Identity Fraud

Columbus and Delaware, Ohio Criminal Defense Attorney

The consequences for stealing property in Ohio can be quite severe and involve a prison sentence, thousands of dollars in fines, community control, and restitution. If you have been charged with identity fraud in Columbus or Delaware, Ohio, contact Johnson Legal, LLC and speak with an experienced Columbus and Delaware, Ohio criminal defense attorney. Attorney David Johnson of Johnson Legal, LLC will discuss your case and assist you in fighting the charges. Call (614) 987-0192 or send an email to schedule a consultation regarding your grand theft case.

A conviction for identity fraud can significantly impact not only your freedom, but also your future ability to secure employment. A background check will reveal a conviction for identity fraud, which is a theft-related offense in Ohio, and potential employers will view you as a dishonest person. Hiring an experienced and dedicated criminal defense attorney can mean the different between this charge following you for the rest of your life and a much more favorable outcome.

Identity Fraud in Ohio

With the increased use of technology, the likelihood of having your identity compromised is quite high. This can be the result of a criminal act by another person, mistake by a company securing the information, etc. However, this does not mean that a person could not be falsely accused of identity fraud.

Identity fraud, pursuant to R.C. 2913.49, is using, obtaining or possessing any personal identifying information of another person without that person’s express or implied consent and with the intent to do either of the following:

  • Hold yourself out to be the other person; or
  • Representing the other person’s personal identifying information as your personal identifying information.

In addition to the acts described above, no person shall do any of the following:

  • Create, obtain, possess or use the personal identifying information of any person with the intent to aid or abet another person in engaging in the above-described conduct;
  • With the intent to defraud, permit another person to use your personal identifying information; or
  • Use, obtain, or possession another person’s personal identifying information, even though permitted to use that person’s personal identifying information, with the intent to defraud any person by doing any of the above-described activities.

What is “Personal Identifying Information”?

“Personal identifying information” can be any of the following:

  • Name
  • Address
  • Phone number
  • Driver’s license
  • Driver’s license number
  • State identification number
  • Social security card
  • Social security number
  • Birth certificate
  • Place of employment
  • Employee identification number
  • Mother’s maiden name
  • Demand deposit account number
  • Savings account number
Penalties for Identity Fraud in Ohio

A conviction for identify fraud in Ohio can result in a variety of different penalties depending upon the amount of money the victim lost due to the fraud. The penalties are as follows:

  • Less than $1000 – 5th degree felony (up to 12 months in prison and $2500 fine)
  • $1000 – $7499 – 4th degree felony (up to 18 months in prison and $5000 fine)
  • $7500 – $149,999 – 3rd degree felony (up to 3 years in prison and $10,000 fine)
  • $150,000 or more – 2nd degree felony (up to 8 years in prison and $15,000 fine)

However, these sanctions do not include the secondary consequences of an identity fraud conviction. These include post-release control from prison, community control, difficulty obtaining employment, housing or government assistance, and the loss of certain rights, such as the right to vote and own a firearm.

In addition to identify fraud, the prosecution may seek to indict the person for a number of accompanying offenses associated with identity fraud. This could include offenses such as theft and receiving stolen property.

If you are under investigation for identity fraud, working with an experienced criminal defense attorney early in the process will make the situation proceed much easier. An experienced criminal defense attorney will identify the crucial aspects of the case in order to craft an effective defense. Moreover, your criminal defense attorney can be in contact with the investigator and prosecutor in an effort to keep you from being charged with identity fraud or mitigate the consequences.

Columbus and Delaware, Ohio Identity Fraud Attorney

The consequences for committing identity fraud in Ohio can be quite severe and involve thousands of dollars in fines and prison. If you have been charged with identity fraud in Columbus or Delaware, Ohio, contact Johnson Legal, LLC and speak with an experienced Columbus and Delaware, Ohio criminal defense attorney. Attorney David Johnson of Johnson Legal, LLC will discuss your case and assist you in fighting the charges. Call (614) 987-0192 or send an email to schedule a consultation regarding your identity fraud case. For further information, consult Johnson Legal, LLC’s Theft Offenses Blog.

Johnson Legal, LLC represents individuals in the following cities in the central Ohio area for theft and theft-related offenses:

Westerville, Worthington, Columbus, Polaris, Reynoldsburg, Grandview Heights, Shawnee Hills, Bexley, Pickerington, Gahanna, Sunbury, Powell, Upper Arlington, New Albany, Dublin, Hilliard, Lewis Center, Galena, Clintonville, Huber Ridge, Blacklick, Grove City, Delaware, Marysville, Groveport, Newark, Canal Winchester, Obetz, Marion, Pataskala, Franklin County, Morrow County, Licking County, Union County and Delaware County