Attorney Olson has received accolades from his peers as well as the legal community:
- Recipient of the Martindale Hubbell AV Preeminent Peer Review rating, with a perfect 5.0 out of 5.0 for high ethical standards and legal ability;
- Top 1% – The National Association of Distinguished Counsel (its highest honor);
- Top 100 Trial Lawyers – National Trial Lawyers
Complimentary Case Review
If you were charged with an identity theft offense or are presently under investigation for one, or are aware of an impending investigation, early intervention by your attorney is always preferred. This will allow your attorney to immediately handle and guide the case. Early intervention has resulted in dismissals, reduced charges, favorable plea bargains and alternatives to incarceration and heavy fines. Of course, every case is unique and outcomes depend on the entirety of the circumstances.
Attorney Olson serves clients in West Palm Beach, Palm Beach County, Broward County, Miami-Dade County, South Florida and elsewhere throughout the state. Attorney Olson offers a free, complimentary case review, which can be scheduled by calling 561-833-8866.
Source
http://www.bjs.gov/index.cfm?ty=pbdetail&iid=4911
Florida Statutes, Chapter 817 (2014)
