Federal Identity Theft Charges Have Become Commonplace in the Eastern District of Michigan
Federal Identity Theft Crime in Michigan
“The thing with money is, it makes you do things you don’t want to do.”
Identity Theft Happens Daily in Michigan
Most Americans have found themselves victims of identity theft. It is a frustrating experience and has become a public issue. Because of this, the United States District Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan has made it a point to prosecute identity theft rings. Being federal criminal defense identity theft attorneys and having represented the ringleader of the biggest of these organizations, the Felony Lane Gang, we are very familiar with challenging the Government on these cases.
What Constitutes Identity Theft?
Identity theft is federally prohibited by 18 USC §1028, essentially makes it against the Federal Law to knowingly produce, transfers, or possesses with the intent to use unlawfully, a false document or other identification. This charge carries with it a possible maximum sentence of fifteen years in prison. In the event that the reasoning behind the identity theft was to facilitate a drug crime or in connection to a crime of violence, then the maximum goes up to twenty years. If terrorism is the reason for the identity theft, then the maximum is thirty years. In the event that the accused knowingly transfers, possesses, or uses, without lawful authority, another’s identity, then they face an additional mandatory two year consecutive sentence.
Defending Identity Theft Cases
Identity theft cases in Federal Court can be defended. In these types of cases, the first thing that a good lawyer will do is begin an extensive investigation. Second, as many of these cases revolve around electronic evidence such as phones, it is extremely important for a qualified phone examiner to review the phones to find exculpatory evidence to help with the defense. Then, filing motions and being aggressive all help in preparing for a successful trial defense. If you are interested in this type of strategy rather than the “hope for the best” strategy, call us today.