Strategic Federal And State Criminal Defense

Four Californians charged with identity theft

On Behalf of | Jun 13, 2014 | Internet Crimes

The internet can be a lovely thing, offering its users access to information, organization tools, and accommodations. However, the web is also a place where crime occurs. Every year, many find themselves the victim of identity theft and identity fraud, which can leave them with extreme financial loss. While this is truly sad, since internet crimes are often difficult to trace, innocent individuals can wind up being accused of these serious offenses. These individuals, even if they feel as if the odds are against them, should be sure to put up the best defense possible in order to protect their legal rights and their freedom.

Four individuals in California should think about obtaining this help after they were taken into custody for alleged identity theft. Police claim they stopped a man and discovered he was driving on a suspended license. A subsequent search of the vehicle apparently led the an officer to more than 50 stolen credit cards, Social Security cards, checks, and identifications.

Authorities then executed a search warrant at the man’s house and allegedly found hundreds of additional stolen credit cards, identifications, Social Security cards and other personal identification items. Three individuals at the residents were taken into custody. All four suspects now face charges of identity theft and mail theft.

Though it is unclear at this time how authorities believe the identifications were allegedly stolen, through the internet is a common claim. Those accused of these internet crimes may face serious long-term consequences of convicted, which may include fines, a lengthy prison sentence, and a felony criminal record that will follow them for a long time. For these reasons, it is important that accused individuals consider securing the best criminal defense team available. From challenging the legality of a search warrant to applying relevant case and statutory law, a competent defense attorney will do everything in his or her power to ensure the accused has the best possible chance of beating whatever charges he or she faces.

Source: The Sacramento Bee, “Citrus Heights police arrest four people in suspected identity theft ring,” Cathy Locke, May 30, 2014