Top
Identity Theft

The Right Attorney Makes
All The Difference




Virginia Beach Identity Theft Defense Lawyer

FAcing Identity Theft Charges?

The effects of an identity theft conviction can affect many areas of your life. You could face fines, lengthy prison sentences, and possibly be required to pay restitution. If you have been charged with a white-collar crime like identity theft, retaining an experienced, compassionate Virginia Beach identity theft attorney to fight for your rights is crucial to your success. With over twenty years of experience representing clients in the criminal defense area of law, you can rest easy knowing your attorney has successfully defended cases like yours before.

Why Choose The Law Offices of Daniel J. Miller?


Contact our Virginia Beach identity theft defense attorney to schedule a consultation. Call (757) 267-4949 now!


Understanding Identity Theft Laws

Both federally and in Virginia, any crime in which a person wrongfully obtains and uses another person’s identity for his or her own personal gain is considered identity theft. Virginia outlines identity theft into four different types of offenses.

  • Using another’s personal identifying information (PII) to gain access to their finances, benefits or government issued identifying documents.
  • Using someone’s PII to purchase goods to services
  • Using PII to get identifying documents in another’s name.
  • Impersonating a state official or police officer to obtain PII

What is Considered Personal Identifying Information?

As mentioned above, identify theft is the procurement of an individual’s identifying information for personal gain.

Below are some examples of what the law considers personal information:

  • Name
  • Address
  • Birthday
  • Biometrics (Retina Scans, Voice, Fingerprints)
  • Credit Card/Debit Car Numbers
  • Banking Information
  • Social Security Number

Gathering Identifying Information via Computer

With an overwhelming percentage of the world’s population now using computers to access the internet, banks, medical facilities, and credit card companies use mobile apps and online portals for customers to pay their bills and access their account information. The digital age has paved a pathway for identity thieves to access the PII from unsuspecting customers using phishing techniques, website rerouting, and falsified or fake emails. In Virginia, if you obtained PII and planned to sell the information, the crime becomes a Class 6 felony with a mandatory minimum prison sentence of six months.

Penalties

While the exact penalties you could face if convicted of an identity theft crime are determined by the exact nature of the crime committed, below is a basic outline of penalties you could face:

  • Fines: if you are convicted of a felony or misdemeanor identity theft crime, you could face up to $2,500 in fines.
  • Incarceration: Depending on the class of felony or misdemeanor, you could face varying prison sentences.
    • Class 5 Felony – Up to 10 years prison time
    • Class 6 Felony – From 1 to 5 years prison time
    • Class 1 Misdemeanor – Up to 12 months in Jail
  • Probation: If you are sentenced to probation instead of prison time, you must comply with all the conditions outlined by the judge. This could include staying away from certain people associated with criminal activities, staying within the city or state or allowing your probation officer to inspect your home.
  • Restitution: If your victim(s) suffered financial loss by your identity theft crimes, the courts could order you pay restitution.

How to Reduce the Risk of Identity Theft

"Congratulations! You’ve Won" – Before ad blockers, you likely remember heading to websites and hearing that phrase. These scams continue to this day, only identity thieves use many different tactics to get your information. You could be contacted via your telephone by representatives claiming you’ve won some grand prize, or you may see an email that looks as if it was coming from a legitimate company, like Target or Amazon, claiming you’ve won. If these scammers ask for your banking information or social security information, hang up the phone or close the browser window.

Corporate Data Leaks – You may have heard about the corporate data leaks Target experienced a few years ago. When a corporation experiences a data leak, customers’ bank accounts, credit history, telephone numbers, and social security information is released into the world. Often these customers are never able to recover this information, and there are a higher risk of having their identities stolen. Consider signing up for a credit and identity theft monitoring service like LifeLock, which will alert you to any threats to your ID.

Pretexting – Pretexting occurs when someone tries to obtain an individual’s personal information often using social engineering and then sells this information. Pretexters often call unsuspecting people claiming they are from the bank, the gas company or the cable company and ask customers to take a short survey or update their records. These people always sound friendly and confident, which helps the scam seem legitimate. Don’t give out your information to someone on the phone, email or mail unless you contacted the agency first.

Speak With a Virginia Beach Identity Theft Defense Attorney

If you are facing criminal identity theft charges, it is imperative you take these charges seriously. With the representation of a Virginia Beach identity theft attorney, your charges could be lessened or dropped. We at The Law Offices of Daniel J. Miller are passionate about protecting the rights of our clients; we can fight tenaciously on your behalf.


Contact us to schedule your consultation today.


Read Our Client Testimonials

    "I highly recommend Mr. Piluso"

    Attorney Michael Piluso did an excellent job advising me and representing me in my traffic case, and it was always easy to contact the office and schedule meetings with him. Mr. Piluso was able to give me realistic expectations and advice on what to do. I also greatly appreciated the payment options for retaining his services. I highly recommend Mr. Piluso and these law offices.

    A. Zelenka
      "I would highly recommend his law office"

      Starting with the receptionist she was very friendly and professional. My attorney Mr. Daniel Miller was awesome. Very professional. He discussed the best way to have 89 in 55 ticket taken care off. His prize was very reasonable . I would highly recommend his law office.

      R. Cotton
      We Never Back DowN Why Hire Us?
      • Personalized Attention for Each Client
      • A Proven Track Record of Results
      • Experienced & Knowledgeable Legal Advice
      • Invested in Your Case & Your Success
      Your Rights Don't Wait. Neither Should You. Contact Our Team

      Complete our form below or call us at (757) 267-4949.

      • Please enter your first name.
      • Please enter your last name.
      • Please enter your phone number.
        This isn't a valid phone number.
      • Please enter your email address.
        This isn't a valid email address.
      • Please make a selection.
      • Please enter a message.
      • By submitting, you agree to be contacted about your request & other information using automated technology. Message frequency varies. Msg & data rates may apply. Text STOP to cancel. Acceptable Use Policy