There are serious consequences for a conviction of Identify theft in Michigan. You can avoid a conviction, at at the very least mitigate the damages of an identity theft conviction in Michigan by retainging five-star rated Criminal Defense Attorney Shawn Haff right now by calling 616-438-6719. Shawn uses defense tatics that are innovated and that have a proven track record of success for over a decade. Shawn and his team of lawyers will use their vast knowledge and massive amount of experience handling criminal defense cases in all Grand Rapids and West Michigan courtrooms to get you the best deal possible. Our effective criminal defense tactics will shield you form prosecutors that want to send you to prison!
Identity theft in Michigan is a common crime. The main reason is the advance of technology and media. Identity theft in Michigan is a crime that involves the possession and knowingly using another person’s identification to engage in a crime. This definition applies even if the identity belongs to a person who is dead. Examples of the type of illegal information that someone can possess is passwords, phone numbers, state identification and bank account information.
Penalties For Identity Theft In Michigan
A conviction of Identity theft in Michigan could put you in prision. According to the Michigan Penal Code’s Identity Theft Protection Act (445.65), anyone who obtains credit, goods, services, money, property, records, employment, information, or commits any other unlawful act with the intent to defraud or violate the law is subject to severe criminal punishment. If you even access the email or other means of communication of another person with intent to commit identity theft or crime, you will face potential jail time and fines.
Michigan law calls for a person convicted of identify theft in Michigan to face up to five years in prison. The fine a person gets for identity fraud could be as high as $25,000.00. If you have multiple conviction, you could face up to 15 years in prison and a fine as high as $75,000.
Call Shawn now at 616-438-6719 now to protect your reputation and avoid these serious punishments. Shawn is an experienced Grand Rapids, Michigan criminal defense attorney. These life-changing punishments can be avoided if you have an exceptional lawyer like Shawn James Haff on your side.
What should I do if I am charged with Identity Theft?
You need to protect your freedom and your record. The best way to do this is by retaining a lawyer as soon as you learn that you are being charged. Having a lawyer with the expereience necessary and the knowledge necessary will be very crucial in the defense of your case. These cases often call for massive amounts of research and a collection of a lot of evidence.
What are the possible defenses for Identity Theft?
With identity theft being such a major problem in Michigan, local prosecutors are taking these charges very seriously and trying to thrown the book at those charged with identify theft. As a criminal defense attorney in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Shawn knows that people are falsely accused of identity theft. Here are a couple of defenses to this serious criminal charge:
Intent: The fmost important element that the prosecution must prove is your intent. The intent to obtain identifying or financial information to engage in a crime. For instance, many people use the same computer to purchase items online. If you are not careful, you can accidentally purchase something for yourself with a credit card card saved on the computer that is not yours. This would be a clear cut case where there is a clear lack of intent for you to have stolen their information and to illegally use the card.
Unlawful Search and Seizure: All evidence used against you in court must be seized lawfully. If the people have evidence that can be used against you without a proper warrant or consent then it can be dismissed in the court of law since the evidence will come into question and can no longer be trusted.
Why the Criminal Defense Law Center of West Michigan?
Identity Theft in Michigan can be a highly technical and complex area of law. These charges require you have an attorney like Shawn Haff on your side. Shawn Haff wants to help you out and represent you in court. Let Shawn guide you during this dificult period of your life. Do not wait! Call Shawn now at 616-438-6719. You will be glad that you did!