Buffalo Grove, IL Identity Theft Attorney

Attentive Defense Lawyer Serving Clients Charged With Identity Theft in Lake County

Identity theft and identity fraud refer to crimes in which someone wrongfully obtains and uses another's personal data for economic gain, in a way that involves deception or fraud. In many cases, identity fraud may be tied to the related white collar crimes of mail fraud and credit card fraud. In many situations, a person is charged with illegally obtaining another's Social Security number or other personal information, then using that information to open accounts, secure a mortgage, or obtain credit cards in that person's name. Using another's personal information to access existing credit card accounts or bank accounts is also considered identity theft, as is using a false ID to provide another person's information to the police when arrested—and leaving an innocent person with a criminal record.

A thorough investigation must be undertaken in order to successfully defend you against your charges of identity theft. The Law Offices of Matthew R. Gebhardt, P.C. can help you with your charges. We want you to know that speaking to an experienced Buffalo Grove identity theft defense attorney at the earliest possible time can potentially protect and preserve your future. We will promptly obtain all records, determine how solid the evidence against you really is, then use this information in your defense. Whenever he can, Attorney Gebhardt will resolve the issues as soon as possible, in some cases even before charges have been filed against you. As a skilled negotiator and litigator, Matthew R. Gebhardt will defend your charges aggressively and thoroughly.

Charges for Identity Theft in Illinois

Whether you are facing state or federal identity theft charges, the sooner you enlist the aid of an experienced Buffalo Grove attorney, the sooner you can address the seriousness of your charges. The state of Illinois has several categories of identity theft charges, including identity theft, aggravated identity theft, and facilitating identity theft. If you are charged with aggravated identity theft, this means the crime was committed in furtherance of gang activity, against a person older than the age of 60, or against a disabled person.

Penalties for Charges of Identity Theft in Lake County

Under Illinois law, identity theft is a felony. As the value of the theft increases, the penalties will become more serious. At the low end, where the value of the money, credit, property or goods obtained is not more than $300, your crime could nevertheless be charged as a felony and you could face up to three years in the Illinois state penitentiary and be subject to a fine as large as $25,000.

Theft of goods, services, money, credit, or property valued at $301 or more can be charged as a Class 3, Class 2, or Class 1 felony and can carry prison sentences as short as one year or as long as 15 years in addition to fines up to $25,000. If you have a prior criminal history, you may be subject to more severe penalties.

Defending Against Identity Theft Allegations in Illinois

These charges often rely heavily on financial records, digital evidence, and witness statements, which can sometimes be misinterpreted or incomplete. A strong defense may involve challenging whether the person actually had the intent to defraud, questioning how the evidence was gathered, or showing that someone else was responsible for the conduct. Our attorney can review the details of the allegations to determine the best path forward for your case.

Meet With a Buffalo Grove, Illinois Identity Theft Defense Lawyer

Matthew R. Gebhardt understands the complexities associated with your charges of identity theft and will do everything in his power to minimize the consequences of those charges. Our criminal defense attorney worked as a prosecutor for five years and has over two decades of criminal defense experience. When your future and your reputation are at stake, contact our Buffalo Grove, IL identity theft defense attorney or call 847-239-4703 today for a free consultation with The Law Offices of Matthew R. Gebhardt, P.C.