Las Vegas Identity Theft Defense Lawyers
The Internet and “hacking” have made identity theft headline news, but using someone else’s personal identifying information to obtain something of value is hardly a new crime.
Identity theft, even simply possessing another person’s ID card, checks, or credit card, can result in state and federal prosecution and a sentence of up to 20 years in prison. Suppose you’ve been charged with identity theft, including allegations of cyber scams or phishing. In that case, you should understand that there are many opportunities to develop a strong defense in these cases. First, however, you need an experienced Las Vegas identity theft defense lawyer to help you avoid the potentially dire consequences of a conviction.
At Adras & Altig, our dedicated criminal defense attorneys have more than 30 years of combined experience handling complex fraud cases, including allegations of identity theft. We know it is essential to act quickly to dispute identity theft charges so you can seize every opportunity to defend yourself and tear down the prosecution’s case.
Contact our Las Vegas criminal defense law firm at the first indications of an indictment or arrest for identity theft. We understand that there are multiple sides to any story, and our attorneys approach each case with an open mind. We will move quickly to investigate and develop thoughtful and creative defense strategies, and our team will explore every avenue available to pursue the best possible outcome in your case.
Call today to set up a free legal consultation about ID theft charges and learn how we can develop a strong, proactive legal defense for you.
Protect Your Rights in the Face of ID Theft Charges
Before an identity theft indictment or arrest is made, there is typically some tangible or digital evidence in hand. This makes it crucial to avoid questioning by police or prosecutors without an experienced defense attorney’s advice. You could easily incriminate yourself.
You have a right to an attorney and to remain silent. Exercise your rights. Except for identifying yourself and a contact person when asked during booking, you should calmly tell the police you want to cooperate but need to talk to a lawyer first.
If you are under arrest, expressly ask to be allowed to call a lawyer. Contact Adras & Altig as soon as possible. Let one of our professional identity theft lawyers speak for you.
What Is Identity Theft Under the Nevada Law?
Nevada law (NRS 205.463) makes it illegal to obtain personal identifying information of another person and, with intent to commit an unlawful act, use the information to:
- Obtain credit, goods, services, or other items of value
- Harm that person
- Represent or impersonate that person to obtain access to any personal identifying information
- Obtain access to private information, transactions, or other activities of the person — without their consent
Nevada law also considers computer and Internet technology, making it a crime to aid or abet another person in securing someone else’s personal identifying information.
“Personal identifying information” is defined as another living or deceased person’s:
- Current or former name
- Driver’s license number
- Identification card (ID) number
- Social Security number
- Checking account number
- Savings account number
- Credit card number
- Debit card number
- Financial services account number
- Date of birth
- Place of employment
- Mother’s maiden name
- Biometric data, including fingerprints, facial scan identifiers, voiceprint, retina image, iris image
- Electronic signature, unique electronic identification number, address or routing code, telecommunication identifying information or access device
- Personal identification number (PIN) or password
- Government passport number
- Alien registration number
- Employer identification number
- Taxpayer identification number
- Medicaid account number
- Food stamp account number
- Medical identification number
- Health insurance identification number
- Utility account number
- Number of any professional, occupational, recreational, or governmental license, certificate, permit, or membership
- Number, code, or other identifying information from a confidential clinical trial or study that provides the person medical treatment or prescription drugs
Identity theft is a Category B felony under Nevada law and is punishable by up to 20 years in prison and/or a fine up to $100,000. However, a conviction can bring harsher penalties if the crime involved:
- An older person (age 60 or older) or a vulnerable person (with physical or mental incapacitation or limitations)
- Five or more people
- Financial loss or injury of $3,000 or more
- Avoiding or delaying prosecution for a Category A felony or Category B felony
Using someone else’s personal identifying information to avoid or delay being prosecuted for an unlawful act is a Category C felony and is punishable by 1 to 5 years in prison and/or a fine up to $10,000.
In addition, a person found guilty of ID theft would be required to pay restitution to the victim, including their attorney’s fees, any debts incurred by the defendant, and the cost of repairing the victim’s credit history or rating.
