Tampa Identity Theft Lawyer

Learn How Our Attorney Can Protect Your Interests

Identity theft can be a white collar crime and an Internet crime. It is both a violation of state law and a federal offense, which means that if you are charged with identity theft, you can be tried in state court and federal court. The penalties for identity theft vary but can be severe, which is why you should talk to a qualified identity theft lawyer in Tampa right away. 

At The Law Offices of Jeff Paulk, we have helped thousands of people accused of serious crimes fight their charges and work to protect their futures. If you have been accused of identity theft, our firm is here to help.

Contact us online or call (813) 321-7323 to discuss your situation with an attorney at no cost to you.

Penalties for Identity Theft in Florida

In general, identity theft is classified as a first-degree misdemeanor. However, depending on the means used to obtain the information and actions taken, you could also be facing a first-degree felony. 

A first-degree felony can result in 20 years to life in prison, up to $10,000 in fines, and other consequences. A second-degree felony also carries a heavy prison term of up to 15 years and a $10,000 fine, while a third-degree felony can result in up to 5 years in prison and up to $5,000 in fines. 

If convicted of a first-degree misdemeanor, you could face up to one year behind bars and a $1,000 fine. A second-degree misdemeanor carries a 60-day maximum in jail and a $500 fine. You may also be held accountable for paying restitution to the victim when applicable.

Understanding Florida’s Identity Theft Laws

Under Florida statute, identity theft is also known as the criminal use of personal information, such as their name, address, email address, Social Security number, date of birth, bank account number, credit or debit card number, PIN, passport number, driver's license number, medical records, or electronic ID. Identity theft may be committed in several ways, such as impersonating someone to gain access to secure identification information, counterfeiting personal identification information, or using another's personal identification information.

Florida law classifies several different types of identity theft, including:

• Criminal Use/Possession of Personal Identification Information: Under Florida Statute § 817.568(2), an individual can be charged for fraudulently using or possessing another’s personal identification information without consent. This offense can be as serious as a first-degree felony depending on the circumstances.
• Use/Possession of a Deceased Person's Information: Under § 817.568(8), you can be charged for using or possessing the personal identification information of a deceased person.
• Obtaining Property by False Personation: Under § 817.02, you can face a felony or misdemeanor charge if you falsely present yourself or impersonate another individual to gain funds, property, etc.
• Criminal Use of Personal Identification Information to Harass: Under § 817.568(4), it is an offense to use another's identification information without consent to harass that person.
• Use of a Minor's Personal Identification Information: Similar to other offenses, § 817.568(6) says that the fraudulent use of a minor's personal identification information is a second-degree felony.
• Counterfeit/Fictitious Personal Identification Information: Possessing with the intent to use or using fictitious identification information with the intention of committing fraud is a felony under § 817.568(9).

Talk to a Tampa Identity Theft Attorney Today

If you have been accused of identity theft, you face decades in prison and expensive fines—but you don’t have to face the future alone. We encourage you to exercise your right to remain silent when dealing with law enforcement, detectives, or prosecutors, and always utilize your right to talk to an attorney. 

At The Law Offices of Jeff Paulk, our Tampa identity theft lawyer has fought for clients statewide, securing favorable results in hundreds of trials. We’ve represented thousands of people going through some of the most difficult times in their lives. If you’ve been accused of identity theft, we can help.

Call (813) 321-7323 today to discuss your identity theft charges.