Identity Theft

Lawrence Township NJ Identity Theft Defense Attorney

The internet and advances in technology have placed everyone at greater risk to those interested in committing identity theft. Law enforcement is well aware of this risk and is aggressive in prosecuting those who steal credit, banking, insurance, motor vehicle and other personal information. You therefore cannot afford to take a charge for identity theft lightly if you have been accused of this offense. A skilled defense attorney is an absolute necessity if you want to avoid a criminal record and other penalties that may be imposed at the Mercer County Superior Court in Trenton for an incident of identity theft in Lawrence Township, East Windsor, West Windsor, Hamilton or Ewing. The lawyers at the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall have many years of experience spanning over a century combined to utilize so that the best outcome of your case is achieved. You are invited to speak to an attorney in a free consultation by contacting our Lawrence NJ Office. Call 609–683–8102 now to get the assistance you need.

Identity Theft Offense in Mercer County New Jersey

Lawmakers in New Jersey enacted N.J.S.A. 2C:21-17 to combat those who attempt to impersonate an individual or assume the identity of another to commit a theft or derive some other benefit. The statute is directed at five categories of identity theft: (1) impersonating another individual; (2) posing as a representative of an organization; (3) impersonation to commit a theft of services; (4) those who steal personal identifying information; and (5) making an oral or written misrepresentation of identity to avoid payment for services or an obligation previously created. It is common for an identity theft offense in these forms to be filed in companion with a charge for theft by deception, forgery, insurance fraud and conspiracy.

Grading of an Identity Theft Offense

Identity theft is a fourth degree crime if it involves one victim and less than $500. It is a third degree crime if it involves at least two victims but less than five and a dollar value of at least $500 but less than $75,000. It is also a third degree crime to be convicted of a second or subsequent violation under 2C:21-17 involving one victim and less than $500. It is a second degree crime to commit identity theft involving $75,000 or more, or if there are five or more victims.

Penalties for Identity Theft

Fourth degree identity theft results in a fine of up to $10,000 and up to 18 months in prison. Third degree identity theft triggers penalties that include a maximum fine of $15,000 and up to 5 years of imprisonment. Second degree identity theft is the most serious grade of 2C:21-17 charge and carries a potential fine of $150,000 and 5-10 years of incarceration.

Misrepresentations as to Age

If personal information of another is used solely to misrepresent age in order to illegally purchase or obtain alcohol or gain admission to an establishment where it is served, there is no violation under 2C:21-17.

Trenton NJ Identity Theft Attorneys

As the home to the Superior Court, Trenton has a disproportionate number of identity theft charges. This offense is always indictable in nature (e.g. fourth, third or second degree crime) and the county courthouse in Trenton is the only place where a violation falling within these grades can be adjudicated. Whether you were charged with identity theft in Highstown, Robbinsville, Hopewell, Princeton, Pennington or another Mercer County municipality, this is the place where your case will be heard. The attorneys at the Law Offices of Jonathan F. Marshall have the experience you need to succeed in this venue with a team that includes several former prosecutors and a team with over 100 years of combined experience. To speak to an attorney about the facts and circumstances surrounding your arrest, contact us anytime 24/7. A lawyer is available immediately at 609–683–8102.