Washington State is a large and diverse state in terms of environment, social, and economic demographics. As a centerpiece of the Pacific Northwest region, it offers unspoiled forests, Pacific Ocean access, rural living, and, of course, urban lifestyles for those who prefer bright lights and big cities. Consequently, a multitude of people live here in many different parts of the state.
Sadly, the reality of such a situation is that wherever you get a large group of people together, whether that is an idyllic small town or a major urban center, there will always be an element of crime. For some, the temptation to take what doesn’t belong to them results in simple theft, such as stealing from retail outlets or even breaking into homes. Others, however, may attempt a uniquely 21st-century type of crime, which is identity theft. In the past, the only way to steal another person’s belongings was to break and enter and then physically steal items, cash, or jewelry. In today’s digital world, however, the convenience of being able to make financial transactions online means stealing a person’s “identity” can be more lucrative instead, but this brings criminal charges.
For decades, our attorneys have handled legal cases all over Washington State, from simple civil violations to complex criminal trials. We represent clients in cities like Tacoma and the surrounding area. The lawyers on our team have comprehensive legal experience helping people to challenge serious charges like identity theft.
The New CrimeLike other states in the country, Washington State is grappling with a new type of crime and a new generation of people breaking the law. In 2022, there were nearly 23,000 reported financial crimes in Washington State, of which 58% consisted of Identity Theft. Identity theft itself is a leading financial crime in the USA, and Washington State seems to be aligned with this trend. The reason for this is, unfortunately, very clear. Compared to other crimes, such as robbery or burglary, identity theft is a comparatively “safe” crime for perpetrators that doesn’t involve the same kind of physical risk while offering greater long-term financial benefits.
Identity theft typically involves stealing data, in this case, specific types of information that would allow the thief to impersonate someone else online. Online transactions try to be as seamless and convenient as possible, allowing people to make purchases or even use banking services with minimal effort. Unfortunately, this also means that by stealing a few important pieces of information, such as a password, other log-in credentials, or a few highly relevant banking details, an identity thief can log on and seize control of a person’s finances. The resulting theft can mean unauthorized credit card purchases at best or, at worst, draining accounts of all their cash.
Fraud & Other CrimesIdentity theft falls under the general category of Identity Crimes in Washington State. This category also includes acts like soliciting undesired mail or perpetrating fraud on vulnerable demographics like seniors. Identity theft is classed as a felony. However, there are degrees of severity to an identity theft charge that are based on a few crucial factors. The types of identity theft charges that people may face include:
Second Degree Identity TheftThis is the less serious charge and is categorized as a class C felony. Identity theft in the second degree is generally used when the goods or cash that are appropriated amount to less than $1500. As with any criminal charge, imprisonment is still a possible part of the verdict in the case of a class C felony, though the maximum jail time is five years. There may also be fines involved, and class C felonies carry a maximum fine of up to $10000.
It's important to note that attempting to improperly obtain someone’s financial information through a bank or other financial organization is also considered a class C felony. This is when the submission of false or forged documents, statements, or other information is used to impersonate the legitimate account holder to seek out financial data or otherwise use those resources.
First Degree Identity TheftIdentity theft in the first degree is the more serious charge and is categorized as a class B felony. People are charged with first-degree identity theft when the funds, goods, or services stolen through that theft exceed $1500 in total worth. Because this is a class B felony, the maximum imprisonment term is now 10 years. For fines, the maximum is now up to $20,000 and may be imposed instead of or in addition to a jail term, depending on what the prosecution is seeking.
Multiple Charges & ConsequencesOne of the most important things that people facing identity theft charges should be aware of is that it’s common for multiple charges to come into play. The state has chosen to treat each act taken under identity theft as a separate charge. So, for example, if someone’s credit card is compromised and five separate items were purchased with five different retailers on different days, it’s possible that five different identity theft charges could be incoming for the person accused.
In addition to the jail sentences and fines, there are other longstanding repercussions from an identity theft conviction. The presence of a criminal record can immediately affect a person’s ability to apply for jobs, as employers tend to choose those with clean records over those with criminal convictions. This also applies to other aspects of life, such as trying to rent a residence, where property owners may be leery of allowing someone to live on a rented property if they have a criminal record.
We Can HelpWe are firm believers that identity theft charges are not unassailable. Mistakes can and do happen, and our lawyers have been challenging identity theft charges in Western Washington and the rest of Washington State for over two decades. If you or someone you know has been charged with identity theft, an experienced attorney can help you get a better outcome. Our Tacoma identity theft lawyers are committed, knowledgeable lawyers who may get cases dismissed outright or mitigate the consequences to something less punishing.
Our Tacoma Identity Theft Attorneys Will Help You Protect Your Legal RightsIf you've been charged with identity theft in Washington, the prosecutor will likely do everything in their power to ensure you're punished to the fullest extent of the law. Even if a small amount of money was involved in your identity theft case, the nature of the crime incurs penalties that are swift and severe.
Our Tacoma identity theft lawyers have repeatedly seen how devastating a conviction can be. The court has no regard for excuses and the age of the accused matters little. This is why it is vital that you do everything in your power to protect your legal rights. If you're facing identity theft charges, contact the Law Office of Jason S. Newcombe without delay and start getting reliable help.
Fraud, forgery, money laundering, and check "kiting" are all crimes that are all classified under the identity theft umbrella. Prosecutors routinely seek maximum punishments for these crimes by showing how the alleged actions of the accused damaged the credit history of the victim.
Your highest priority should be to determine whether your case can be dismissed. If not, minimizing the penalties you face in whatever way you can will become the primary focus of our Tacoma identity theft attorneys. The penalties for identity theft in Tacoma can be life-altering, adversely affecting you and your family for many years to come.
Don't take any chances when it comes to your future; contact our Tacoma law firm and put more than 30 years of combined experience in your corner.
Get Your Own Consultation With One Of Our Tacoma Identity Theft LawyersThe first step you should take after being charged with identity theft is to contact a qualified lawyer in Tacoma. The Tacoma identity theft attorneys from our law office will review the police reports relative to your arrest, and then conduct a thorough investigation of your case. Not only will you be assured that your legal rights are being protected, we will also be laying the foundation for a resolute defense strategy.
The goal is obviously to have your case dismissed, but if our Tacoma identity theft lawyers discover that this is impossible they will attempt to minimize your punishments and keep you out of jail. Developing a quality defense to identity theft charges takes time, so contacting a lawyer quickly is essential to success. Your experienced identity theft lawyer may seek to arrange a plea agreement with the prosecutor, or we may ultimately have to take your case all the way to court.
It's in your best interests to speak to a criminal lawyer before talking to any authorities or police officers about your case. Get help from our Tacoma attorneys and make sure you're getting reliable legal counsel from experienced litigators who will act as your own personal advocate throughout this difficult process. Schedule your free identity theft consultation with one of our attorneys today.