Identity Theft in Seattle

Our Seattle-based attorneys bring over 20 years of experience defending clients against identity theft charges in Western Washington. As a trusted legal resource for those facing these complex allegations, we have a strong reputation for achieving successful outcomes in identity theft cases, including reduced charges and full dismissals. With extensive experience in King County courts, we understand the nuances of Washington's identity theft laws. Our long-standing relationships with prosecutors, judges, and court personnel in King County give us valuable insight into how these cases are prosecuted locally.

In Seattle, identity theft charges are proven with digital evidence, financial records, or allegations involving unauthorized possession of personal information. Our defense attorneys know how to dissect this evidence, challenge its validity, and identify procedural errors such as unlawful searches or improper handling of data.

Whether the charges come from phishing scams, stolen payment information, or online fraud, we know how to build a solid defense. Our Seattle-based team has a proven history of success, always working to protect your rights, reduce penalties, and get a favorable outcome. Reach out to our office today for a free consultation. We're here to help.

Identity Theft Charges Our Seattle Lawyers Defend Against

Our Seattle defense attorneys have defended against the following identity theft charges in Western Washington courts:

• Identity Theft In The First Degree
• Identity Theft In The Second Degree
• Criminal Impersonation
• Unlawful Possession Of Payment Instruments
• Trafficking In Stolen Information
• Possession Of Another's Personal Identification
• Cybercrime And Phishing-Related Identity Theft

If you are facing charges for any of these crimes, call our Seattle identity theft defense legal team now.

What Are The Penalties For Identity Theft In Washington State?

The penalties for identity theft in Washington state include:

• Prison Time: Identity theft convictions can result in sentences ranging from up to 364 days for misdemeanor-related offenses to up to 10 years for Class B felonies.
• Fines: Fines can range from up to $1,000 for misdemeanors to up to $20,000 for Class B felonies.
• Restitution: King County Courts often require repayment to victims for the losses caused by the identity theft.
• Other Penalties: Community service, probation, and mandatory participation in financial education programs are possible penalties.

The severity of penalties for identity theft in Washington state depends on factors such as the financial loss involved, whether multiple victims were affected, and whether the offense was part of a broader criminal scheme.

How Does The King County Prosecution Prove Identity Theft?

To convict someone of identity theft in Washington state, the King County prosecution must prove certain elements beyond a reasonable doubt. Generally, they must establish the following:

• Personal Identifying Information: You knowingly possessed, used, or transferred another person's identifying information.
• Intent To Commit Fraud Or Other Crime: The King County prosecution must demonstrate that you intended to commit a crime using the stolen information, such as theft, fraud, or obtaining goods, services, or credit.
• Unauthorized Use: You did not have permission from the individual to use their identity.
• Resulting Harm Or Risk: For first-degree identity theft, the prosecution must show that the fraud caused a financial loss exceeding $1,500 or is in connection with another felony. For second-degree identity theft, harm or loss below $1,500 is sufficient.

If the prosecution cannot prove any of these legal elements beyond a reasonable doubt, the charges may not hold up in King County courts.

How To Fight Identity Theft Charges In King County

Defending against identity theft charges in King County requires a strategic and detail-oriented strategy. Our attorneys will take several approaches to your defense, including:

• Lack Of Intent To Defraud: You did not intend to deceive or defraud someone by using another person's information.
• Consent From The Alleged Victim: The individual whose identity was allegedly stolen consented to you using their personal information.
• Mistaken Identity: Law enforcement incorrectly identified the person who committed the identity theft, and you were not involved.
• No Knowledge Of Fraudulent Use: You had no knowledge that the personal information was being used fraudulently, such as unknowingly accepting stolen information.
• Invalidity Of The Information: The information allegedly used in the crime was not valid or not attributed to a legitimate person, meaning it wasn't truly someone else's identity.
• Lack Of Evidence: The prosecution failed to present sufficient evidence. They must prove you committed the offense beyond a reasonable doubt, including proving fraudulent use or intent. If they do not, we can argue the court should dismiss the evidence.
• Involuntary Actions: You may have been forced or pressured into committing identity theft, removing criminal intent.
• Mistaken Use: If you used someone else's personal information without knowing it was stolen, we can argue it was a mistake.

Contact our Seattle identity theft defense team for a free consultation to discuss your case. We'll find the most suitable strategies to protect your rights.

Seattle Lawyers Specializing In Identity Defense Protect Your Rights

Our Seattle attorneys have extensive experience handling identity theft cases across King County. Our work includes defending clients in the King County Superior Court, navigating identity theft charges stemming from investigations in tech-heavy hubs like South Lake Union, and challenging cases involving digital evidence or financial records. We have also assisted clients with cases arising from alleged incidents in busy neighborhoods like Capitol Hill or Ballard. We understand the unique challenges posed by cases involving online fraud, phishing schemes, or unauthorized use of payment instruments.

We know the Seattle community and the King County legal system. Our attorneys specializing in identity theft defense believe that every charge deserves to be challenged. We will explore every angle, every opportunity, and every possible defense to find a solution for your case. Call our experienced Seattle identity defense attorneys now for a free consultation.

Our Seattle Identity Theft Attorneys Will Protect Your Legal Rights

Identity theft in Seattle comes in many different forms. However, it doesn’t matter what kind of identity theft crime you are charged with, the prosecutor is going to do everything they can to punish you to the fullest extent of the law. It doesn’t matter if the overall amount of money involved is relatively small; these cases are aggressively prosecuted because of the nature of the offense.

Our Seattle identity theft lawyers understand how devastating a conviction can be in these cases. The court has little concern over the age of the accused or the circumstances involved, so it is vital that you talk to one of our legal professionals if you are facing formal charges.

Identity theft covers a wide array of Seattle offenses including many varieties of fraud, forgery, money laundering, identification theft, and check “kiting.” In cases of identity theft it is likely the prosecutor will focus on how the alleged actions of the defendant impacted the credit history of the victim, and then use this information to maximize the penalties.

One thing is certain; you need qualified Seattle identity theft attorneys on your side, doing everything the law allows to minimize the damage or seek to have your charges dismissed or reduced. This is important because the penalties for identity theft in Seattle are swift and severe, and will have lasting repercussions that could detrimentally affect you, your family, and your financial future.

Attorney Jason S. Newcombe is part of a team of legal professionals with over 30 years of combined experience handling complex identity theft cases all over Seattle State.

Our Seattle Identity Theft Lawyers Offer a Confidential Consultation

One of the most important actions anyone accused of identity theft can take is to contact an attorney as soon as possible. When you contact one of our Seattle identity theft attorneys they immediately gather police reports and conduct a thorough investigation of the facts. In this way, they protect your legal right from the outset of the case, setting up the foundation for an aggressive defense designed to have your charges dismissed or reduced.

When this is not possible our Seattle identity theft lawyers seek to mitigate the punishments you could be facing, so that you can get your life back in order. Getting started on an aggressive defense strategy early in the process is essential, because it ensures we are prepared if your identity theft case goes to trial while providing leverage to negotiate with the prosecutor. Also, you should always talk to a legal professional before talking to authorities about your criminal charges so as to prevent saying something that could be self incriminating.

Don’t let a Seattle identity theft charge adversely affect your life for years to come. Do everything you can to protect yourself, and contact one of our lawyers today for a private consultation.