Identity Theft in Bellevue

Identity theft is a felony under Washington state law, and a conviction has severe legal consequences, including prison time, hefty fines, and restitution to the victims. In addition to criminal penalties, a conviction irreparably damages your reputation, making it difficult to secure employment or housing in the future. So, if you are facing identity theft charges in King County, you need an expert Bellevue criminal defense attorney fighting by your side.

At our Bellevue law firm, we understand the complexities of criminal cases in King County. Here's how we work:

• Thoroughly Investigate Your Case: We carefully examine the evidence in your case, including police reports, witness testimonies, and video footage. We'll uncover any discrepancies or weaknesses in the prosecution's case that could work in your favor.
• Challenge Any Evidence: We'll evaluate whether law enforcement gathered the evidence legally. If there's any indication they obtained the evidence improperly, we'll challenge its admissibility in court.
• Negotiate Plea Deals: In Bellevue, King County prosecutors often look for ways to resolve cases quickly. We'll negotiate for reduced charges or alternative sentencing options like diversion or probation if a plea deal is in your best interest.
• Craft An Expert Defense Strategy: All Washington state criminal courts have their unique legal procedures, which we know inside and out. We will use our extensive knowledge to build a defense that works in King County Courts. Whether it's challenging the credibility of evidence, exploring alternatives to jail time, or presenting a compelling case in front of a judge, we work relentlessly on your behalf.

Our familiarity with King County Courts allows us to tailor our approach to the nuances of local legal practices and prosecution strategies. We protect your right to a fair trial and fight for a possible positive outcome in your case.

Our Bellevue criminal defense lawyers can defend you against several identity theft charges, including:

• Credit Card Fraud
• Social Security Fraud
• Bank Fraud
• Tax And Tax Return Fraud
• Forgery
• Counterfeiting
• Medical Identity Theft
• Employment Identity Theft
• Insurance Fraud
• Immigration Fraud
• Loan And Mortgage Fraud
• Synthetic Identity Theft

Our Bellevue attorneys specializing in identity theft understand that every case requires a different defense strategy. In our over 20 years of fighting identity theft charges in Washington state, we know what strategy works.

In Washington state, identity theft is a serious felony. The consequences of a conviction depend on several factors, including:

• the severity of the crime,
• the amount of financial harm caused, and
• whether the offender has a prior criminal history.

Here are the penalties you face with an identity theft conviction in Washington:

1. Criminal Penalties:

• Class B Felony: Most identity theft offenses are Class B felonies. A conviction can result in:
  • Up to 10 years in prison
  • Fines of up to $20,000
• Class C Felony: In some cases, such as identity theft involving a minor or when the value of stolen goods or services is under $1,500, the charge may be downgraded to a Class C felony, carrying penalties of:
  • Up to 5 years in prison
  • Fines of up to $10,000

2. Pay Restitution

If the identity theft causes the victim financial losses, the judge could order you to pay them.

3. Probation And Parole

The judge could order you to complete probation and/or parole as part of your sentence. Probation and parole often require you to do community service, attend counseling, or go to rehabilitation programs.

4. Criminal Record:

An identity theft conviction goes on your permanent criminal record, making it tough to secure employment or housing.

Washington state law is very strict about identity theft. So, if you are up against identity theft charges in King County Courts, you need a Bellevue criminal attorney by your side.

With our over two decades of experience fighting against identity theft charges, we know what defenses work in King County Courts. Together, we will explore the following for your case:

• Challenge The Intent To Defraud: One of the key elements of identity theft is proving that there was intent to defraud or deceive. We work to show that there was no criminal intent behind your actions, challenging the prosecution's case on this critical point.
• Prove Lack Of Knowledge: In many cases, defendants may not have been aware that their actions constituted identity theft. We explore all possible avenues to show that you did not knowingly use someone else's identity for illicit purposes.
• Examine The Prosecution's Evidence: The prosecution often relies on email records, credit reports, and online transactions to prove identity theft. We'll review all digital evidence collected against you. If there are any issues with how law enforcement obtained or handled the evidence, we will use that to challenge its validity in your case.
• Dispute The Link To The Victim: We challenge the link between the alleged offense and the victim. If we can show that you have no connection to the victim's identity or that the theft wasn't as significant as alleged, we'll work to have the charges reduced or dismissed.
• Challenge the Legal Basis of the Charge: Sometimes, the initial charge may be due to an error or misunderstanding of the law. We carefully review the legal basis of the charge and use any legal missteps to argue for a dismissal or reduction of charges.

No matter the circumstances of your case, we'll put together an excellent legal defense strategy.

If you're facing identity theft charges in King County, you need a local Bellevue attorney who understands our courts and the law. From shopping at Bellevue Square and dining at local eateries along Main Street to enjoying the scenic views at the Bellevue Botanical Garden, we know what matters locally. We're here to defend your rights and protect your future, regardless if the alleged fraud happened at a location like Crossroads Shopping Center or involved online transactions.

We firmly believe that every identity theft charge can be successfully challenged in court. With over 20 years of experience defending clients like you, our Bellevue attorneys know how to fight identity theft charges effectively. If you or a loved one are facing an identity theft charge, speak with our experienced attorneys now.

After being charged with identity theft in Washington State, the prosecutor will almost always do everything in their power to ensure you receive the maximum punishment. Even if the amount of money involved in your identity theft case was minute, the nature of the crime incurs penalties that are often life-altering.

Our Bellevue identity theft lawyers have repeatedly witnessed how devastating a conviction for this crime can be. Courts have little regard for excuses when it comes to identity theft, which is why it's vital that you do everything in your power to defend your legal rights. If you're facing identity theft charges in Washington State, contact the Law Office of Jason S. Newcombe without delay to start getting reliable information based on the law.

Fraud, money laundering, forgery, and check "kiting" are all crimes in Washington, and are classified under the identity theft category. Prosecutors seek maximum punishments for these serious crimes by showing the court how the actions of the accused damaged the credit history of the innocent victim.

Your number-one priority should be to seek the dismissal of your case. If this is not possible, minimizing the punishments you face will become the primary focus of our Bellevue identity theft attorneys. The penalties for identity theft in Bellevue are swift and severe, and will likely affect you and your family for many years.

Don't take chances when it comes to your future or freedom; contact our Bellevue law firm and put more than 3 decades of combined experience to work for you.

After being charged with identity theft, your first course of action should be to contact a qualified lawyer in Bellevue. The Bellevue identity theft attorneys from our professional law office will review your case in detail. Not only will we protect your legal rights, we will conduct an investigation that will ultimately lay the foundation for a resolute defense strategy.

Obviously, you want to have your case dismissed. However, if our Bellevue identity theft lawyers discover that this is impossible they will then seek to minimize your punishments and attempt to keep you out of jail. Developing a defense to identity theft charges takes time, so contacting an attorney in Bellevue quickly is essential to success. Your identity theft lawyer may seek to arrange a plea agreement with the prosecutor, but we may ultimately have to take your case all the way to Washington court.

You should retain a criminal lawyer before talking to any authorities about your case. Protect your rights with help from our Bellevue attorneys and make sure you're getting trustworthy legal counsel from experienced litigators who know the law. Schedule your cost-free identity theft case evaluation with one of our professional lawyers today.