The increasing prevalence of aggravated identity theft in New York has drawn significant attention to its legal implications. Allegations of this crime often result in severe penalties and extensive damage to the accused’s reputation. In such scenarios, the stakes are incredibly high, and engaging a seasoned criminal defense attorney becomes crucial. Aggravated identity theft, with its tangled web of federal and state laws, demands an in-depth understanding of the legal framework and a keen eye for evidentiary detail. It is not a simple matter of “theft” as it might traditionally be understood, but a more complex interaction of privacy rights, digital forensics, and criminal intent.
This is where the experience of a New York criminal defense lawyer becomes invaluable. With their support, the accused can understand the implications of the laws relating to identity theft and formulate robust defense strategies. Skilled Long Island criminal defense attorney Jason Bassett can offer guidance through the potentially overwhelming process, providing counsel on clients’ rights and possible courses of action. For anyone facing charges of aggravated identity theft in New York, contact the Law Offices of Jason Bassett, P.C. today at (631) 259-6060 to schedule a consultation.
Definition of Aggravated Identity Theft
Aggravated identity theft is a more serious form of identity theft where the offender commits additional crimes or causes significant harm to the victim. It is a criminal offense in which an individual knowingly and intentionally acquires another person’s personal and identification information without consent and with the intent to commit a crime. In the context of aggravated identity theft, the criminal act goes beyond obtaining unauthorized access to the victim’s data and typically involves the offender using the stolen information to commit additional offenses, resulting in severe consequences for the victim.
Aggravated Identity Theft under New York State Law
Under New York Penal Law § 190.80-A, aggravated identity theft occurs when an individual intentionally and knowingly assumes someone else’s identity or uses their personal identifying information for fraudulent purposes. This offense becomes particularly serious if the perpetrator is aware that the person being impersonated is a member of the armed forces deployed outside of the continental United States. In such cases, if the perpetrator obtains goods, money, property, services, or uses credit exceeding a total value of five hundred dollars under the military personnel’s identity, or causes financial harm to the impersonated military member exceeding five hundred dollars, it constitutes aggravated identity theft.
Aggravated identity theft is categorized as a Class D felony. Those found guilty of this crime can receive a prison sentence ranging from one to seven years, depending on various factors such as the severity of the offense, the perpetrator’s previous criminal history, and any other relevant circumstances that may aggravate or mitigate the sentence.
It is worth noting that in certain situations, at the discretion of the judge and considering the specific details of the case, some offenders may be eligible for alternative sentencing options like community service or probation as alternatives to imprisonment.
Aggravated Identity Theft Under Federal Law
The United States established the law of aggravated identity theft in 2004, as outlined in 18 USC 1028A. This law makes it illegal to utilize someone else’s identifying information under two circumstances. Firstly, it is prohibited when connected to specific federal crimes, and secondly, when linked to acts of terrorism.
According to Section 1028(a)(7), identity theft occurs when an individual intentionally acquires, possesses, or uses another person’s identification details without lawful permission, with the intention to assist, encourage, or commit any illegal activity that violates Federal law or qualifies as a felony under relevant State or local law.
Under the provisions of 18 USC 1028A, federal courts are required to impose a mandatory two-year prison sentence on the defendant, to be served consecutively after the sentence for the primary crime. The sentencing guidelines for such cases are provided in Section 1028(b). This law prohibits judges from allowing the sentences to run concurrently; instead, they must order the sentences to be served successively. Therefore, regardless of the sentence for the primary crime, an individual convicted of aggravated identity theft must serve an additional two-year term following the completion of the original sentence.
Moreover, federal law prohibits judges from reducing the sentence for the primary crime to accommodate the extra two-year sentence for aggravated identity theft. The only exception to this rule applies when a defendant has multiple convictions for aggravated identity theft. In such cases, each additional two-year sentence can be served concurrently, but only after the completion of the sentence for the primary crime.
18 U.S.C. 1028A
18 U.S.C. 1028A addresses the serious crime of aggravated identity theft, which has been enforceable in the United States since 2004. This law specifically targets individuals who misuse someone else’s identifying information in connection with federal offenses or terrorist activities. The gravity of this crime is highlighted by the stringent penalties it carries, distinguishing it notably from its predecessor, Section 1028.
The law mandates a two-year prison term for those convicted under this statute, which must follow any other sentences imposed. This means that if a person is sentenced for another crime and convicted of aggravated identity theft, they must serve the sentence for the theft after completing the sentence for the initial crime. This consecutive sentencing underscores the law’s intent to impose severe consequences for those who compromise another’s identity to facilitate criminal activities.
The Department of Justice takes these offenses very seriously, often opting to prosecute under Section 1028A to leverage the harsher penalties as a strong deterrent against identity theft. The dual requirement of obtaining and using someone else’s personal information criminally amplifies the severity of the act, categorizing it not merely as theft but as an enhancer to other federal crimes, making the legal implications particularly severe for the accused.
For anyone facing charges under 18 U.S.C. 1028A, the stakes are exceptionally high due to these mandatory sentencing guidelines. Legal representation is crucial to address both the underlying crime and the enhanced charge of aggravated identity theft. Contact Long Island criminal defense attorney Jason Bassett today to understand the implications of this statute and pursue a defense strategy.
Penalties for Aggravated Identity Theft
Aggravated identity theft occurs when an individual knowingly and intentionally uses another person’s identity to commit a felony under state or federal law. The penalties for aggravated identity theft vary and often depend on the specific facts of each case.
New York State Penalties
Identity theft, categorized as a Class D felony when classified as a first-degree or aggravated offense, is a grave matter that carries significant legal consequences. These offenses are considered highly serious due to the immense impact they have on the lives of the victims. The law mandates strict punishments for such acts, including the possibility of imprisonment. In the most severe instances, individuals found guilty may face a maximum prison sentence of seven years, underscoring the gravity of these crimes and their potential long-term ramifications.
In addition to potential incarceration, substantial financial penalties are imposed on those convicted of identity theft. The exact amount of the fine, which can go up to $5,000, depends on the severity of the offense and the surrounding circumstances. Alternatively, if the defendant has profited substantially from their criminal actions, the fine may be doubled to match their ill-gotten gains. This provision aims to discourage potential offenders by ensuring that they could end up paying considerably more than what they unlawfully acquired.
Federal Penalties
The sentencing guidelines for aggravated identity theft, outlined in 18 U.S.C. 1028A, differ from those applied to most federal offenses. Instead of a range of potential sentences, this particular crime carries a fixed sentence. For a foundational felony offense, the punishment for federal aggravated identity theft is 24 months. However, if the crime is connected to federal terrorism, the penalty escalates to 60 months.
Additionally, it’s important to note that the prison term for aggravated identity theft is served consecutively with any other sentence. In other words, if an individual is convicted of federal aggravated identity theft along with another crime, they must first complete the sentence for the additional crime before serving the 24 or 60 months for Aggravated Identity Theft as stipulated in 18 U.S.C. 1028A.
This differs from the typical approach for multiple sentences in federal crimes, where sentences are usually served concurrently, meaning they are served simultaneously.
Defenses to Aggravated Identity Theft Charges
Aggravated identity theft is a serious crime with severe penalties. It occurs when someone knowingly uses another person’s identification with the intent to commit a felony or when someone illegally uses another person’s identification information to obtain something of value. Several defenses can be used to fight these charges, including lack of knowledge or intent, consent of the victim, police misconduct or constitutional violations, and mistaken identity.
Lack of Knowledge or Intent
A vital element in prosecuting aggravated identity theft is proving that the accused had knowledge of the crime and intended to commit it. A defense attorney may argue that their client did not realize they were using someone else’s identifying information or did not have the intent to commit a crime while using the stolen identity.
For example, a person may have unknowingly received a credit card issued in someone else’s name and used it without realizing it belonged to another person. In this case, the defendant’s lack of knowledge or intent could be used as a viable defense against charges of aggravated identity theft. Additionally, if a person was coerced into committing the fraud or was unaware that what they were doing was a crime, it could be argued that they did not have the requisite intent.
Consent of the Victim
Identity theft charges can be defended by proving that the alleged victim gave their consent for the use of their personal information. This defense requires evidence that the victim and the defendant had a mutual agreement, which allowed the defendant to use the victim’s identification. If a defendant can show a valid reason for using the victim’s identity and establish that the victim was aware of it, the charges may be dropped or reduced.
However, it is important to note that consent in these cases can be difficult to prove, as it often relies on the credibility of the parties involved. Furthermore, consent does not excuse the defendant from any fraudulent activities or illegal actions taken while using the victim’s identity.
Police Misconduct or Constitutional Violations
Another defense against aggravated identity theft charges involves addressing constitutional violations or police misconduct during the investigation or arrest process. Defendants can challenge the admissibility of evidence obtained through illegal searches, seizures, or other violations of their constitutional rights.
For example, if law enforcement conducted an unlawful search of a suspect’s residence and found incriminating evidence, the defense may argue that the search violated the suspect’s Fourth Amendment rights. If the court agrees, the evidence could be suppressed, making it more difficult for the prosecution to prove its case.
Mistaken Identity
Mistaken identity refers to the possibility that the defendant has been wrongfully accused of committing aggravated identity theft, and someone else is the actual perpetrator. A defendant can argue that they have been mistakenly identified as the person who committed the crime, which could be supported by providing an alibi or disproving the prosecution’s claims.
In some cases, identity theft crimes can be committed by the true criminals using the defendant’s personal information rather than the victim’s. Demonstrating that this occurred can help eradicate the defendant of the criminal charge.
Defenses to Aggravated Identity Theft Charges | Details |
---|---|
Lack of Knowledge or Intent | Accused unaware or lacked intent to commit a crime using stolen identity. |
Consent of the Victim | Proving victim’s consent for use of personal information by defendant. |
Police Misconduct or Constitutional Violations | Challenging admissibility of evidence due to constitutional violations or police misconduct. |
Mistaken Identity | Defendant wrongfully accused, providing alibi or disproving prosecution’s claims. |
Getting the Help of a Skilled Long Island Criminal Defense Lawyer
Aggravated identity theft is a complex offense with significant potential consequences, especially in a vast and busy city such as New York. The allegations and subsequent legal proceedings surrounding this crime can be extremely complicated, placing the accused in a vulnerable position.
In such situations, the importance of seeking the help of a competent criminal defense lawyer in New York cannot be emphasized enough. Skilled Long Island criminal defense lawyer Jason Bassett can advocate for you, offering counsel and examining the prosecution’s case meticulously. Contact the Law Offices of Jason Bassett, P.C. today at (631) 259-6060 to schedule a consultation.